The struggle continues
The time is now to demand that Congress support immigration reform
May 1st, International Labor Day, has unofficially turned into the “Day of the Immigrant” in the United States. This is because immigrants contribute through their efforts and responsibilities to the honestand hard work done in this country.
The immigrants’ ethos has clearly had an impact on public opinion. Today, a majority favor legalization for millions of undocumented individuals as part of comprehensive immigration reform.
Undoubtedly, many of these citizens have had a personal experience with an undocumented immigrant. The recent census showed that immigrants are hard at work in every state in this country. Surely, some of these supporters are employers needing to fill a labor force and finding immigrants willing to work tough jobs where sweat counts more important than documents.
In poll after poll, the majority recognize the diverse ways in which immigrants contribute to the economy and are prepared to welcome them as official members of our country.
Coupled with the need to court the Latino vote, this reality has created a tremendous opportunity now for reform that has been out of reach for decades.
However, there are obstacles along the way. This Congress, especially the House of Representatives, has repeatedly shown itself to be disconnected from the public. We cannot let immigration reform go the way of other political failures like what occurred with the very moderate bill on gun control.
To be sure that doesn’t happen, the Latino community must make its voice. These voices must fill the e-mails and telephones of Senators and Representatives so they understand that this is the moment for immigration reform. Politicians must be told that for once they need to think of the whole ofthe United States more than their individual district and that the majority of citizens want to officially integrate the undocumented into the economy in order to support its growth!
Pro-immigrant demonstrations have become part of May 1. Yesterday was not just another day as in past years. The struggle doesn’t end, it continues on. It takes the form of the public lobbying by writing and calling Congress to make clear that this is the year for reform. It is imperative to take these steps in order to win this struggle this time.
