Presidential Visit: Immigration Reform Activists Speak Out
“La victoria, reforma migratoria…”
On Aug. 31, 2010, protesters lined Airway Boulevard, holding signs and chanting for immigration reform, hoping their message would be heard.
Meanwhile, President Barack Obama was at Fort Bliss speaking with soldiers about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“From that point until now, nothing substantial has happened in regards to immigration,” said Fernando Garcia.
Garcia is the Executive Director of the Border Network for Human Rights, the organization that set up the demonstration during President Obama’s last visit in August.
Garcia said comprehensive reforms on immigration and border security policies are long overdue. His group advocates a path to citizenship and an improved visa program for immigrant workers with clean criminal records, among other initiatives.
However, activists on the other side of the immigration debate argue border security must be tighter and policies should be more rigid toward undocumented residents.
Garcia worries the political climate has changed too much to pass comprehensive reforms compared to when President Obama first took office.
“Back then he had a huge opportunity because he had the majority in both the Senate and the House, and it’s very unfortunate that (the Obama administration) didn’t use that opportunity (to change immigration policy) because that was the moment and it didn’t happen,” said Garcia.
Now some are questioning the president’s timing in addressing the situation, knowing Obama’s re-election campaign is underway.
“Immigration reform should not only be a topic for election time. It’s something that should be sincerely resolved,” said Garcia. “If he wants the votes of Hispanics, those votes are not (to be taken) for granted– not anymore. People are very frustrated.”
Related Links:Link:Obama Administration’s View On ImmigrationLink:Congressional Research Service: Overview of Immigration Issues in the 112th CongressLink:Obama ’08 Campaign Speech: Immigration Reform Needed That Will Secure Borders, Punish Employers Who Exploit Immigrant Labor Link:Special Report: How To Become A U.S. CitizenLink:History And Significance Of The Chamizal
