During a rally for immigration reform on Tuesday, several House Representatives were arrested for blocking traffic. The Representatives, all Democrats, included John Lewis, GA; Kieth Ellison, MN; Charles Rangel, NY; Jan Schakowsky, IL; and Luis Gutierrez, IL. The rally was held on the National Mall, in spite of ‘closure’ due to the government shutdown, to urge Republican members of Congress to pass immigration reform legislation. While the Senate has passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill that could be taken up by the House, House Democrats have released their own bill. The House bill is similar to that of the Senate and, it seems, is equally unlikely of passing in the Republican-controlled House.
Colorado Voices Its Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
This week, more than 50 Colorado businesses and civic organizations joined together to urge Colorado representatives to vote in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. In a letter emphasizing Colorado’s unique ties to the immigrant community, the group pointed out how immigration reform will benefit Colorado’s tourism and agriculture industries by providing a steady stream of willing workers. The letter also urged immigration reform as the right thing to do for Colorado immigrant families.
Aspen’s Chamber of Commerce endorsed the letter just before U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton’s (R-Cortez) visit to the mountain town, scheduled for Friday. The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition reports that immigration activists will be on hand during Rep. Tipton’s visit to push the message home.