House Education & the Workforce Committee Chair Announces Series of Hearings on Key

Immigration Issues Impacting Students, Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Education & the Workforce Committee Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) today announced plans to examine key aspects of and proposed changes to U.S. immigration law.  McKeon’s panel has jurisdiction over many immigration-related issues, from employer and worker concerns to higher education and English language education.  The series of hearings will take place during July and August, both on Capitol Hill and at locations outside the nation’s capital.

“There are some troubling provisions in the Senate Democrat immigration bill, and as a Member from a state in which illegal immigration is a vital concern, I believe it’s imperative that we don’t restrict our discussions within the walls of the Capitol,” said McKeon.  “We need to travel the nation and hear firsthand from employers, workers, students, policymakers, and concerned citizens about what steps are necessary – and aren’t necessary – to craft strong immigration laws that reflect the new realities of a 21st Century economy.”

McKeon noted the panel will begin hearings in mid-July on Capitol Hill.  Hearings will be held at both the full committee and subcommittee level, examining both the education and workforce areas of the panel’s jurisdiction.  Additional hearings will continue in the month of August, during the congressional district work period. 

McKeon listed several topics the Education & the Workforce Committee may address in the comprehensive series of hearings, including:

• An examination of views on English as the official language;

• A provision in the Senate Democrat immigration bill to allow states to give in-state tuition to illegal immigrants without providing the same benefit for all U.S. citizens;

• The impact of current and potential changes to immigration laws on employers; and

• An overview of the enforcement of current immigration laws and their impact on the workforce.

“The Education & the Workforce Committee has a critical role to play in our efforts to send President Bush a strong immigration reform and border security bill, and we’ll fulfill our responsibility,” McKeon concluded.  “Our work inside and, more importantly, outside the Washington Beltway will give us a chance to listen to real Americans’ concerns and respond to them in a meaningful way.” 

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