Why Obama takes immigration pitch to Nashville

Nashville is home to one of the country’s fastest growing immigrant populations. It is also the latest stop in President Barack Obama’s national tour as he continues to make the case for his executive actions on immigration.

The city, known as the home of country music, has seen the number of foreign-born residents more than double over the past decade. In response to this growth, city leaders have worked to welcome new immigrants through community-based programs and government initiatives.

“Nashville has experienced substantial growth in recent years, including one of the highest job growth rates in the country,” a White House official said. “Local leaders recognize that such growth is due in part to Nashville’s efforts to actively work to create a welcoming environment for new Americans.”

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Obama will deliver remarks and take questions on Tuesday about his executive actions at Casa Azafrán, a community center and home to a number of immigrant-related nonprofits. The center is located in Nashville’s most international and socially diverse district.

The president’s trip to Nashville will be his third trip outside of Washington, D.C., in his efforts to rally support for his executive actions that include offering deportation reprieve and work permits to millions of undocumented immigrants.

In Nashville, Obama is expected to speak about his executive action that establishes a White House task force to develop and coordinate a federal and local strategy to better integrate new Americans into communities. He is also expected to urge Congresses to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Several immigrants who stand to benefit from the president’s executive actions are among those who will attend the meeting with the president. Included in that group will be Martha Lugo, who has been living in the United States for 25 years. She is an undocumented mother of two U.S. citizen children.

Juana Villegas, who was shackled to a hospital bed while giving birth in 2008 after being arrested during a traffic stop, will also get to hear the president speak. Villegas has led local policy efforts to make Nashville a more welcoming place for undocumented immigrants.

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Stephanie Teatro, co-executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, called Obama’s visit to Nashville “a testament to the vision, strength, and persistence of our many members across the state.” She and members of her group will also attend the meeting with Obama.

“President Obama’s presence in Nashville today clearly demonstrates that when immigrant families organize and participate in the civic process, we can win major policy victories that transform lives and communities,” Teatro said.

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