New America’s Voice Blog Posts Recap Highlight Moments and Best Pictures from 2013
Washington, DC – 2013 was a big year for immigration reform.
Over the last year, a deep and diverse coalition has come together to fight for immigration legislation that would create a new roadmap to citizenship for 11 million undocumented Americans. Our movement has held rallies and fasts, marched on Capitol Hill, conducted acts of civil disobedience, met with, called, faxed, tweeted at, sent letters to, and signed petitions for our Members of Congress. As a result, the Senate passed a good if imperfect bipartisan bill, and a majority emerged in the House in support of something similar. But until the House takes action on a package of bills that includes a path to citizenship for the 11 million, we are faced with the reality that each day 1,100 immigrants gets ripped away from their jobs and families and deported from the country they now call home.
What’s the key to victory? Building a movement strong enough to break through on policy. On that score, are we making progress? Yes, with more to make. Our movement has shown this past year that we are relentless and will not take no for an answer.
To recap all the developments both in DC and across the country, a new blog post by Van Le of America’s Voice captures the passion and commitment of the immigration reform movement in “The 60 Best Immigration Reform Pictures of the Year.” Also, see Le’s 2013 month by month recap.
According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice, “2013 was a big year for the immigration reform movement. We built strength, breadth and depth. We drew support from leaders on the left, right and center. We passed a comprehensive bill in the Senate on bipartisan 68-32 vote. And we pushed 29 House Republicans to come out for reform with a path citizenship.
“As we head into 2014, House Republican leadership and vulnerable members will experience our growing power – unless and until they take the plunge and move forward on a path to citizenship. Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and the rest of House leadership would be wise to schedule a vote and fast.”
· America’s Voice’s “2013: Year in Review” Recap
· BuzzFeed post on “The 60 Best Immigration Reform Pictures Of The Year”
· For recordings and resources from all our Office Hours calls of 2013, click here.
