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For immediate release
Nov. 20, 2014
DES MOINES – The League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa on Thursday applauded President Barack Obama for his executive order that granted temporary legal residency status to an estimated 5 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
“This is a day many of us have waited to arrive for years,” said Joe Enriquez Henry, LULAC of Iowa state director. “It means the chance of a brighter future for our youth, an opportunity for gainful employment, and an end to tearing families apart through deportation.”
Brent Wilkes, the executive director of LULAC National, said Obama’s action has answered the will of the American people, according to several recent polls that show a majority of Americans favor action on immigration reform.
“Today’s executive order not only does right by the families of countless Latinos, it also serves to benefit our economy,” he said.
Obama’s action allows those who have been in the United States for more than five years, or are parents with children born in the United States or have children who are U.S. citizens, and are willing to register, pass a criminal background check and agree to pay taxes to apply to stay in the country temporarily.
However, there are still another estimated 6 million to 7 million undocumented immigrants who will not fall under the executive order.
“The work is not done,” Enriquez Henry said. “Congress must step up and take action on the Senate-approved comprehensive immigration reform bill that was passed last year that showed both sides can work together. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue; it’s an American issue.”
LULAC of Iowa cautioned immigrants who fall under Obama’s order to be weary of fraudulent practices and those who may pose as attorneys and demand payment for immigration services.
“We will work with our national organization and immigration attorneys to provide assistance to the immigrant population,” Enriquez Henry said.
Founded in 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights, volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic-Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Its headquarters are in Washington, D.C., and there are 1,000 councils across the United States and Puerto Rico. LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy efforts address the most important issues for Latinos, and meet the critical needs of today and the future.
For more information, contact Joe Enriquez Henry at 515.208.7312 or joehenry@iowalatinos.org; or Melissa Walker at 515.681.7731 or media@iowalatinos.org.
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