Media

(Washington, DC) - In response to the Department of Justice’s announcement that it has filed suit against the state of Arizona for its recently passed immigration law, S.B. 1070, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, issued the following statement:

“Immigration policy is a federal responsibility and with today’s challenge of Arizona S.B. 1070, the Department of Justice made it clear that state laws which violate the Constitution will not go uncontested. Our country needs a federal solution to this problem, not a chaotic hodgepodge of 50 different state immigration policies.Although S.B. 1070 sounds tough, it will do nothing to solve the problem and will foster a hostile environment for people of color and encourage racial profiling.

(Washington, DC)- Today, during a speech at American University, President Barack Obama laid out a strong case for comprehensive immigration reform. Calling on the nation to remember the millions of immigrants that broke their backs to build our country, he stressed that fixing our broken system not only makes us safer, but gives us an economic advantage in today’s global economy.

(Washington, DC) - Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with President Barack Obama who reasserted his commitment to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

“We were very encouraged to hear that the President will use his speech on Thursday, July 1, at American University to make the case for why comprehensive immigration reform is the only solution to our broken immigration system” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “We stand with the President and will continue to work with him to pass a tough, fair and practical immigration reform. We expect Republicans to finally join us in supporting a real solution.”

Members Discuss Economic Development, Border Security, and Immigration Reform

(Washington, DC) – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus met today with Mexican President Felipe Calderón to discuss U.S.-Mexico relations, focusing attention on economic development, improving security on both sides of the border and working to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill. During the meeting, CHC Members underscored their opposition to the recently enacted Arizona law, SB 1070, and discussed the urgency in enacting a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

(Washington, DC) - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, commented today on news that the Arizona Governor had signed into law SB1070:

“This shortsighted law is a step backward in our nation’s ongoing struggle to provide civil rights for all. This flawed law will do little to secure our border, but it will open the door to discrimination and racial profiling.

(Washington, DC) – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) today applauded the Senate’s confirmation of the Honorable Marisa J. Demeo as Associate Judge for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Judge Demeo was nominated for the post by President Obama in March 2009 and was previously endorsed by the CHC for her experience and dedication to public service.

“Judge Demeo is an exceptional jurist, an accomplished legal talent and one of the Latino community’s rising stars,” said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

(Washington, DC) - The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) today called for passage of President Obama’s health care reform proposal, saying that it would greatly improve the quality of life for millions of Latinos. The measure is expected to expand coverage to 8.8 million Latinos, or 60% of the currently uninsured Hispanic community.

“With one in three Latinos lacking a steady source of health care, the current system has been devastating to our families and communities,” said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Chair of the CHC. “The legislation before Congress offers a historic opportunity to address these problems and make quality, affordable medical care accessible for millions of Latinos.”