Immigrant Groups Strategize for Presidential Campaign

New America Media, News Report, Melanie Reynard, Posted: Jul 02, 2008 Share/Save/Bookmark

Editor’s Note: The presidential campaign provides immigrant groups an opportunity to really monitor what political candidates are saying on immigration as they address different constituencies. It’s also a chance to push through some bipartisan bills, advocates said during a New America Media teleconference call, reports NAM contributor Melanie Reynard.

As the election campaign gathers steam, immigrant rights groups are paying attention to what the candidates are saying (and not saying) when it comes to immigration. In a teleconference organized by New America Media, three spokespeople from major immigrant rights groups defined their priorities for the presidential campaign and beyond.

Recent polls suggest immigration is not necessarily the number one issue for the general election, but that it is a wedge issue and one that could increase in importance as the campaign progresses. For example, it can be key in states with large Latino populations, such as Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Florida. Several Asian American organizations are seeking to mobilize Asian American voters in ten states (Hawaii, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington and New York).

The groups are paying close attention to the candidates’ statements on the campaign trail and trying to determine what legislative opportunities exist. Ali Noorani, the newly appointed head of the National Immigration Forum, emphasized the important role the media plays in “shining a very clear light on Senator McCain and Obama’s statements.â€