New York, NY—At a town hall meeting and rally at 32BJ attended by hundreds of immigrants and their families, labor unions and immigrant advocacy organizations, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) called for an overhaul of the nation’s immigration system and support for the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005 (S. 1033/H.R. 4330), legislation co-sponsored with Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA). The town hall featured the personal stories of four immigrants who reside in New York City, as well as remarks by Reps. Charles Rangel (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Anthony Weiner (D-NY).

"The comprehensive immigration reform legislation we have introduced will provide workers coming into the U.S. a safe, orderly and legal way to enter the country, while also aiding American businesses which depend on foreign laborers to keep the economy growing. At the same time, the legislation is designed to increase national security by allowing border agents to focus on protecting Americans against terrorists and criminals," said Sen. McCain.

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act is a bipartisan bill supported by 32BJ that brings the 11 million undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and sets them on a path to citizenship; sets up legal channels and realistic caps for workers and family members to enter in the future; provides for tough enforcement; and encourages immigrants to participate in the civic life of the U.S.