This CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT is graciously being circulated by the Flake & Gutierrez offices to all 433 Congressmen and women for the express purpose of influencing them into supporting the HR 1645- LARAZA~RACE North American Union Legislation.

Let's play a game!
Who can find the MISSING INFORMATION?



The STRIVE Act of 2007
Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007
At-A-Glance

Securing our borders
The STRIVE Act increases enforcement personnel on the border. It also requires a thorough evaluation of information-sharing, international and federal-state-local coordination, technology, anti-smuggling, and other border security initiatives to ensure that we are doing everything possible to bolster border security. The Gutierrez-Flake bill also calls for the development of multilateral partnerships to establish a North American security perimeter and improve border security on the Mexican southern border.

Strengthening interior enforcement
The Gutierrez-Flake bill increases penalties for crimes committed by immigrants, including those related to smuggling and gang activities. The legislation includes provisions to combat passport and visa fraud, and it increases penalties for trafficking in fake documents. The bill also stiffens penalties related to illegal immigration.

Bolstering employment verification
The STRIVE Act sets up an employment verification system whereby employers would be required to confirm each potential employee's eligibility to work. The new system would eventually apply to all workers and all new hires, and would be rolled out in phases, beginning with critical infrastructure employers and large employers. The legislation increases penalties against employers who do not comply with the new system.

New worker program that reflects realities of our workforce
The Gutierrez-Flake bill sets up a new worker program for low-skilled workers, when a U.S. worker cannot be found to fill a needed job. It addresses the failures and problems with past worker programs and charts a new course that better protects workers, while more effectively and efficiently meeting the needs of employers. The program mandates strong workplace protections. In addition, employers would be required to provide foreign workers with the same wages and working conditions enjoyed by U.S. workers. Workers also would have the ability to change jobs and eventually get on a path to citizenship, if they choose. The worker visa would be valid for 3 years and renewable once.

Reforming a broken visa system in a way that protects families
The STRIVE Act overhauls the family-based and employment-based immigration system to reduce backlogs and inefficiencies. The legislation provides opportunities for high skilled workers to come to, and remain in, the U.S. It also addresses employment needs in shortage occupations, such as nursing.

Earned legalization for hardworking, deserving individuals
Under the legislation, undocumented workers, who pay a fine and pass extensive and thorough background examinations, would be eligible for conditional status with work and travel authorization for 6 years. If, during those six years, the worker remains employed, continues to be an upstanding member of the community, learns English and civics, and pays any owed taxes, they could be eligible to adjust their status if they leave the country and re-enter legally.

The Gutierrez-Flake bill also includes the DREAM Act and AgJobs, as introduced in the 110th Congress.

Miscellaneous
The bill also would increase resources for the immigration court system, provides relief for immigrant victims of the 9-11 attacks and their families, and it facilitates naturalization for members of the armed forces.