Follow Advice of Senator Udall and Take Action Now Where House Republicans Have Failed
In June, President Obama took to the White House rose garden to express his frustration with House Republicans and their obstruction on immigration reform. He spoke boldly, saying, “Today, I’m beginning a new effort to fix as much of our immigration system as I can on my own, without Congress…If Congress will not do their job, at least we can do ours. I expect their recommendations before the end of summer and I intend to adopt those recommendations without further delay.”
Now there are reports that the White House is considering delaying action until after the November election. We’re here to say: President Obama, act now.
Every day that goes by without action from President Obama, more than 1,000 people are deported, leaving thousands of families split up and kids growing up without a parent. Senator Mark Udall recognized the urgency of this crisis in June as well, telling KBNO radio:
Each day that House Republicans refuse to act on immigration reform is another day Colorado families continue to be torn apart, another day our economy suffers and another day entire communities must live in fear.
If Republicans in Congress won’t act on behalf of Colorado families and businesses or the millions of immigrants living in the shadows, then the president should take action to stop tearing apart families whose only crime is seeking a better life for themselves.
We agree with Senator Udall. Republican delay has caused this crisis, but delay from President Obama will only make it worse.
“We need leadership at this moment,” said Miguel Oaxaca, leader with Together Colorado Action. Republicans have shown themselves incapable of acting on behalf of Colorado’s families and economy. The President knows how deeply the deportations have impacted our families and communities and he must not delay any longer. It’s time to put people over politics.”
“There is so much anticipation in the immigrant community about Obama’s announcement to protect families from deportation. This is personal for us and we’ve already been waiting far too long. It’s about our families, our jobs and finally living without fear, said Pedro Martinez, elected member of SEIU Local 105 Executive Board. “I want to tell President Obama, don’t delay. We need you to act now.”
“What immigrant and Latino voters know is that nothing has happened on immigration reform. While it’s clear that Republicans are responsible for blocking it, now is Obama’s chance to actually change people’s lives for the better and forever distinguish the immigration stance of his party,” said Patty Kupfer, Denver-based Managing Director of America’s Voice.
