New immigration group may help speed legislation

By ALBOR RUIZ
DAILY NEWS COLUMNIST

Monday, March 19th 2007, 5:04 PM


Just last week, President Bush promised Mexican President Felipe Calderón that he would do everything in his power to help the passage of a comprehensive immigration law this year.

Bush told Calderón that he would work with the Democratic-controlled Congress to pass an immigration-reform bill. Standing next to the Mexican president in the city of Mérida during the last stop of his five-day visit to Latin America, Bush went as far as naming Sen. Edward Kennedy as one who "can get the job done."

The President's renewed commitment to push a comprehensive immigration reform bill is good news, of course. But it will not be an easy task, even with Bush's active support.

By now, everybody knows how bitter and how harsh the struggle for a fair immigration reform law can be, particularly one that recognizes - as it should - the humanity of undocumented workers and their contribution to the nation's economy.

But this year, with the creation of the Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, those who favor a rational solution to the immigration crisis are in a stronger position to push their agenda in Washington.

The coalition, an umbrella group bringing together local immigrant advocates, national policy groups, labor unions, faith-based groups and ethnic organizations, is planning an unprecedented nationwide campaign. Its purpose is to support the passage of "workable comprehensive immigration reform legislation in Congress this year."

"It is pretty exciting," said Chung-Wha Hong, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, which is part of the new group. "Pro-immigrant groups are ramping up their efforts with a high-powered lobbying team. It is all part of a national campaign."

With some $4 million in its coffers already - and working to raise more money - the coalition can afford to become a powerful player in this year's legislative debate in Congress.

"We now have the money, the people and the political will to punch this vital issue over the goal line in Congress and make America a better place to live and work, " said Cecilia Muñoz, senior vice president of the National Council of La Raza, and chair of the coalition's board.

Besides the New York Immigration Coalition, some of the other members are the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, the Service Employees International Union and the National Council of La Raza.

The new group is busy hiring experienced lobbyists from both parties, communications specialists and more field operators to supplement the resources of the members of the coalition.

According to Hong, they will be very active working with the influential New York Congressional delegation. Also, she said that an important aspect of the campaign work will be to help provide a clear direction to Congress about where to go and what to do on the issue of immigration.

"This campaign is unprecedented in the pro-immigration community," Muñoz said. "Never before have we brought together under one banner such a formidable political coalition to fight for passage of comprehensive immigration reform."

The umbrella effort began last weekend with field organizers from nearly 30 states meeting in Washington, where its main headquarters will be located.

"This is just the beginning," said Muñoz. "We welcome support from all quarters of the political spectrum, and expect to work with all groups committed to passing immigration reform this legislative session."


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