Overview of President Obama's Speech Today

"...we should not create a group of second-class citizens through a guest worker program." - Greenlining Institute Executive Director Orson Aguilar

File image of a previous Salem rally by Bonnie King

(WASHINGTON DC) - Greenlining Institute Executive Director Orson Aguilar issued the following statement in response to new immigration reform efforts announced this week by President Obama and a bipartisan group of senators:

“We are heartened that Congress and the president are addressing comprehensive immigration reform, something that’s long overdue. But all involved need to make sure that any legislation really moves us toward a better, fairer system and avoid the political temptation to take a bad deal just to be able to say they ‘did something about immigration.’ I see four principles as essential:

“First, immigration reform absolutely must include a clear path to citizenship for hard-working individuals and families who came to this country to work, contribute and build a better life.

“Second, we should not create a group of second-class citizens through a guest worker program. Such programs are open to exploitation and leave workers without the protections they need and deserve.

“Third, we must make family reunification a priority, with rules that respect all families.

“Finally, companies that want more visas for highly skilled workers should be required to submit annual comprehensive plans to Congress showing how they plan to expand opportunities for people who are already here, especially women, Americans from underserved communities, and returning military veterans.”

Source: THE GREENLINING INSTITUTE, a multi-ethnic public policy, research and advocacy institute