Hispanic Leaders Takes Immigration Agenda to Party Conventions

A coalition of immigration advocates unveiled their platform which they intend to present to political leadership at both party conventions in Tampa and Charlotte.

Chairman of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda criticized state level anti-immigration and voter rights initiatives put the Hispanic community “under attack” and makes their “daily lives unbearable.”  In an effort to have their voices heard the NHLA has introduced their platform which they plan to take to each party.

“We’re going to hold our leaders accountable for their actions and policies, and the impact they may have on our community,” Sanchez said, “It’s clear that the Latino vote has become a decisive force in the national elections. And our vote will only keep growing. Both parties need to earn the Latino vote.”

The NHLA agenda is calling for immigration reform, restricting state enforcement of immigration laws, greater access to education and healthcare, and boosting the federal government’s Hispanic workforce.

The coalition also calls for a long-term solution which would address the legal status of the 11 million unauthorized immigrants living in the states that “unites families and allows workers to enter with rights and protection that safeguards workers.” Deferred action is a small step, but by no means a long-term solution.

The agenda includes 40 different issues important to immigrants that need to be addressed. With 20 million Hispanic voters at stake, it will be important to both parties to pay attention to their needs and remove some of the social and political obstacles they face. 

Immigration attorneys can also remove some obstacles by using their expertise to obtain work visas or green cards, allowing immigrants to legally live and work in the U.S. Being legally recognized keeps immigrants from living in fear of deportation and keeps their families together.