Thread: U.S. Mayors Discuss Immigration Reform, Border Security

U.S. Mayors Discuss Immigration Reform, Border Security

June 19, 2011

WASHINGTON – Immigration reform, border security and the economy will be among the topics addressed by mayors of more than 1,000 U.S. cities gathered this weekend in Baltimore.

The mayor of Laredo, Texas, Raul Salinas, will be among those calling for the “immediateâ€

Raul Salinas insists on a immigration reform


The need for comprehensive immigration reform and give more resources to the border to bolster security, were the two issues that Mayor Raul Salinas tried before White House officials

Wednesday, June 22, 2011
By: Francisco Diaz



LAREDO, TX .- Salinas , who participates in the National Conference of Mayors in Baltimore , Maryland , met with the Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement John Morton, the U.S.

drug czar Benjamin Tucker and Paul Helmke , president of the Center Against gun violence . Salinas stressed the importance of enacting a reform that ends the illegality of more than 11 million people nationwide , including many young people in school.

He also noted the need for more federal funding to strengthen security along the border with Mexico , a region of great economic importance to the nation. The Mayor of Laredo was ratified by the safety committee and immigration by Antonio Villaraigosa, the new President of the National Conference of Mayors.

Salinas showed off to his nationwide peers the success of Laredo to maintain a low unemployment rate , a significant reduction in crime and a three percent increase in economic development.

"I think the perfect formula has been the great work of administrative staff headed by Carlos Villarreal as city manager and a council that works together for the progress of the city," he said.

During the meeting with federal officials , the mayor of Laredo stressed the need for an immigration reform and to build "bridges of friendship " as the basis for the development of the border.

He said the officials who met will take his message to President Barack Obama in hopes to have a follow up to his petitions on behalf of the National Conference of Mayors.

http://www.laredosun.us/notas.asp?id=16831