In Miami Gardens, Fla., last night union leaders, immigration activists and elected officials called for comprehensive immigration reform—including a path to citizenship for the nation’s 11 million aspiring citizens—as part of the AFL-CIO’s immigration reform campaign.  

One young Honduran DREAMer spoke about the 30-day journey on foot he made with his father to escape poverty. Others spoke about the employer abuse and exploitation many immigrant workers face in the workplace.

María Elena Durazo, chair of the AFL-CIO’s Immigration Committee and executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, outlined the union movement’s immigration reform blueprint that includes:

1. An independent commission to assess and manage future flows, based on labor market shortages that are determined on the basis of actual need;
2. A secure and effective worker authorization mechanism;
3. Rational operational control of the border;
4. Adjustment of status for current undocumented population; and
5. Improvement, not expansion, of temporary worker programs, limited to temporary seasonal, not permanent jobs.

It's time for all of us to stand together to get a commonsense immigration process for all Americans. Join us and sign the pledge.

Learn more about the union movement's shared principles for immigration reform.