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Voto Latino Launches "I'm Ready for Immigration Reform" Campaign

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A day before the planned release of the Senate Gang of 8’s immigration bill, Voto Latino launched the “I’m Ready for Immigration Reform” campaign with a coalition of other organizations, including including Rock the Vote,  the NAACP, the Human Rights Campaign, the March for Innovation, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA).

As Maria Teresa Kumar, the executive director of Voto Latino, said, “We’re in a place in Washington where we are working together as Americans across the aisle.”  Kumar emphasized that immigration reform must include a path to citizenship and focus on family reunification.

A number of Democratic Congressmembers were present at the event, including Reps. Loretta Sanchez (CA), Xavier Becerra (CA), and Joaquin Castro (TX); actors affiliated with Voto Latino, including America Ferrera, were present at well.  Rep. Sanchez spoke about her parents, who immigrated from Mexico: “my Mom and Dad are the only Mom and Dad to have two daughters in the U.S. Congress; think about that,” Sanchez said.

And Becerra gave an update on what the upcoming House immigration bill could look like, saying that there was not “much space” between the House and Senate versions.

The “I’m Ready for Immigration Reform” campaign is planning on airing public service announcements, gathering petitions, and lobbying members of Congress.