Immigration Reform Caucus

About the IRC

The Immigration Reform Caucus (IRC) was established in May 1999 to review current immigration policy, to initiate new immigration policy and to create a much-needed forum in Congress to address both the positive and negative consequences of immigration. Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) was the first Chairman of the caucus and served until February of 2007 when Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) became the new Chairman of the IRC.

The focus of the IRC has changed over the years as the immigration issue itself has evolved. In the 106th Congress, the caucus focused primarily on H1-B visa legislation and potential amnesty provisions.

During the first session of the 107th Congress, the caucus focused on three primary issues: addressing the explosive growth in illegal immigration, reversing the growth in legal immigration and stopping a further extension of Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act – a "mini-amnesty." With the events of September 11th, in the second session of the 107th Congress, the caucus continued to establish and emphasize the link between open borders, unregulated immigration and the potential for terrorism. In addition, the caucus has pushed legislative proposals which would help secure America’s borders and reform the outdated U.S. immigration system.

During a time when a forum to actively discuss the immigration issue, the IRC provided members with an opportunity to address the strong concerns about immigration that constituents have relayed to them. It also became an essential outlet for members and staff to discuss how current laws and regulation pose a threat to the security of America.

Under the leadership of Congressman Bilbray, the caucus will continue to be active in shaping immigration policy and keeping the issue at the forefront of public policy discussions in Washington and throughout the country.