WASHINGTON, DC - After a rally on Capitol Hill and more than 50 events around the country in support of commonsense immigration reform, Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and SEIU Secretary-Treasurer, Eliseo Medina issued the following statements:

Mary Kay Henry, SEIU International President:

I was truly inspired today by the rally in Washington and the more than 50 events held across the country. Tens of thousands of activists delivered a clear message -- the time is now for Congress to pass commonsense immigration reform. A growing consensus has developed that we, as a nation, must find a solution that gives deserving, aspiring Americans the opportunity to come out of the shadows and into our democracy and our economy. Americans are looking to their elected officials to set aside partisan politics and restore the promise that those who work hard can achieve the American Dream. Americans are ready for immigration reform and the time is now to get it done."

Eliseo Medina, SEIU International Secretary-Treasurer:

"What we saw today on Capitol Hill and at events around the country was an outpouring of support for Congress to fix our broken immigration system once and for all. People from all walks of life came to make their voices heard and say that we now have an opportunity to rebuild our immigration system so that it honors American values, strengthens the economy, supports working families and restores the rule of law for the long term. Congress now has an opportunity to do the right thing and pass commonsense immigration reform this spring. It is the right thing to do for America, our economy, our communities and for workers. The message to Congress is very simple and very clear - obstruction, delay or failure is not an option. The moment for immigration reform is now. Let's get it done."

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