"It's Time for the Senate to Step on the Gas on Immigration Reform"

Washington, D.C.--Today SEIU Executive Vice President will join other labor, faith, business and immigrant rights leaders for a meeting at the White House on next steps for comprehensive immigration reform legislation. In preparation, Medina issued the following statement:

"Today's meeting is yet another reminder that comprehensive immigration reform remains a key priority for the White House. It's also a reminder that we need more than just the White House and Senators Schumer and Graham to get this bill done.

"Just days away from a massive mobilization of labor and diverse immigrant rights activists from across the country, the time is now for Senators on both sides of the aisle to step on the gas and push for smart immigration reform that America needs. That means it's time for Senator Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader John Boehner to join with us in passing reforms that are good for immigrants, good for workers, and good for America.

"Will these leaders take advantage of this golden opportunity to prove they can overcome the politics of division and deliver bipartisan immigration solutions that increase wages, decrease the deficit and restore the rule of law? Or will they squander the moment?

"Now is the time to demonstrate that partisan politics don't take precedence over good, sound public policy. America cannot afford to wait any longer. Our broken immigration system is weighing us down.

"Every day that Washington fails to act, we forego the enormous economic benefits that immigration reform would bring. We lose the taxes that immigrants would pay and the benefits of a level playing field that would allow workers to demand better wages and working conditions. We waste billions of dollars in failed 'enforcement' that perpetually stirs the pot, feeds the underground economy, and divides communities, without solving anything.

"The American people want and need positive change and we must seize this opportunity. We can restore America's greatness piece by piece, but to do so we need Republican leaders to stand up and help us build an immigration system equipped to deal with the economy of our future.

"This is Congress' time to, in the President's words, 'overcome the numbing weight of our politics.' For the good of our economy, of America's workers, and of our country, it's time for the Senate to step on the gas. It's time for them to roll up their sleeves and get immigration reform done right, get it done quickly and make sure it works for America."

Following the White House meeting, Eliseo Medina will be avilable to speak with the media between 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. at the exit of the White House West Wing. "

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