New Tactic Floated on Immigration

CQ reported that: Hispanic groups, in a last-ditch bid to move immigration legislation before the session ends, are lobbying for a scaled-back approach they describe as “a down payment” on a comprehensive bill — a change of strategy that has some high-level support on Capitol Hill, but also poses political risks The effort reflects anger from grass-roots groups over Congress’ failure to move any immigration bills this session, as well as frustration over the approach of lawmakers and Washington lobbying groups that have pushed hard for, but failed to deliver, a broad measure for five years running. Their lobbying comes amid a national clamor over an Arizona immigration law, parts of which a federal judge stayed on Wednesday, concluding that the law’s provisions intrude on federal responsibilities Led by the National Latino Congreso, an organization of dozens of groups such as the League of United Latin American Citizens, the latest strategy seeks passage this year of two bills: the DREAM Act (HR 1751,S 729) and AgJOBS (HR 2414, S 1038), both of which have been repeatedly introduced. The DREAM Act, which is popular among college activists, is aimed at young people whose parents brought them to the United States illegally. It would give them conditional legal status if they went to college or joined the military and met certain criteria, such as having come to this country before the age of 16, having lived here at least five years and being of “good moral character.”