SEIU Immigration Reform Kicks Off Week of Action

Since our founding by immigrant janitors in 1921, SEIU has been committed to building a powerful, diverse and inclusive labor movement that raises the standards of living for all workers and helps millions achieve the American Dream.

Immigration reform is a critical part of that road to recovery for American workers and this week--as part of more than 100 events taking place in 28 states--SEIU has begun a major escalation of its efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform in 2010.

In Colorado on Wednesday, SEIU Local 105 President Calvin Johnson and members gathered with community faith leaders and immigrant advocates at an immigration reform town hall with Senator Michael Bennett (D-CO).

In Illinois, SEIU Local 1 leaders and members are participating in a multi-city statewide bus tour that will culminate at a huge ally for comprehensive immigration reform in Chicago.

In Massachusetts, SEIU Local 615 leaders and 3rd shift janitor of ten years, Jorge Carrillo, will urge lawmakers to push for comprehensive immigration reform.

This week's mobilization occurred on the heels of major national developments for the immigration reform movement.

Last Wednesday, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the Obama administration to make immigration reform a priority to enhance national security and improve the struggling economy.

The following Thursday, a major economic report from the Center for American Progress and Immigration Policy Center demonstrated that even during a recession, a path to legalization for immigrants would add $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy, raise the wage floor of all U.S. workers, and generate up to $5.4 billion in new tax revenues.

Americans all over the country want comprehensive reform that will protect workers and help with economic recovery, create millions of new taxpayers, keep families together, and protect the due process rights of all. This was confirmed by fresh polling data released this week from America's Voice, that showed that large majorities of Americans (two-thirds) want Congress to pass comprehensive reform, including 69% of Democrats, 67% of Independents, and 62% of Republicans.

With so many Americans suffering during the economic downturn, fixing the economy should be Congress's top priority. Comprehensive immigration reform would put the economy on a more stable footing, provide a vital boost for recovery, and increase wages for all.