Editor’s Note: This editorial was produced in association with New
America Media (www.newamericamedia.org),
a national association of ethnic media, and was published by ethnic media
across the country this week to bring attention to
the urgency of immigration reform.
The White House
and members of Congress must move quickly on enacting a just and humane
immigration reform package that will reunite families, reinvigorate the
economy, and remove the term “illegal or undocumented immigrants” from the
dialogue in this country. Ethnic media, which reaches over 60 million adults in
the United States, calls on Congress to move decisively on immigration reform
because there are few issues as important to the nation’s well-being as an
overhaul of the inefficient, inhumane and economically debilitating immigration
system. More importantly, we are also urging our readers and viewers to contact
their Senators and Congressmen and let them know that immigration reform must
be a national priority.
The immigration
system is broken not just for 12 million undocumented immigrants, but also for
specialized workers blocked from joining the American economy because of narrow
quotas, and mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who
must wait for years before being reunited with their families.
Our nation needs
comprehensive immigration policies that will replace a broken system of raids
and roundups with one that protects all workers from exploitation, improves
America’s security and builds strong communities. It’s time to end the division
between workers, which has allowed big business to exploit both sides. Clearly,
working-class citizens and immigrant workers have much in common – dreams of
better homes, education for their families and quality healthcare. There is more that brings us together, than
separates us. United we can be a strong
force for change, changes that that bring more workforce safety and humane
conditions.
Immigration is
often portrayed as an explosive, divisive issue. In reality it’s not. Since the
repeal of the national origins quota system in 1965, which discriminated
against certain immigrants, a consensus has been building towards an
immigration system that respects the country’s core values. These include
economic opportunity, equality under the law regardless of ethnic background,
and an embrace of the world’s most innovative, energetic and ambitious workers.
Now, with the country facing serious competition from workers abroad, it’s more
important than ever to create a world-class immigration system. It’s for the
good for families, good for communities and good for America.
Author
About New America Media
New America Media is the country's first and largest national collaboration and advocate of 2000 ethnic news organizations.
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