Recently, California immigrants who were brought into the United States illegally by their parents were given a bit of hope from ‘The Dream Act.’ Many hope it will be the first step towards acquiring citizenship for many immigrants.
The president himself urged Latinos to help pressure politicians to overhaul the nation’s broken immigration laws.
The NCLR President lauded Obama for appointing the first Latina cabinet member (Labor Secretary Hilda Solis) and Associate Justice to the US Supreme Court (Honorable Sonia Sotomayor). However, she also cautioned there is unfinished business in our country. She emphasized that there continues to be a record number of deportations carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
The president reiterated it was important to keep pressure on the politicians to fight for immigration reform. He also reminded the convention that he was sworn to uphold the laws, but at the same time can’t ignore the pain and heartbreak deportations cause.
The nonpartisan National Association of Appointed and Elected Latino officials called for the administration to seek immigration reform in increments, starting with the Dream Act.
Citizenship and naturalization issues can be complicated, with different enforcement attitudes depending on location. Groups such as NCLR continue to push to stop the deportation of non-criminal Latinos. They also urge the passage of laws that will permit children of immigrants to earn a green card. The law is in a state of flux with what many believe to be outdated and archaic laws and regulations still on the books. A California attorney experienced in immigration and citizenship issues may offer some support and understanding to those seeking permanent residency.
Source: SF Gate, “Obama courts Latino support on immigration reform,” Gary R. Martin, July 26, 2011