[NAM] Time for Immigration Reform Is Now

I WAS ON a White House debriefing conference call on Friday (on immigration reform) and actually did much tweeting on it. (Talk about sentences you never thought you’d write….). I’ll post some of those as well as talk about my own thoughts, hopes, and fears on the matter tomorrow.

For now I’ll crosspost the New America Media (NAM) op ed I was sent by NAM and asked to publish. And I’ll also say that I’m definitely more in line with NAM’s op ed than I am with the strategerizing from some of these cats that were on the phone call or even with Chuck Schumer and his whole Sound Meaner When Talking About Immigrants line. (Not that he doesn’t deserve support for what he’s doing to advance this issue in the first place (Yay Chuck!) but I’m really hoping he’s not doing it for strokery but because he knows he is representing the ideals of the US, the wishes of his constituents, and more importantly, doing what is  humane and right among humans.)

As a final note, I’ll add that the White House, the advocacy orgs, Chuck Schumer, and reportedly, President Obama personally are all quite confident they will act upon legislation late this year or next year. (That phrase about “late this year or next) is used a few times, so I tend to think the WH plans on actually moving the legislation next year, but still—). Also on board are the major union leaders like AFL-CIO. It’s a pretty rare atmosphere, it seems. So that is very exciting. Again, there’s more to say on all of this, but I don’t want to get out in front of this op ed too much more. It’s a good op ed and isn’t afraid or too shy to stand up for the whole moral enchilada. So that’s a refreshing and welcome change.

Time for Immigration Reform Is Now

The White House and members of Congress must move quickly on enacting a just and humane immigration reform package that will reunite families, reinvigorate the economy, and remove the term “illegal or undocumented immigrants” from the dialogue in this country. Ethnic media, which reaches over 60 million adults in the United States, calls on Congress to move decisively on immigration reform because there are few issues as important to the nation’s well-being as an overhaul of the inefficient, inhumane and economically debilitating immigration system. More importantly, we are also urging our readers and viewers to contact their Senators and Congressmen and let them know that immigration reform must be a national priority.

The immigration system is broken not just for 12 million undocumented immigrants, but also for specialized workers blocked from joining the American economy because of narrow quotas, and mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who must wait for years before being reunited with their families.

Our nation needs comprehensive immigration policies that will replace a broken system of raids and roundups with one that protects all workers from exploitation, improves America’s security and builds strong communities. It’s time to end the division between workers, which has allowed big business to exploit both sides. Clearly, working-class citizens and immigrant workers have much in common – dreams of better homes, education for their families and quality healthcare.  There is more that brings us together, than separates us.  United we can be a strong force for change, changes that that bring more workforce safety and humane conditions.

Immigration is often portrayed as an explosive, divisive issue. In reality it’s not. Since the repeal of the national origins quota system in 1965, which discriminated against certain immigrants, a consensus has been building towards an immigration system that respects the country’s core values. These include economic opportunity, equality under the law regardless of ethnic background, and an embrace of the world’s most innovative, energetic and ambitious workers. Now, with the country facing serious competition from workers abroad, it’s more important than ever to create a world-class immigration system. It’s for the good for families, good for communities and good for America.