Hoffa Statement On President Obama's Immigration Reform Proposal

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Jan 30, 2013, 10:54 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is an official statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa:

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"President Obama's comprehensive immigration reform proposal offers a straightforward approach to a problem that can no longer be ignored.

"The President's plan offers a more complete approach to addressing the challenges that are at the root of the problem. It would continue to strengthen our borders, crack down on companies that hire undocumented workers, hold undocumented immigrants accountable and overhaul the legal immigration system. For the first time, we have a proposal that will hold all parties accountable – undocumented workers, unscrupulous employers and the federal government.

"We look forward to working with the President and Congress to review the details of the legislation. We're especially concerned that the final result truly protects all workers and isn't reminiscent of guest worker programs of the past. Those programs allowed employers to create an underclass of workers who depress wages and labor standards overall, while furthering the profits of multinational companies.

"I commend the President for taking these steps to ensure that workers, no matter where they come from, enjoy the protections they deserve in the workplace. We have seen far too many employers threaten with deportation workers who speak out for just treatment on the job."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters