Progress Illinois

Immigration reform advocates aren't satisfied with the pace at which federal lawmakers are working to solve the nation's broken immigration system. Although it was an early campaign pledge from President Barack Obama, immigration has taken a backseat to the country's financial, energy, and health care systems. At the historic Jane Adams Hull House today, a wide coalition working under the banner Reform Immigration FOR America said it's time lawmakers pick up the pace in Washington. "We are here because of one simple truism," Alie Kabba, the executive director of the United African Organization said. "If it's broken, fix it, and fix it now."

As part of Reform Immigration FOR America's nationwide launch, clergy members, labor activists, business owners, and civil rights leaders all emphasized the humanitarian and economic need for comprehensive immigration reform. And organizers are selling their message by eliciting values central to American life: humane policies can save families, broaden the taxbase, and ensure everyone has a chance at the American Dream. Congressman Mike Quigley, who received a raucous ovation from the assembled crowd, said that creating a path to citizenship for the nation's 12 million undocumented workers is "fair, right, and just." Watch it here:

Jorge Ramirez, secretary-treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor and a son of Mexican immigrants, added to Quigley's comments, pointing out that the rights and safety of workers will only be protected if all employees are legally recognized:

Chicago wasn't the only city where the immigration rights community mobilized today. The coalition hosted 37 other events in 20 states, raising awareness about the need to fix America's outdated system. On Capitol Hill later this week, over 800 activists -- including 71 from Illinois -- will also participate in a National Town Hall Meeting on the subject. Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown agrees that holding lawmakers' feet to the fire is of vital importance early in the process. "As a public official," she said. "it's important that we don't hide when it comes to these serious issues."