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Editorials in Spanish Language Media Opine On Obama’s Immigration Push

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Protesters in El Paso during Obama immigration speechNews of President Obama’s recent push for immigration reform has dominated the news this week, and media personalities have been vocal about what they think are Obama’s real intentions for immigration reform.  Some have called his efforts “insincere” while others have praised him for finally playing to his base; this is entirely politics, some argue, while others say that yes, it might be, but it’s also good policy.

We wrote a round-up yesterday of what folks in the English language press have been saying about Obama’s renewed push for immigration reform. Here are a few of the opinions from the editorial pages of Spanish language media — and you’ll see that there’s a consensus that actions are needed from the President.

From El Diario-La Prensa NY, in “Nice Speech, Now Show Real Commitment:”

For Obama, who is running for re-election, votes hang in the balance. Latinos —who overwhelmingly supported him in 2008 – have grown increasingly disappointed by his failure to deliver on his promise of immigration reform. And instead of progress, Latinos have seen themselves assailed by flawed and harsh deportation policies that separate families.

The President yesterday praised his deportation policy by saying that he had “increased the removal of criminals by 70%.” Yet, frequently, those supposed “criminals” include too many fathers and mothers caught up in broad sweeps—immigrants who pose no threat to public safety.

With the House in the hands of right-wing Republicans and the presidential race around the corner, there is little chance that Obama will be able to rally the GOP’s support around this issue. By no means should he fold.

The President must not only continue to push for legislative action but also scale back immigration enforcement programs—such as 287g and Secure Communities— that unnecessarily break apart families. And he can answer the call of thousands of young people by implementing the DREAM Act. This would provide high school graduates with a legal status if they meet strict criteria.

There are specific ways to help Latinos and immigrant communities now.