The US Commission on Immigration Reform (CIR), also named the "Jordan Commission" after its chairwoman Barbara Jordan, was created by the Immigration Reform Act of 1990. Its principle task was to assess the current state of immigration to the United States and recommend changes to Congress. This bipartisan group analyzed all aspects of the immigration issue, including the impact of immigration on families, the economy, and the integrity of US borders. Its work lasted from 1990 to 1997, when it presented the last of its four reports. Morrison was particularly well-suited for his appointment to this committee because of his career as an immigration lawyer, his legislative work on the US Immigration Reform Act of 1990, and his interest in Irish-American immigration. Under "General Information", researchers will find lists of Commission members, work plans and lists of work groups, and minutes from the Commission's first meeting. "Communication", which comprises the bulk of the series, contains the day-to-day facsimiles, letters, emails, and memos which passed between Morrison, members of the Commission, and outside parties. There are also several briefing books from site visits which Morrison participated in, and a large quantity of newspaper clippings that comment on Commission activities, legislation, or immigration in general. "Issued Materials" includes copies of the 1994, 1995, and 1997 Executive Summaries issued by the Commission as well as reports, recommendations, and statements prepared for release to Congress or the public. Researchers seeking information about when and where the Commission met and what issues were covered in certain meetings should refer to "Schedules and Agendas," where such documentation can be found. In "Utilized Reference Material" researchers will find reports, handbooks, and other assorted materials not created by the Commission, but used for reference and information. These materials were either issued to all members or specifically requested by Morrison for his own use, and many have been marked up with his own notes. Finally, "Financial Records" contains budget requests for each year of the Commission's existence, as well as justifications and breakdowns of how Commission money was to be spent each year.
