• Mission & Governance
• Services Overview
• How to Get Involved
• Standing Committees
• NCSL Foundation

• Issue Areas: A-Z
• State-Federal Relations
• NCSL Standing Committees
• News from D.C. and the States

• About State Legislatures
• Elections, Campaigns & Redistricting
• NCSL's StateConnect Directory
• Web Sites

• Online Guide to NCSL Services
• Staff Sections and Networks
• Meetings & Professional Development
• Staff Directories

• Meetings Calendar
• Online Registration
• Meetings Home Page
• Legislative Summit

• Bookstore
• State Legislatures Magazine
• NCSL's StateConnect Directory

National Conference of State Legislatures

Human Services Federal Issues Human Services and Welfare Committee   May 25, 2006 Re:  The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 (S. 2611) Dear Senator, The National Conference of State Legislatures urges your support of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 (S. 2611).  State lawmakers from across the country recognize the challenges facing our nation in matters related to immigration.  It is NCSL’s position that federal immigration policy must strike a balance among core principles of our democracy: preserving the safety and security of our nation, encouraging the economic strength of our states and communities, and recognizing our history as a nation of immigrants.  S. 2611 strikes this balance.  NCSL supports comprehensive immigration reform that enhances our border security and addresses the inequities in our current immigration system.  To be effective, balanced and fair, comprehensive reform should not contain unfunded mandates or preempt areas of existing state authority.  It should require true collaboration between state and federal government.  Finally, comprehensive immigration reform must address the impact of immigration on the states.  NCSL supports S. 2611 because it accomplishes these goals.    A key component of the legislation is the inclusion and funding of the State Impact Assistance Grant Program, proposed by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).  NCSL believes that inclusion of such a funding stream to state and local governments for addressing health and education costs of new immigrants and guestworkers is essential.     S. 2611 also retains the existing federal authority and responsibility for enforcement of immigration law and does not preempt state law.  The legislation strengthens the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process, which allows state involvement in enforcement of our nation’s immigration law by state option.  It also requires the Department of Homeland Security to reimburse states for training costs associated with establishing the MOU.  NCSL strongly urges your support of S. 2611.  We recognize that immigration is a difficult issue for our nation, and applaud the Senate’s diligent work on advancing legislation that addresses all components of this public policy challenge.  Thank you for considering our views.  Should you or your staff have additional questions regarding NCSL’s position, please contact Sheri Steisel (202-624-8693, sheri.steisel@ncsl.org) or Michael Bird (202-624-8686, michael.bird@ncsl.org) of the NCSL staff. Sincerely, Georgia Senator Don Balfour Chair, NCSL Standing Committees North Carolina Representative Joe Hackney Co-Chair, NCSL Executive Committee Task Force on Immigration and the States Delaware Representative Joe Miro Co-Chair, NCSL Executive Committee Task Force on Immigration and the States