Thread: IL-Immigration advocates push reform legislation

Chicago immigration rights advocates rallied today to pressure Congress to pass comprehensive reform legislation, even as the sensitivity of the issue and election-year backdrop loom as major obstacles.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., vowed to push for national immigration reform at the boisterous West Side rally that drew an estimated 1,200 activists, union workers, religious leaders and families. They waved placards and chanted, "Si se puede," or "Yes, we can," a slogan borrowed from President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign.

"It is time to say to our government -- stop dividing our families," Durbin told the crowd, saying that his mother arrived in the United States at age 2 as a Lithuanian immigrant. "It is time to say to the voices of hate -- stop dividing America."

Obama, who has said he hopes to tackle immigration reform by year's end, has called Republican support necessary to enact changes. A Democrat-sponsored House bill would offer a path to legal status for the estimated 10.6 million people in the country illegally. Plans for a similar Senate bill have the stated support of just one Republican -- Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., with some Republicans indicating they might filibuster to prevent passge.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights sponsored the rally to support the introduction of a bipartisan immigration reform bill by April 30. Some speakers chided Obama, saying the president hasn't made good on a campaign promise to overhaul the system. "He gave us only 12 words in his State of the Union address," said Rebecca Shi of the Coalition for a Better Chinese-American Community.

Others spoke about immigrants who worked in underpaying jobs or in substandard conditions out of fear that if they complained, they could be deported and separated from their children. Some said they were trying to gain citizenship but found the process delayed for years because of bureaucratic inefficiencies.

"I never know if my status will be revoked," said Elmo Siap of Des Plaines, a Philippines native who added that he has spent more than $20,000 on lawyer fees trying to gain citizenship for himself and his wife. Here on an extended business visa, he said, he has traveled back and forth between countries for 30 years and would now like to remain.

"I waited 14 months just for Immigration to get back to me to tell me my application was two days late," he said.

Pat O'Connor, president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, expressed his support for more "common sense" clear-cut laws on handling undocumented residents who make up a growing yet hidden population in many towns. Because they don't feel safe, undocumented immigrants often avoid reporting crimes in their neighborhoods, he said.

"If they are afraid to speak to us because of their status, we are not giving them the protection they deserve," O'Connor said.

-- Lisa Black

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2...eaking+News%29

Be sure to check out the comments. I've never seen so many good ones on that site.

There is a serious difference between immigrants and the PC incorrect illegal aliens. Until federal laws are mandatory to be enforced by all local police, we will not get above water on this problem.

speakers chided Obama, saying the president hasn't made good on a campaign promise to overhaul the system.

As far as I know, the only promises Obama kept were a puppy for the girls and date night in NY for Michelle.