Alejo Urges Obama to Pass Immigration Reform

Contributed by the Office of Luis Alejo:

Today, Assemblymember Luis Alejo, whose district includes Gilroy, presented Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 3 in the Assembly Judiciary Committee to urge President Obama and Congress to work on comprehensive immigration reform.

“One in every ten workers in California is an undocumented immigrant, immigration reform is vital to our economy,” said Alejo. “Immigration reform is a major strategic opportunity for the United States. Immigrants are essential in keeping the American economy strong. At a time where we are still recovering from the worst financial crisis since the great depression, it’s important to take action.”

According to a survey conducted by the California Farm Bureau last year, California farmers and ranchers reported chronic problems in finding and hiring enough people to tend and harvest crops.

A study by the University of Southern California estimates that the immediate and long-term effects of enacting comprehensive immigration reform would result in a $16 billion boost to California’s economy.

“California has waited too long and needs to send a message to our President and Congress about the urgency of immigration reform for the future of our families, our state, and our country,” said Alejo.

“AJR 3 is an important resolution calling on the federal government to uphold the golden promise to keep families together. California has one of the biggest populations of immigrants and California’s voice on the issue of immigration reform is critical,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director of Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA).

The resolution passed the California State Assembly Judiciary Committee today with a vote of 7-0. It will now go to the Assembly Floor for a vote by all legislators in the California State Assembly.