Representatives Jim Kolbe (R-AZ), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) introduced H.R. 2330 on May 12.

The only way to address our community immigration problems is through comprehensive bi-partisan immigration reform. Democrats and Republicans, business interests, labor advocates, and immigrant right advocates must all work together if we are to truly craft a solution,?CAPAC Chair Honda said: I.R. 2330 offers us the best opportunity for real immigration reform.

Immigrants make America stronger, and it is very much in our national interest to make our immigration laws more rational, consistent, and humane, CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) said. This legislation is a momentous step toward these goals.

I am heartened by the introduction of this comprehensive, bi-partisan, immigration reform,?CAPAC member Doris Matsui (D-CA) said. “We have needed to begin a discussion of how to improve and reform this system, and the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act will go a long way towards making the much-needed changes.

Under the current immigration system, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community both citizens and lawful permanent residents faces many unnecessary obstacles. AAPIs must wait years, sometimes decades, to reunite with their family members who are eligible to legally immigrate to the United States.

There are also approximately one million undocumented Asian immigrants in this country who live in constant fear of deportation, even though the vast majority of these individuals are hard-working taxpayers who contribute greatly to our economy. Furthermore, harmful anti-immigrant measures such as the REAL ID Act hurt all segments of the AAPI community, from U.S. citizens to undocumented immigrants.

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act helps the AAPI community with provisions that:

Reduce the tremendous backlogs in the family immigration system and facilitate timely reunification of families;

Provide a path to legal status and eventual permanent residence for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. who are willing to work hard, pay taxes, undergo criminal and national security checks, and learn English and Civics;

Create a new work visa program with innovative protections for U.S. and immigrant workers; and

Assist more immigrants in learning English and preparing for citizenship.

CAPAC will work closely with all Members of Congress to see that this important immigration reform measure is passed.