Time for Real Action
By Osvaldo Castillo
El Observador
On Friday, January 15, supporters of immigration reform took their plight to the office of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-16). Their effort was part of a statewide week of action organized by the California Table of Reform Immigration FOR America.
"The visit's purpose is two-fold: one to give community people an opportunity to voice their support for immigration reform; second, to voice our concern of the lack of leadership from Rep. Lofgren," said Cesar Juarez, Organizing Director for the Service, Immigrants Rights & Education Network (SIREN). "She continuously stated her support but we haven't seen any real action."
Juarez added that according to many national pro-immigration reform organizations, the Senate might introduce legislation to reform the immigration system by early February and a similar legislation in the House of Representatives soon after.
"It's going to be a though battle because this is an election year which means candidates might not want to touch any issues," Juarez said. "But we have to keep in mind that we live in a democracy and if people really want it, really fight for it and contact their representatives then we will have an immigration reform law this year."
Supporters of immigration believe families will continue to suffer if elected officials do not pass immigration reform this year.
"Because of their inaction millions of hardworking adults and innocent US citizen children live in fear and oppression due to their legal status," Juarez said.
They are also asking President Obama to live up to his promise on immigration reform.
"His first year is almost over and we've seen little action. But we understand that Obama could do so much and it's Congress that needs to move," Juarez said. "So we feel that President Obama also needs to take action and not just talk."
SIREN and other immigration reform groups are also asking the community to get involved in this effort.
"We are asking people in Santa Clara County, immigrant and non-immigrant, citizens, residents and undocumented people, to get involve. SIREN regularly has community forums and many mobilizations and we all need to help. People help by simply signing a petition and help gather more signatures; folks could also help organize house meetings and a SIREN representative could attend the house meetings with information and materials." Juarez said. "The most effective way is to contact their representatives via phone or in person and ask for the congressperson to push for a just and humane immigration reform this year."
For more information visit www.siren-bayarea.org.