Washington, DC – Following President Bush’s remarks in Yuma, Arizona yesterday, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., urged Administration and congressional action on comprehensive immigration reform by this summer.

“The President’s speech yesterday was a positive, hopeful sign that he continues to believe that immigration reform has to be comprehensive – including a path to permanent status for the 12 million undocumented already working in this country – to be effective. But the time for the President to move beyond just selling this message and start delivering to make it happen is now,” stated Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO.

“The President’s speech and the recent introduction of the ‘STRIVE Act’ also reaffirm that there is widespread bipartisan support and momentum for comprehensive immigration reform. Yet we must also keep in mind that the window of opportunity is fast closing. We call on Congress to pass immigration reform legislation before the August recess,” concluded Murguía.

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