DNCs Hispanic Caucus Chair Applauds Presidents Immigration Reform Speech

But the Presidents speech is also a reminder that despite the administrations actions and Democrats leadership on this issue Republicans continue to put politics first no Republicans have joined Democrats in their effort to pass reform" said Martinez.  President Obamas speech on immigration reform is a powerful reminder of his administrations commitment & 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 & take other steps to get right with the law before getting in line to earn citizenship. 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 Presidents agenda and in their words break the President" Martinez said. 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. States like Arizona are passing misguided immigration laws illustrating the American peoples frustration with the broken immigration system" she added. Organizing for America-Texas (OFA-TX) State Director Luke Hayes says The Presidents speech highlights our nations urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform. Our current system is broken unfair and failing all Americans and must be dealt with from many angles. The federal government must do more to increase border security; businesses must be held accountable for hiring undocumented workers; and those here illegally must come admit they broke the law pay a fine and get in line to earn citizenship" he said. As President Obama said this morning this is a legal and moral issue our immigration policy must reflect that we are a nation of laws but also a nation of immigrants. Fixing our broken immigration system will not be an easy task but it is the right thing to do for our country" said Hayes. Tim Kaine Democratic National Committee Chairman said following the speech made at the American University School of International Service Americans of both parties agree that our immigration system is broken.  President Obama demonstrated his dedication to fixing that system.  In his speech he laid out a blueprint for comprehensive immigration reform calling for measures to:

1. Address border security
2. Hold businesses that break the law by hiring illegal immigrants accountable and
3. Demand responsibility from people who are living in the United States illegally who must admit they broke the law and pay taxes and a penalty before they can get in line to earn citizenship.  

These are commonsense solutions to our immigration challenges but unfortunately Republicans in Congress even Republicans who voted for immigration reform just a few years ago are refusing so far to work with Democrats to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform.  To fix our immigration system we need bipartisan support.  I urge Republicans to stop playing politics and end their obstructionism on this issue and join with Democrats to do the hard work of overcoming our countrys challenges" Kaine said.