Thread: VA: Moran Outlines Immigration Reform Plan

Moran Outlines Immigration Reform Plan

Updated: Monday, 21 Sep 2009, 11:16 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 21 Sep 2009, 11:16 PM EDT

* Roby Chavez Roby Chavez
* By ROBY CHAVEZ/myfoxdc

Three hundred people filled a Northern Virginia town hall meeting on Monday night to discuss pending immigration reform.

Many in the immigrant community vowed to fight even more. Northern Virginia has already been at the center of heated immigration debate.

Both sides are very organized and are prepared for a bitter fight.

One worker shouted from the audience, "Let's work together!"

The comment came shortly after congressman Jim Moran (D)-VA spoke.

"This is not going to be easy. Its going to be very difficult," said Moran.

It was a reality check for the immigrant families who gathered to make sure they have a voice when immigration reform takes center stage later this year. It's the next hot topic that Congress will face.

Moran warned the overflowing multi-ethnic crowd.

"If we do not hear from those who want progress from this country we will hear from those who want the status quo and if does not happen. We will not get this legislation," said Moran

Inside the Northern Virginia church, the preacher tried to set the tone.

"The only person allowed to shout here is the preacher," he said from the podium.

Many know the tone will soon change as the debate turns national.

Health care reform and immigration reform are now politically tied following Congressman Joe Wilson's 'You lie' outburst to President Obama.

Emotions get heated over divisive issues like the immigration backlog and workplace raids. Organizers estimate there were five such raids last year, detaining 167 people.

"Those raids are causing so much harm to the Latino community. They're dividing us," said Arturo Munoz of the Tenants and Workers United Union.

"These people paid for a service. In the U.S., when you pay for a service you deserve a to get a service," said Sid Hammed from The Dar Al HirJrah Islamic Center

Tonight several ethnic groups, non profits and unions joined forces.

"We do fully embrace comprehensive immigration reform," said John Johnson from the NAACP.

"We hope that it will legalize the undocumented and bring them out of the shadows," said Genie Nguyenle, Asian Americans of Virginia,

Moran said he will co-sponsor the legislation that will be introduced perhaps as early as October.

www.myfoxdc.com

Isn't it interesting how illegals and their supporters think that the American people should financially support illegals turned low income paid under the table Americans.

Moron Outlines Immigration Reform Plan