
Today, during a speech at the Center for American Progress, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano reiterated the administration’s commitment to achieving comprehensive immigration reform. A former border state governor who has a deep understanding of the complexity of immigration issues, Napolitano has been designated by the President as the administration’s point person on immigration reform.
Napolitano made the case that law enforcement, and specifically the Department of Homeland Security can not keep the country safe or do their jobs effectively without comprehensive immigration reform. “Law enforcement and government at every level are asking for reform. And at the Department of Homeland Security, we need reform to do our job of enforcing the law and keeping our country secure,” said Napolitano.
Secretary Napolitano indicated that she expects to see legislation in early 2010, and that the administration was committed to solving the problem. Continued Napolitano, “The President is committed to this issue because the need for immigration reform is so clear. This administration does not shy away from taking on the big challenges of the 21st century, challenges that have been ignored too long and hurt our families and businesses. When Congress is ready to act, we’ll be ready to support them.” Napolitano also indicated how much different reform will be this time. “I’ve been dealing hands on with immigration issues since 1993, so trust me: I know a major shift when I see one, and what I have seen makes reform far more attainable this time around” Napolitano noted that faith and law enforcement leaders are speaking out about the vital need for reform, as well as business and labor leaders.
Reform Immigration FOR America is ready to partner with Secretary Napolitano and the administration as they push for comprehensive immigration reform. Campaign Manager Rich Stolz said, “We are committed to achieving reform that treats immigrants humanely and fairly, enhances our national security, and puts the undocumented on a path to legal status and eventually citizenship. Secretary Napolitano made clear that the political and policy context for reform is decidedly better and different than it was the last time reform was attempted in 2007. Now it is up to the President, Congressional leaders, and us to make reform a reality. We are ready to get to work”
Categories: comprehensive immigration reform
Tags: immigration reform, immigration reform 2010, janet napolitano
