by Jacqueline Baylón
San Francisco childcare providers and housecleaners distribute flowers on March 30 in S.F. to raise consciousness about their working conditions.
The two dozen members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus engaged in an hour long discussion with President Barack Obama strictly about comprehensive immigration reform at the White House’s State Room March 18.
Obama’s campaign promise to construct such a policy helped bring Hispanics to the polls on Election Day. Two-thirds of them checked his name on their ballots.
The meeting’s participants hailed it as a positive sign to the Hispanic community that the President will follow through with his promise to address the issue during his first year in office.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better response’” said CHC chair Nydia Velázquez.
“Under his leadership, we will repair this broken system and stop tearing families apart. We realize the real work begins now.”
Obama told caucus members that one of his first steps will be to conduct an immigration reform forum at the White House.
“To help us craft the best and most comprehensive immigration bill possible, he committed to hosting a public forum—as he has on other critical issues such as health care—that will include key stakeholders,” said Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.).
The President didn’t specify when, but Velázquez offered her interpretation.
“We will enact comprehensive reform by the end of this year. And by end of the 111th Congress, we will have seen the beginning of the positive impact: of that legislation on our community and our nation’s economy, and put an end to people living in fear and in the shadows.”
During the meeting, CHC members were vocal in condemning the Homeland Security raids that have separated thousands of families around the nation.
In a follow-up news release, CHC referenced Obama’s assurance that he was looking for ways to end the raids, including administrative fi rst steps, so that enforcement policies do not result in the separation of families.
“His past efforts and commitment on this issue are a matter of record,” said Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.).
Among other vocal reform advocates participating in the discourse were Senator Bob Menéndez (D-N.J.) and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-lll.).
Key Obama administration staff in attendance included Cecilia Munoz, director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Rahm Emanuel, chief of staff.
