NCLR APPLAUDS WHITE HOUSE MOVEMENT ON IMMIGRATION REFORM

Washington, DC—The National Council of La Raza (NCLR)—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—welcomed today’s report in the New York Times that President Barack Obama has made immigration reform one of his top priorities for this year.

“The message from the 2008 election is that this nation wants leaders who will solve tough problems. President Obama pledged that he would address the issue of immigration during his first year of office, and we are pleased by this signal that he intends to make good on his promise,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. “It is clear that the path to a strong economic recovery includes strategies that lift wages, increase revenue, and create a level playing field—and immigration reform is a crucial element of that equation.”

“The can’t-do crowd will raise its voice again, but poll after poll have shown that the vast majority of Americans are looking for a fair and effective way to fix the immigration system. The Latino community is ready to work with the White House and Congress to arrive at solutions that protect families and workers, and uphold both the American value of shared prosperity and our nation’s can-do attitude. We intend to work with the President and Congress to make this a reality,” concluded Murguía.