Document Actions
Community Organizers Back Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ Call for Immigration Reform
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement by the Center for Community Change
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009Washington – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus met with President Obama and urged him to fight for comprehensive immigration reform this year. The Center for Community Change, a national nonprofit dedicated to building the field of community organizing with hundreds of grassroots groups nationwide, joins the CHC in demanding comprehensive immigration reform.
“Our country has been weighed down by a broken immigration system for too long,” said Deepak Bhargava, executive director of the Center for Community Change. “It’s a national disgrace that continues to burden our economy. We cannot get this nation back on track until we pass immigration reform that brings undocumented workers out of the shadows and gets everyone on a level playing field.
“Today, we welcome President Obama’s pledge during the CHC meeting to start a national conversation on just and humane immigration reform. The Center looks forward to bringing the voices of those most affected to the conversation.
“Our country, now more than ever, needs comprehensive immigration reform that gives the hard working men and women already here an earned path to citizenship, keeps families together and provides legal avenues for future workers to seek out opportunities here and join the struggle to strengthen our economy. Legalization would also give these hardworking immigrants even more opportunities to contribute to our economic recovery.
“Especially at this very trying time, we must not forget that America was founded on the values of inclusiveness, shared responsibility and shared sacrifice. Passing comprehensive immigration reform should be part of any plan to restore America and the American Dream.”
###
Founded in 1968 to honor the life and values of Robert F. Kennedy, the Center for Community Change is a national nonprofit dedicated to building the field of community organizing with hundreds of organizations nationwide. One of the longest standing champions for low-income people and communities of color, the Center has strengthened the leadership, voice and power of these communities to confront the vital issues of today and build the social movements of tomorrow.
Files available for download:
