JUNE 8, 2007 - Over the course of the past months and weeks, you have witnessed and been part of the increasing calls - and MALDEF's efforts - for comprehensive immigration reform. Last night, by a vote of 45 - 50, the U.S. Senate failed to end debate on the immigration bill. The Senate missed an important opportunity to improve the nation's security and economy and the lives of millions of immigrants and the Americans who often rely upon them. Among other things, the Senate bill would have meant a new day of legal status for students and farmworkers and a path to legal status for many others.

We will not be deterred. Prevailing in these times means that we must demonstrate the same courage, stamina and determination that immigrants display every day in overcoming obstacles to come to the United States, by working in some of the most dangerous and difficult jobs in our society, by supporting themselves here and their families at home, and by contributing to the nation.

MALDEF and our allies remain at the forefront of the legislative fight in Washington, D.C. Around the nation, MALDEF attorneys are litigating in state and federal courts against anti-immigrant ordinances, restrictions on the First Amendment rights of day laborers, attacks on members of our community, and limitations on the basic rights of Latinos, citizens and non-citizens alike.

Enacting comprehensive immigration remains a national imperative and we are urging the Bush Administration and members of both the House and the Senate to find new ways to address the nation's need. In the coming weeks, we will redouble our efforts and more greatly engage you and people of good will across various communities.