As Latino elected officials in the Central Valley, we have the honor and duty to represent all the people that live in our cities, counties and state. When a member of our communities comes to City Hall asking for help with a street light, a pothole or even a job, we do not ask their status, we just do what we can to help. We appreciate the contributions of immigrants in our communities.
According to a study by the New American Economy, Immigrants in California paid over $82 billion dollars in taxes. In the greater metropolitan areas of Fresno and Bakersfield, immigrants paid close to $3 billion dollars in taxes-taxes which help fund schools, fire, police and social security.
As Valley residents, we are painfully aware our immigration system is failing. It is not meeting the needs of families, employers or the economy. Not only is our current immigration system failing, but so is our President and Congress. As Central Valley Elected officials, we must act as the voice of our communities and demand that Congress and the President work together on real immigration reform.