Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Blog

In the Northeast, Leaders Demand an Immigration System that Lives up to Our Heritage as a Nation of Laws and a Nation of Immigrants

Ed. note: This post is the third in a series of five. Check back on the White House Blog throughout the week for more statements from leaders around the country.

This week, we’ve heard the views of state and local officials in the South and Midwest who know that we need to fix the broken immigration system. Today, we hear from officials in the Northeast who explain how commonsense immigration reform is consistent with our heritage as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.

"A fair, sensible immigration policy made our country great, and has repeatedly renewed and enriched the City of Burlington throughout its history.  One of the most inspiring experiences I've had as an elected official has been participating in a naturalization ceremony.  Our immigrants serve our community as professors and farmers, skilled laborers and doctors; they are our neighbors, our students, our friends.  Today's broken immigration system is out of step with the welcoming and supportive character our country should strive to demonstrate.  By passing comprehensive immigration reform, we will strengthen America's economy, communities, and spirit." 

Burlington, Vermont Mayor Miro Weinberger

“In the City of Hartford, reforming immigration laws could increase foreign professionals and skilled workers, immigrant populations could serve as conduits to export goods and services, and ultimately it could increase our tax base. Passing comprehensive immigration is right thing to do for our country's future and it's a decision our children and generations to come will be proud of."

Hartford, Connecticut Mayor Pedro Segarra

“I encourage Congress to enact bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform. America’s current immigration system is broken, harms our economy, and does not reflect our values as a nation. For years, the federal government has failed to address the issue and left our communities and states to deal with the effects. Now is the time to reform our nation’s immigration system to benefit all Americans, so that we can prosper as a nation. Managing the immigration process is a federal responsibility that requires a federal solution. I applaud the President for offering a comprehensive immigration plan and I hope that Congress will now work across party lines to find workable solutions.”

Delaware Governor Jack Markell

State and Local Officials in the South Speak Up to Fix the Broken Immigration System

Ed. note: This post is the first in a series of five. Check back on the White House Blog throughout the week for more statements from leaders around the country.

Across the country, Democratic and Republican state and local officials are speaking out about the need for commonsense immigration reform. This week, we’ll share thoughts from governors, mayors, county executives, state legislators, attorneys general, treasurers and more about why they support immigration reform and how fixing the broken immigration system would impact their communities.

“For too many years our country has struggled to find an effective solution to immigration reform, with the central issue being the question of how to deal with undocumented workers.  We have been encouraged, however, that in recent months a bi-partisan group of U.S. Senators has been working together to establish a path that allows those workers, the great majority of whom are hard-working dignified individuals, to become lawful tax-payers.  It is important for the continued growth and competitiveness of our country that we find a solution to this issue, and I urge Congress to continue working together to establish a fair, but humane, solution that establishes such a path.”

Miami-Dade, Florida Mayor Carlos Gimenez

“There is no doubt that the economic, social and cultural contributions of immigrants continue to enrich our cities and communities. We cannot ever forget that immigrants have helped make our nation stronger. This is an issue of great importance here in Georgia, and as such, I support President Barack Obama’s proposal to achieve meaningful, comprehensive immigration reform.”

Atlanta, Georgia Mayor Kasim Reed

“In Birmingham, we recognize the value of diversity. We strive to be inclusive and to give a sense of respect for all cultures and all races. Here in the cradle of the Civil Rights struggle, our history mandates that we embrace all cultures and ensure that all are treated equally and fairly and with the honor they deserve.”

Birmingham, Alabama Mayor William Bell

“Louisville is a growing international city in the heartland of America. Comprehensive immigration reform is essential for us to spur entrepreneurism and grow jobs. America's population represents all of the immigrants of the world. The quicker immigration reform is addressed and resolved, the quicker our international competitive economic advantage will accelerate.”

Louisville, Kentucky Mayor Greg Fischer