Weekly Vocabulary March 29

1. Word / Phrase: CIR

Meaning: Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Context: An approach to immigration reform which attempts to address at least two of the following immigration issues: undocumented immigrants, visa reform, family visa backlog, border security, future flows/guest workers. Generally our characters call a bill CIR if it deals with all of those issues.

2. Word / Phrase: Advos

Meaning: Advocacy groups working in favor of immigrant friendly CIR.

Context: These are some of the groups working in favor of the CIR:
- NIF, The National Immigration Forum.
- NCLR, National Council of La Raza.
- AILA, American Immigration Lawyers Association.
- EWIC, Essential Workers Immigration Coalition.
- USCCB, US Conference of Catholic Bishops.


3. Word / Phrase: Restrictionists

Meaning: Anti-immigrant groups or people.

Context: These are some of the Anti-Immigrant groups:
- FAIR, Federation for American Immigration Reform.
- NUMBERS USA
- PROJECT USA
- CIS, Center for Immigration Studies.

4. Word / Phrase: Cloture

Meaning: A motion to limit time/scope of debate.

Context: Senators have the right to unlimited debate and to speak about anything they wish on the Floor. For that reason, most bills aren't brought up for debate without a time agreement or a successful cloture motion. Cloture requires 60 votes to pass.

5. Word / Phrase: UC

Meaning: Unanimous Consent.

Context: Most business in the Senate in done by UC. For instance, they need UC to start proceedings in the morning or end them at night. Senate rules mandate that a bill is read aloud by the clerk three times before voting, but many bills are hundred of pages long. If UC to waive that rule isn't granted, chances of that bill ever seeing a vote are slim. Any Senator, as long as he is in the floor, can block UC. It must be truly unanimous.