State of the Union: USA Lacks Leadership on Key Issues

President Obama declared that, “America must always stand on the side of freedom and human dignity.” He talked about how America supports the struggle for equal rights around the world and the need to unite around American values that include family, hard work, and being a good neighbor. He challenged Congress to address “the burdens that America’s families have been dealing with for decades.” At the same time he glanced over the continued struggle for dignity and the American dream for immigrants in the United States today and he sidestepped leadership around this important issue.

His brief mention of immigration system was trite and couched in conservative bravado, But, it did demonstrate two things: 1) his administration has not forgotten the power of the immigrant and Latino vote, and 2) that he is not sufficiently wary of the consequences of inaction to take a leadership position on immigration reform.

Continuing to ignore oppressive immigration laws that effectively dismantle communities and put workers at the mercy of unscrupulous employers is just not practical. Like it or not, immigrants are workers, and workers are a cornerstone of American communities. The immigration system must be fixed in order to build a strong economy and establish America as the true world leader for human rights and dignity.

Tenants and Workers United is working in Northern Virginian communities who are committed to fighting for just and humane immigration reform that can make America strong. In the coming months they will continue to call on their representatives, organize their communities and build a movement to support Congressional leadership on immigration reform. Call Jaime to get involved: 703-801-9052.