DNC Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Iris Martinez Applauds President Obama's Address on Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON, July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following President Obama's speech on comprehensive immigration reform, DNC Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Iris Y. Martinez released the following statement:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO)

"President Obama's speech on immigration reform is a powerful reminder of his administration's commitment and actions toward fixing the broken immigration system through common-sense, comprehensive immigration reform – one that makes the federal government responsible for border security, holds businesses accountable, and requires illegal immigrants to admit they broke the law, learn English, pay taxes, and take other steps to get right with the law before getting in line to earn citizenship.

"But the President's speech is also a reminder that, despite the administration's actions and Democrats' leadership on this issue, Republicans continue to put politics first – no Republicans have joined Democrats in their effort to pass reform.  Eleven Senate Republicans who voted for comprehensive immigration reform in 2007 are now part of the caucus that is doing everything in its power to stop the President's agenda and, in their words, 'break' the President.

"Republicans' political calculations can no longer come at the expense of fixing our broken immigration system. States like Arizona are passing misguided immigration laws, illustrating the American people's frustration with the broken immigration system. The status quo does not work for our immigrants, our communities, or the economy, and it is clear that President Obama cannot reform the immigration system alone. It's time Republicans stop kicking the can down the road and step up to face our nation's challenges.  It's time for them to join President Obama and Senate Democrats to pass comprehensive immigration reform."

SOURCE Democratic National Committee

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED