NORTH COUNTY - U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray has been named chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus, a group that is dominated by Republican members of Congress.

The 91-member organization lobbies Congress for changes to the nation's immigration policies and was formed in 1999 by a conservative congressman and illegal immigration opponent, Tom Tancredo, R-Colo.

Congressional caucuses are made up of members of Congress who share common legislative objectives. The rules of the U.S. House of Representatives govern their actions.

Bilbray, R-Solana Beach, who is succeeding Tancredo as chairman, said in a Tuesday news release: "I hope to expand the Immigration Reform Caucus to include lawmakers from both parties who share our commitment to address illegal immigration in America," Bilbray stated.