Winning the Battle for Immigration Reform

IMMIGRATION REFORM UPDATE: Senate Judiciary passed a moderated version of the Kennedy-McCain bill 12-6, meaning that 4 Republicans voted with a unified Democratic body. I.e., although Republicans spent megabucks on polling and decided that immigration would be a winning wedge (read: fear, or divide and conquer) issue for them in 2006's midterm elections, the Dems divided them. Finally some political prowess and unity on what I think is one of the most important issues in our country, it's good to have a small VICTORY.

This bill seems semi-promising in that some of the worst provisions have been stripped out. I have to read it first but I need to see that it is actually a fair bill that guarantees immigrants a path to citizenship, family reunification, and protects civil liberties and workers' rights. Let's see where this goes in the Senate and what gets changed in committee. I'll blog more on the politics behind everything later, I'm exhausted and exhilarated by the organizing committee meeting tonight.

All I can say is that this is the long hard work of the grassroots speaking, holding our elected accountable, and trying to honor and respect all the hardworking immigrants who make America what it is today. 500,000 in Los Angeles (plus Mayor Antonio Villagaroisa in attendance), over 100,000 in Chicago including Gov Blagojevich and Mayor Daley, San Fran at a standstill and hunger strikes, 20,000 in Phoenix, plus a national day of action on April 10th.

Somos companeros, si se puede! Now let's win the whole shebang.