Washington, D.C. — Marshall Fitz, Director of Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement today after meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House to discuss immigration reform:
Our meeting with the president was productive and energized. The president reiterated to us that enacting common-sense immigration reform is at the top of his legislative priorities for the first six months of the year, and he expressed confidence that we can get across the finish line.
The stakeholders in the room were in strong alignment with the president on strategy and substance. We share a sense of urgency with the president and a belief that the legislative process needs to move forward quickly. Likewise, we agree that a clear road to citizenship, one unobstructed by unnecessary obstacles and uncertainty, is at the heart of lasting, meaningful reform. The president has laid out a timeline and shown his commitment to making reform a reality, and now it’s time for the Senate working group to keep the momentum going on the Hill.
The Center for American Progress is grateful for the president’s laser-like focus on fixing the broken system, leveling the playing field for all workers and employers, and building the middle class. His deep personal commitment was evident in the meeting and we have never been more optimistic about the prospects for legislation.
To speak with Marshall Fitz, please contact Crystal Patterson at 202.478.6350 or [email protected].