On Saturday, over 400 community members, clergy, students and SEIU members crammed into the offices of SEIU ULTCW for a Community Accountability and Planning Session on Immigration Reform.

Congressman Xavier Becerra and SEIU ULTCW Trustee Laphonza Butler were in attendance, hearing the stories, fears, and hopes of many in the crowd on why we need Immigration Reform.

Laphonza Butler noted:

"People are hurting. Real lives are at stake. Among our members and in our communities. We cannot rest until we get comprehensive immigration reform. Its an issue for all of us, regardless of race, cultural differences or economic status."

Congressman Becerra followed saying:

"I stand with you. I stand ready to take this issue forward. I feel it on a personal level and as a representative for what is right for our communities and our economy".

Organized in conjunction with local partners CHIRLA and others members of the Reform Immigration FOR America coalition, this event was the first in a series of engagements with elected leaders.

Working closely with Reform Immigration FOR America (RI4A), SEIU will play a leading role to ensure the March 21 event is a huge success.

As the largest union of immigrants in the nation, it will be particularly critical that we turnout our members-those who are immigrants and those who are not-to ensure that the message resonates with Congressional leaders and the broader American public.

Please also check out Jeffrey Kaye's coverage of the meeting at the Huffington Post.