Rhode Island is Arizona

Now that yet another debt ceiling debacle is behind us, it’s time for Congress and the White House to again focus its attention on immigration reform, says a coalition of Rhode Island urban advocacy groups known collectively as “We are all Arizona.” They holding a rally at the State House Thursday and across the country activists are celebrating a “week of dignity and respect.”

Jhanet Cabrera, of the Olneyville Neighborhood Association, said, “Deporter-in-Chief Obama continues to call for immigration reform, but it’s time for him to put his money where his mouth is,” , one of the local organizations calling on the POTUS to renew the nation’s focus on immigration reform. “With the stroke of a pen, the man who has deported more immigrants than any other president – 2 million and counting – could suspend all deportations pending passage of immigration reform.”

Juan Garcia, of the Committee of Immigrants in Action, added: “For years, the human rights of immigrants – our dignity and respect – have been trampled upon. Today, as we find ourselves on the brink of passing immigration reform, we say to the politicians in Washington, D.C. that we will not tolerate failure. If they don’t pass reform, we’ll make them pay at the polls.”

The press conference follows a forum and march earlier in the month. The coalition thanked Congressman David Cicilline for attending the event. They also thanked Providence mayoral candidate Brett Smiley for marching with them.