SEIU's Medina: We Are Ready For Reform, But Where Are The Republicans?

WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama pushed a broad spectrum of labor, business and community leaders to re-engage in the fight for comprehensive immigration solutions. Eliseo Medina, International Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, issued the following statement:

“SEIU appreciates President Obama’s continued attention to one of the most difficult, yet critical issues of our time, our nation’s dysfunctional immigration system.

“By calling together labor and business, religious and civic leaders, police chiefs and mayors, Democrats and Republicans, the White House meeting served as a valuable reminder that immigration is one of the few issues that transcends traditional political rivalries. But let’s be clear: This group has convened before and united behind a path forward, and yet the need for comprehensive immigration solutions remains.

“Progress will not be made until Republican leadership -- the one key group absent from today’s meeting – makes the choice to turn away prejudices voiced by immigration restrictionists.

“The individuals and groups represented at today’s meeting strongly agree with the President; the need for comprehensive immigration solutions is immediate.

“Hard-working people and responsible employers are suffering now because of the negligence and poor judgment exercised under broken enforcement laws. That is why business and labor are at the table. Families are being ripped apart or not being allowed to reunify under outdated visa laws, causing undue hardship, as witnessed by Evangelical pastors, mayors and police chiefs who were at the White House today.

“But Republicans appear to remain unconcerned.

“Democrats are ready to repair the immigration system and so are the elder statesmen of the GOP. Business owners argue reform is necessary for the sake of our economy; faith leaders want reform for our society’s well-being; law-enforcement requires reform to keep our communities safe. And the American people across the political spectrum have called for reform and an end to political rhetoric.

“So the lingering question is: What are the Republicans waiting for?”

With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.

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