The Hill News

Two of New York's most famous legislators, Sen. Charles Schumer (D) and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent, were among the list of the Immigrants' List Top 10 "Heroes" of 2012 list.

In all, seven lawmakers made the list.

The list, released on Thursday, included Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Rashida Tlaib, Randy Parraz and Nan Orrock, three "local" heroes.

Immigrants' List also listed ten lawmakers for its biannual "Hall of Shame" list released in April 2011.

In its heroes list, Immigrants' List said everyone selected "have emb! raced solutions instead of obstructionism, compassion instead of hatred and facts instead of misinformation."

"The issue of immigration reform has not left the national conversation. In fact, it has become a crucial part of this campaign season,” said Immigrants' List Board Member Ted Ruthizer said in a statement.

Ruthizer said that everyone who made the "Heroes" list were strongly convicted to immigration reform. The PAC's focus is on removing anyone found to be living in the U.S. illegally from coming back legally for long stretches of time â€"from three to 10 years. The PAC also aims for the government to give the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security the ability to decide when to imprison and release "permanent residents who have committed a criminal offense", according to its website.

"What makes these honorees stand out is their conviction â€" the fact that they strive to do what is right, no matter the politica! l consequences," said Ruthizer.

Ruthizer also prai! sed Murk owski for supporting the DREAM Act, which allows undocumented immigrants permanent U.S. residency based on a number of conditions.

"Look at a leader like Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who held her ground by supporting the DREAM Act even after other Republicans flip-flopped to oppose it," Ruthizer continued. "These are leaders worth recognizing. We are grateful for their work, and excited to honor their achievements."

The group praised both Schumer and Bloomberg for their efforts to make it easier for immigrants to stay in the U.S. It said Bloomberg has been "America's single most prominent advocate for immigration" and Schumer "a leader for immigration reform" convincing a number of his Republican colleagues to back reform.