Several weeks ago, I was invited to The White House for a community briefing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. "CIR" as some call it. Lofty idea to comprehensively reform something...especially the dreaded topic of immigration, huh? Speakers from agencies and public offices shared with the "community" their view of CIR. Every big-hitter was present. I should say that the speakers standing before us impressed me the most, but I won't. I should say that the semi-pep rally from Secretary Napolitano regarding the deferred action announcement inspired me the most, but I won't. Now don't get me wrong, the day was more than I could ever asked for. The honor of being invited to The White House is not something most can add to their resume--truly it was an honor. But the most impressing moment of the entire day came later.
I walked into a room at the White House Conference Center filled with community members and found my seat on the back wall. Looking around the room, I realized my place in the entire debate over CIR. It was one of those moments when you see something you've always seen, but it looks different this time. CIR involves so much more than education---I knew this but I forget to look up from my own stack of papers to the world around me. Community members from the realms of agriculture, faith-based organizations, LGBT groups, cultural & educational stakeholders, small & large business owners, trade & economic groups surrounded me. Now usually, if these community members were placed in one room to discuss a particular topic, there wouldn't be a resounding theme of agreement bursting through the doors. This was different. While the groups may have opposing ideas on the "how-to" issue of CIR, the theme of striving to make it happen--in one way or another--was clear.
You see, the topic of Comprehensive Immigration Reform touches us all. From the immigrants that came here to make the U.S. their home...to the business owner working diligently to comply with federal regulations-CIR matters. To the housewife planning her weekly grocery trip...to the agricultural worker making her list a reality-CIR matters. From teachers, to students, to parents, to children, to religious groups, to retirees, to Americans-CIR matters. I'll tell you why....
Comprehensive Immigration Reform doesn't focus on a thing. It doesn't focus on an insurance card or a student loan. It focuses directly on people--and finding a better way to help folks come and stay and live and believe and pray and learn legally. I think we can all agree on that.
Fair, Fact-Based, & Shared Future
