Causa Oregon responds to President Obama’s State of the Union Speech

January 29, 2014

Salem, Ore. -- Last night, President Obama gave his State of The Union Address to the Nation. During his speech, the President discussed immigration and said:

“Finally, if we are serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, and law enforcement – and fix our broken immigration system. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have acted. I know that members of both parties in the House want to do the same. Independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the next two decades. And for good reason: when people come here to fulfill their dreams – to study, invent, and contribute to our culture – they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everyone. So let’s get immigration reform done this year.” 

 

In response to the President, Causa’s Executive Director Andrea Miller had this to say:

 

"We support President Obama's call to action on immigration reform. Families across Oregon have made it impossible for Congressman Greg Walden to ignore the moral crisis happening in our communities. Republicans like Congressman Walden understand that inaction on immigration is not viable, if their party is to survive. So, in the coming months, we will join with our partners and allies around the state and at the national level and to raise awareness in our communities about those who stand by while their policies separate mothers and fathers from their children. 

 

At the same time, we won’t allow President Obama to have it both ways. The laws enforced under his watch have separated hundreds of thousands of children from parents. And, his de facto family-separation policy -- which Republicans all too gladly support -- is winning him a shameful page in history: The President who deported two million immigrants. 

 

The President has said several times that he has “a pen and a phone” signaling that he will sign executive orders and take executive actions. The President has the power and authority to act now and end the deportations that are tearing families apart. We join with our allies around the country in calling on him to act immediately and comprehensively to suspend these cruel policies."

 

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Causa, Oregon's Statewide Immigrant Rights Organization is the largest Latina and Latino civil and human rights and advocacy organization in the Pacific Northwest. We work to defend and advance immigrant rights through coordination with local, state, and national coalitions and allies. For more information, visit www.causaoregon.org

Posted in: Immigration Reform,President Barack Obama,SOTU