CA Latino Caucus Statement Applauding President Obama’s Leadership on Immigration, Calling for Congress to Act

November 20, 2014

SACRAMENTO, CA – California Latino Legislative Caucus Chair Senator Ricardo Lara issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement of Executive Action to help an estimated 4.4 million undocumented Americans:

“I applaud President Obama for demonstrating bold leadership by providing temporary relief for 4.4 million undocumented immigrants, an estimated one million of which reside in California. The President has taken a decisive step in the absence of comprehensive immigration reform that, for too long, has been stalled in Congress. Though this executive action is a substantive step forward, it is only temporary, and longstanding action in Congress is still needed - no executive action is a substitute for a permanent legislative solution. The Latino Caucus will remain proactive in pushing for comprehensive immigration reform through the California legislature and by urging our Federal colleagues to follow the President’s lead.”

California Latino Legislative Caucus Vice-Chair Assemblymember Luis Alejo added the following statement:

“The issue of immigration reform is of particular importance to California, which is the 8th largest economy in the world and home to over 10 million immigrants. The contributions of foreign-born Californians are fundamental to both our state and the nation. In fact, our future prosperity depends heavily upon the successful employment, education, and integration of immigrant families into our society. I’m proud to support President Obama’s leadership with this action and I hope that my fellow legislators both on Capitol Hill and here in California can work to supplement the President’s efforts.”

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Contact: Jesse Melgar (916) 651-4033Jesse.Melgar@sen.ca.gov