LATINOS CRITICIZE FIRST LADY

 WASHINGTON -- The Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, a leading voice for Latinos, today criticized First Lady Michelle Obama after she insisted that immigration reform remains "at the top" of President Obama's agenda on Univision Sunday show, while his party has made no serious attempt to reach across the aisle to craft a sensible solution.

"Enough is enough.  The President—and now the First Lady—keeps going on Spanish-language TV and radio to tell us that the Administration is committed to doing something on immigration, but so far they haven't done anything serious to move the issue forward," said Alfonso Aguilar, Executive Director of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles.  "We are not going to fall for that condescending rhetoric from the White House.

"As usual, the First Lady blamed Republicans for not wanting to work on immigration and for not voting for the Dream Act during the Lame Duck session, even though her husband hasn't lifted a finger to seriously engage the Republican leadership on this issue.  On the Dream Act, besides not consulting with Republicans, they didn't give anyone the opportunity to present amendments.

"Don't they realize Latinos can see through their political gimmickry?  It's clearly in their best political interests to just talk about immigration, instead of actually doing something.  They want to use the immigration issue politically so they can continue to blame Republicans as the "enemies" of Latinos, hoping this will allow them to garner the majority of the Latino vote in the next election."

"Well, Latinos want to see results.  And they want the President to genuinely reach out to Republicans, just like he did on the Bush tax cuts, and begin an open and transparent dialogue with them.  If they really think that by just going on Hispanic media to make empty promises is going to get them the support of Latino voters, they are seriously mistaken."

The Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles promotes conservative values and ideals within the Latino community and works to integrate Latinos into fuller and more active participation and leadership in the conservative movement. It is an initiative of The American Principles Project, a 501(c)(3) organization.