In response to President Bush’s visit to Yuma, Ariz., Alonzo Morado, Arizona state director for Democracia Ahora, made the following statement:

“President Bush is in Arizona today to discuss immigration reform. Unfortunately, his views on immigration have shifted radically away from common sense solutions. Where he previously touted such reasoned measures as an earned path to citizenship for hardworking undocumented workers, he’s now pushing renewable visas that will allow the immigrants to continue working, but will make it nearly impossible for them to become fully integrated in our society. Also, instead of working for family reunification, the plan the President is promoting would ensure more families remain separated.

“That’s a shame. The President has said many times that comprehensive immigration reform is a priority for him. But his new stance on immigration will make a compromise nearly impossible. Congress shouldn’t accept the President’s proposal. His plan would continue to divide families and create an underclass of workers that will harm all Americans.

“The President should instead work on delivering what he had promised so many times. We urge him to support the bipartisan STRIVE Act of 2007 introduced by Representatives Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Luis V. Gutierrez, D-Ill., which provides secure borders, a vibrant worker program and a path to earned citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants who already are contributing to our society by working hard and paying taxes.”

Democracia Ahora is a program of People For the American Way.