Two months ago I wrote about my disappointment with Organizing for America (OFA) for not including immigration on their agenda, even after President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Now that the debate on immigration has heated up thanks to the controversial law in Arizona, the upcoming political pressure from the Partnership for a New American Economy, and the recent President's address on immigration, OFA has finally added immigration in their Agenda.Even with all the new momentum that immigration reform is gaining, we still lack a bill in the Senate, both political parties remain divided, and President Obama failed to mention either an action plan or deadlines to make comprehensive immigration reform a reality. Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America's Voice, stated in a video message that immigration reform is stalled in Congress and that passing stepping stones to a broader reform like the DREAM Act, which already has support of both Democrats and Republicans in Washington, will work as a down payment on real comprehensive immigration reform.
It is impractical to keep ignoring the fact that the DREAM Act can be passed right away and provide undocumented youth with the opportunity to continue their higher education and personal achievement. The students working to ensure the passage of the DREAM Act support comprehensive immigration reform and have done amazing organizing to support both causes all across the nation, but understand that their stories have a better chance of convincing congress to pass the Dream Act than to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
Sign this petition and tell Organizing for America to BEGIN their organizing towards a fair immigration system by working to pass the DREAM Act this Summer.
Photo Credit: washingtondreamact