Thread: Rep. Chris Smith a leader on immigration

Experts: Rep. Chris Smith a leader on immigration

Jan 30, 2013 |


Immigration Reform Supporters Hopeful for US Actio...: Union members and immigration reform supporters watching President Barack Obama's televised speech are hopeful for progress on immigration reform, but know it's a long way before legislation is put in place.



Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. / Gannett News Service file photo
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With immigration reform seemingly at hand, two experts on the issue believe Rep. Chris Smith’s ultimate stance could serve as a bellwether for the legislation’s chances in Washington.

Generally recognized as a conservative on many causes, Smith, R-N.J., has also supported legislation protecting the rights of illegal immigrants to seek counsel with attorneys, said Ryan Lilienthal, chair of the Task Force on Immigration for Einstein’s Alley, a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development initiatives in central New Jersey.

“He’s been a leader on human rights and humanitarian issues,” said Lilienthal of Smith.

“He could play a pivotal role within the New Jersey delegation.”

Aides to Smith could not be reached for comment.

Smith is considered one of several swing Republicans whose views could go a long way towards determining if or how the nation’s immigration laws are changed, said Janice Fine, an associate professor at Rutgers University who serves as faculty coordinator of the Program on Immigration and Democracy at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

The potential changes would impact tens of thousands of immigrants in New Jersey, from blue collar earners who work in service, agricultural or construction fields to white collar employees of pharmaceutical, business or technology firms, Fine said.

“It seems very likely that something’s going to happen this time,” said Fine, referring to several previous failed attempts to reform the nation’s immigration laws.

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama appealed for a series of reforms that would dramatically change the lives of millions who currently live in the United States illegally.

Like a bipartisan reform proposal outlined Monday by eight U.S. senators, Obama’s plan would create a pathway to citizenship for the approximately 11 million people who may have crossed the border illegally or remained in the country after their travel or work visas expired.

“Yes, they broke the rules,” Obama said.

“But these 11 million men and women are now here. … An overwhelming number of these individuals are not looking for any trouble

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New Jersey Citizens for Immigration Control
January 31, 2013

Dear Immigration Reform Supporter,

According to this Asbury Park Post article, NJ Congressman Chris Smith is "considered one of several swing Republicans whose views could go a long way toward determining if or how the nation's immigration laws are changed."

Here's your chance to make your voice heard, especially if Chris Smith is your elected representative in Congress. You can contact his DC office at 202-225-3765 and let him know how you feel about illegal immigration and amnesty.

Gayle Kesselman
Co-Chair, New Jersey Citizens for Immigration Control, Inc.
NEW JERSEY CITIZENS FOR IMMIGRATION CONTROL

Check out NJCIC on the internet at Stop the Invasion | New Jersey Citizens For Immigration Control