WASHINGTON DC--Today, President Barack Obama met with a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to discuss steps for passing comprehensive immigration reform. In response to the meeting, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Executive Vice President Eliseo Medina issued the following statement:

"SEIU is pleased that the White House has sounded the starting gun on immigration reform and set the pace for a critical overhaul of a broken system that has languished for far too long. While it may not be a sprint to the finish, after years of delay, broken promises and political logjams, the urgency is greater than ever to make real progress."

"The American people's patience on this issue is wearing thin. Countless polls show that the vast majority of Americans want to see a comprehensive, workable immigration solution--not more of the same failed and costly enforcement-only policies that plagued us during the Bush Administration.

"Likewise, a politically empowered immigrant community, a unified labor movement and an ever-growing coalition of immigration advocates are stronger than ever. Through email campaigns, local actions, and rallies across the country, this vocal group of immigration reform supporters are working to hold elected officials accountable.

"Today we are living in transformational times with a President who has shown that he will not shy away from complex issues and that he will always put the needs of the American people ahead of politics. The President's leadership on immigration is no different. At this moment in U.S. history and under this Presidency, the time has come to move comprehensive immigration reform forward.

"This time we will reach the finish line."