WASHINGTON, DC -The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund issued the following statement on President Obama’s speech at American University:

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund congratulates President Obama for his eloquent words today on comprehensive immigration reform. He has followed his strong commitment to CIR with concrete steps and specific actions to fix our broken immigration system.

“The president has listened to the community. Clearly he is willing to invest the same level of commitment in comprehensive immigration reform that he has for other major policy priorities. It is now time for Congress to do the same and introduce legislation. The community demands no less,” said Harris County (Texas) Commissioner Sylvia R. García, President of the NALEO board, which serves as an advisor to the NALEO Educational Fund.

President Obama reiterated in his remarks today that border security remains a top priority, but not at the expense of comprehensive immigration reform.

“It is obvious that border security is being addressed, and now is the time for a more comprehensive approach. The ball is in Congress’ court,” added García.

On this upcoming 4th of July holiday, the NALEO Educational Fund reiterates that core American value that President Obama spoke so well of today: we are a unique nation founded by immigrants. When immigrants embrace the opportunity to start on the path to U.S. citizenship, they are eager to become full participants in American civic life. Comprehensive immigration
reform strengthens our democracy by providing this critical opportunity to newcomers throughout the nation.