New York, NY, May 26, 2006 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed Senate passage of a comprehensive immigration reform bill which incorporates several ADL policy principles adopted by the League's National Executive Committee earlier this year.

The Senate bill (S.2611), passed by a vote of 62-36, combines increased border security with measures such as a path to citizenship for many undocumented immigrants and a guest worker program.  The bill would also provide undocumented students access to post-secondary education assistance. 

While some provisions of the bill still raise concern, ADL will urge House and Senate conferees to maintain the important gains passed by the Senate and improve the bill further. 

ADL is gratified that a bipartisan majority of Senators united behind a framework for reforming our immigration system in a comprehensive manner which serves America’s security, humanitarian, and economic interests and promotes family reunification. 

We will seek further improvements in the bill as the process moves forward and we hope Congress will adopt a final bill that will enhance our security without criminalizing the undocumented population and ensure that America remains true to its history as a nation of immigrants.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.