Advocates for immigration reform, backed by the White House, are beginning a nationwide lobbying effort, including rallies in a dozen cities, and a planned demonstration in Washington, D.C. The goal of the effort is, in part, to influence the debate in the Republican Party regarding whether to include a path to citizenship in immigration reform for the approximate 11 million illegal immigrants, the groups involved said. An April 10 rally is being planned on the West Lawn of the Capitol that organizers say could draw tens of thousands of demonstrators.
The campaign includes Hispanics, Asian, and African American groups, along with labor unions, and a coalition of faith, law enforcement, and business representatives. Those organizing the campaign said they wish to make their voices heard because some GOP leaders are calling for granting undocumented U.S. residents legal status so they can work, but not providing a mechanism for citizenship.
“The election sent Republican a strong message to work with President Obama to fix our broken system or else face political suicide,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, whose organization announced plans yesterday for 14 rallies in big cities, along with phone calls, leaflets, and television ads. “Our focus is citizenship, getting people to have the same rights as anybody else.”
Recently, some congressional Republicans are pursuing what they consider the “middle ground” between citizenship and the idea that illegal immigrants be required to return to their home countries. Some House Republicans have said that illegal immigrants could be allowed to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation. However, they should not be allowed be granted full benefits of citizenship, including the right to vote.
