APALC Calls for Immigration Reform and Passage of DREAM ACT
Wednesday, 06. 24. 2009 – Category: Immigration Reform, Press Releases, Recent Activity
LA City Council unanimously passes resolution calling for immigration reform, while students gathered outside to demand action.
LOS ANGELES – On Tuesday APALC, along with a coalition of immigrant rights activists and community members, testified in support of a new resolution by the Los Angeles City Council calling on Congress to pass just and humane immigration reform.
The Resolution, introduced by Council President Eric Garcetti, expressed the sentiment of the City Council to support federal legislation or administrative action which reforms our immigration system and includes improving the economic situation of all workers in the United States. The resolution addresses the need to find a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants working and living in the United States; reforming visa programs to keep families together, protecting worker’s rights, integrating immigrants into our communities and country; and respecting the due process rights of all in the United States.
“This resolution plays an important role in advocating for just and humane immigration reform with our federal legislators,” said Sara Sadhwani, immigrant rights project director at APALC. “We call upon our city legislators to be agents of change by making this resolution known to their colleagues holding federal office and sharing with other cities across the nation the positive impact immigrants have had on the City of Los Angeles.”
Moments after the City Council vote, students gathered on the steps of city hall to demand immigration reform and the passage of the DREAM Act, legislation that would enable the estimated 65,000 undocumented high school students who graduate every year to become fully invested in the American dream. Studies have shown that undocumented students have the potential to provide the country with a tremendous boost in the workforce.
“The DREAM Act can make an overwhelmingly positive impact on both our youth and our economy,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of APALC. “Many of the estimated 1.4 million undocumented Asian Americans are students who have come to America as young children and now have hopes of becoming fully active members of society.”
APALC applauds and congratulates the DREAM students who are hosting graduation ceremonies across the country today and encourages community members to call their Congressional representatives and tell them to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation this year. Call Congress at (202) 224-3121 or send a fax by visiting http://www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/