Immigration reform introduced in Congress

Also on Capitol Hill today, Illinois representative Luis Gutierrez introduced a long-awaited immigration reform bill. Immigrant and workers rights groups are applauding what they call the "first step" in fixing the country's "broken" immigration system.

According to an analysis from the Immigration Policy Center, the bill would create a legalization program for qualified undocumented immigrants, their spouses and children. It would also put in place policies to help keep families together, including giving immigration judges greater discretion when reviewing deportation cases. The bill would also require humane treatment of detainees, including adequate medical treatment and increased protections from sexual abuse. Gutierrez's bill, which has 87 co-sponsors, also includes the DREAM Act, a provision that would create a path to citizenship for youth who were brought to the US at a young age.

Gutierrez says the bill is the product of months of collaboration with civil rights advocates, labor organizations, and members of Congress. Advocates hope the bill is considered during 2010, but it is a politically difficult issue for an election year.