Immigration reform

Congressman Ben Ray Luján is a cosponsor of an immigration reform bill, cosponsored by members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Black Caucus, Asian Pacific American Caucus and Progressive Caucus, reports the Santa Fe New Mexican. 

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano reiterated the president’s stated commitment to immigration reform during a speech at New Mexico State University on Wednesday. Although she could not say when such a proposal will come to the forefront, Napolitano said the groundwork is already being laid behind the scenes for an immigration reform bill.

The impact of the immigration debate in this country, with a shift toward stronger enforcement of immigration laws, the construction of a border fence, and mass raids and deportations of immigrants over the past couple of years, can be seen in the stories of immigrants such as Pajarito Mesa’s Salvador Montes, who became a citizen and will vote for the first time this year.