Hispanic Leaders Push Immigration Rights

George P. Bush listens to a speaker during the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials annual convention, Friday, June 23, 2006, in Dallas. More than 1,000 people were expected to attend the event and discuss political and social issues. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (Matt Slocum - AP)

DALLAS -- Latino elected officials from both parties are joining efforts to lobby Congress in support of immigration law reform.

Elected officials from Arizona, California, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas were among those who agreed on the campaign Saturday during the annual convention of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, a group of Hispanic leaders from around the country.

They promised to walk the halls of Congress on July 19 to press for action that would favor immigrants, such as elements of a Senate bill that would provide the opportunity for some illegal immigrants to gain legal status. The House version focuses on enforcement.

"The issue of immigration has energized and united Latino leaders across the country," said John Bueno, NALEO board president. "We represent millions of Americans from two parties and countless ethnicities who support hardworking immigrant families. Congress needs to listen to their voices and pass real immigration reform."

The issue was one of the most discussed subjects during the group's convention, which concluded Saturday and was attended by more than 1,000 people.

___

On the Net:

NALEO: http://www.naleo.org