Washington State Leaders Lead on Immigration Reform

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In the last week, elected officials at every level of government in Washington State have declared their support for passing comprehensive immigration reform in 2010! Washington has became the first state in the nation where both U.S. Senators have sent letters to President Obama expressing support for passing a bipartisan bill this year. Additional letters of support from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and one signed by 50 Washington State Legislators show further evidence of Washington's leadership on the issue. On Monday, March 15, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed Council Resolution 31193 which affirmed the City of Seattle's support for comprehensive immigration reform and urges Congress not to wait.

Last Thursday, several elected officials joined community leaders and media in a packed room across from Seattle City Hall (see pictures) to send off a delegation of 50 Washington State immigrants and allies to yesterday's "March for America." The delegation was organized by the Washington Immigration Reform Coalition (WIRC) FOR America and joined hundreds of thousands of others in the nation's capitol for an inspired march and rally.

At the send-off, OneAmerica Executive Director Pramila Jayapal and King County Asian Pacific Islander Coalition Chair Diane Narasaki read from several of the letters of support. Seattle Deputy Mayor for Communities Darryl Smith highlighted a letter of support the Mayor's office had sent to the state's Congressional delegation. Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin and Councilmembers Nick Licata and Mike O'Brien spoke about the vital contribution immigrants have made throughout Seattle's history, but how outdated federal laws provide arduous barriers for local immigrants today. In addition, Narasaki presented a letter signed by Asian community leaders that underscored the growing contribution - economically and civically - of the Asian Pacific Island community to Washington State.

Community members Celeste Addai and Carlos Padilla each spoke about how the broken immigration system adversely affects their families and has inspired them to join the "March for America." Other WIRC organizations came to cheer on the WIRC delegation included the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, El Centro de la Raza, Washington Dream Act Coalition, Casa Latina, International Community Health Services, Unite Here Local 8, Filipino Community of Seattle, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, ResCare, Inlandboatmen's Union, and Puget Sound Alliance of Retired Americans.

On Friday afternoon, Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) published an op-ed in the Washington Post outlining a blueprint for a long-awaited bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill. Also on the eve of the "March for America," President Obama issued a statement of support praising the bill's framework and urging Congress to act at the earliest possible opportunity.

These are encouraging signs, but we will not rest until a bill is introduced, moves through committee, and onto the floor for a vote!