Tide Turning on Immigration Reform; Naturalization at an All-Time High

This morning's newspapers greeted immigrants and advocates with great news about comprehensive immigration reform. A week after President Obama put immigration reform back on the political map, The New York Times ran not one but two articles that highlight the importance of immigration reform to fixing our economy, and reaffirm the relationship between immigrant rights and worker's rights while uniting the struggle of working class people with the struggle of all immigrants to improve their lives and those of their families.

The AFL-CIO and Change to Win have both come out in support of comprehensive immigration reform.

“The labor movement will work together to make sure that the White House as well as Congress understand that we speak about immigration reform with one voice,” Mr. Sweeney said in a statement to The New York Times.

The Times' editorial board also put out a piece applauding the news of a united labor front on immigration reform and Obama's promise to begin the debate this year.

"We are also heartened that American labor is speaking with a united voice in hard times, rejecting the false claim that fixing the immigration system will somehow hurt American workers. Even in a bad economy — especially in a bad economy — getting undocumented immigrants on the right side of the law only makes sense."

Anti-immigrant folks from around the country will no doubt rally around the positive news on immigration and continue to shout their negative, anti-change messages for all to hear. But with the hope of a new administration that looks to welcome new Americans and shun divisions, immigrants and advocates are prepared to push for reform that upholds the American values of opportunity, family, and fairness.

"It will take courage to defend the wisdom and necessity of fixing the immigration system. It will take even more courage to engage in the serious fight to do so. It is what the country needs and what American voters elected Mr. Obama to do."

And, finally, if that wasn't good enough news, "Ya es Ora, Ciudadania!" celebrated a record number of naturalizations this year. More than 1 million immigrants naturalized last year, which represents an increase of 58 percent over the previous year. For anyone who has not seen a naturalization ceremony in person, it is an amazing experience to share with your fellow Americans. To read about the benefits of citizenship and how new voters are contributing, read this MIRA report.