Hispanic Association To Pelosi: Don't Betray The Latino Community!

LOS ANGELES, -- The following is an open letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosisent on March 10 and released today.

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Speaker of the US House of Representatives

Room H-232, US Capitol

Washington, DC 20515

Madame Speaker:

I am writing to express strong concern with rumors that have reached me that you might bring up H.R. 2499, the so-called "Puerto Rico Democracy Act." I am concerned with the possible argument of supporters of H.R. 2499 that bringing it to the floor would be a way to offset failure to act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform.  

Madame Speaker, you and your Democratic leadership colleagues promised to deliver action on Comprehensive Immigration Reform during the 111th Congress.  However, despite a few more hearings and speeches on the issue in the last year, we have seen little concrete progress.  

And now we hear that a bill to establish a flawed process tilted in favor of Puerto Rico statehood might be offered as a way for members of Congress to show their concern for Latino issues.  This is simply unacceptable. Comprehensive Immigration Reform should not be treated as a matter of politics to be horse-traded but rather as an issue of moral principle.    

We respectfully demand that you use the full weight of your office to redouble the House's efforts on Comprehensive Immigration Reform and to set aside legislation such as HR 2499 that would distract from higher priorities.  I wish to make it plain:  Inaction on Comprehensive Immigration Reform is completely unacceptable.  Action on HR 2499 and not on Comprehensive Immigration Reform will be a serious and unforgivable slap in the face of Latino voters.

Sincerely,

Nativo V. Lopez

National President

SOURCE Mexican American Political Association