Immigration Reform: The First Rung on the Ladder of Opportunity

National Immigration Law Center Responds to Obama State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON — In his fourth State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama outlined his plans to strengthen the middle class and create ladders of opportunity for all children in the nation.The president also touched on immigration, stating that he would sign legislation to overhaul immigration laws right away. Below is a statement from Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration law Center:

“Tonight, the president provided a bold new vision to restore our country’s economic security and put us on a path toward shared prosperity. He reminded us that we are at our best when we are moving forward together.

“This is especially true of our nation’s immigrants, who contribute to our communities on a daily basis, often without recognition or access to the social insurance programs the rest of us may rely upon. This is why it’s important now, more than ever before to overhaul our nation’s immigration policies and put the 11 million aspiring citizens on a real road to citizenship.

“If done correctly, a commonsense change in immigration policies will create a natural economic stimulus for all Americans. Both President Obama and his colleagues in the Senate agree that there should be a road to citizenship; we urge Congress to take their proposal one step further and create a path that is devoid of onerous roadblocks. Aspiring citizens have waited for the opportunity to apply for citizenship and have for far too long been separated from their families. Our economy, and our communities, can’t afford to wait any longer.”

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