National Republican Women's Group Urges Comprehensive Immigration Reform

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 15: Students and supporters march to call for amnesty for illegal immigrants on April 15, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. The 3,000 people who marched through downtown to City Hall particularly oppose House bill HR 4437 by Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wisconsin that would increase penalties for immigrant smuggling, beef up penalties for undocumented immigrants who re-enter the United States, and require employers to report Social Security numbers to the Department of Homeland Security. The march is dedicated to Ontario, California student Anthony Soltero, 14, who committed suicide on March 30 after a school administrator allegedly told him he would be fined and jailed for participating in a student walkout in support of undocumented immigrants rights on March 28. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (2006 Getty Images)

One of the largest women’s political organizations is urging political leaders to reform the U.S. immigration system in a way that will tighten border security but also offer a pathway to legalization to immigrants who meet strict criteria.

The group, The National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW), said the current system helps encourage illegal immigration.

In a resolution that its members passed unanimously, the group recommends that the United States put more resources into securing the border, give undocumented immigrants who are brought as minors a chance to legalize their status, and improve the guest worker program to include health, tax and English proficiency requirements that could lead to permanent residency.

“As a Hispanic woman, I am incredibly proud that TFRW and NFRW are leading our party in addressing this important issue,” said Lisa Roper, NFRW Region 7 Vice President. “Border security and enforcement will be crucial components of reform but we also recognize the need for reforms that will help our businesses grow and address the millions of children that grow up in our country as Americans but find the door closed to them when they become adults.”

The group is the latest in a long list of Republican political leaders and organizations that are expressing support both for stricter enforcement but also extending undocumented immigrants an opportunity to make their status legal if they fill certain requirements.