Unanimous Baltimore City Council Support for Immigration Reform
August 11, 3:45 PM 1 comment

As of approximately 7 p.m. last night, Latinos in the Baltimore area have much to celebrate. At that time, in a bold, unprecedented action, the Baltimore City Council gave unanimous approval to the motion to support President Obama’s proposed Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The motion, originated by Councilwoman Spector, is the first step in the road to the ultimate goal: obtaining congressional approval of this legislation.

For months, members of the Governor’s Commission of Hispanic Affairs, the Latino Providers Network, Casa de Maryland, Centro de la Comunidad, Education-Based Latino Outreach, the Hispanic Business Association, the Center for Community Change and other community organizations have been lobbying with elected officials in order to gain the support of the local City Council.

Jessica Contreras, Hispanic Liaison to Mayor Sheila Dixon’s Office, believes this is a major step that will give the Latino population a renewed confidence in the city’s government. “Last year there were some [immigration] raids in the area that affected many local families. Many people in the community were afraid to even go outside,â€