Congressional Democrats believe they are on a roll, one that may enable them to take over the leadership of the House of Representatives after the votes in the mid-term election have been counted.
If that turns out to be the case, then some promises they made in New York to America’s vast immigrant community in general, and people from the Caribbean in particular, would not only be considered a firm commitment, but these are words that are music to the ears of the foreign born.
On a visit to New York City a few days ago, Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Minority Leader of the House, who can become the next speaker of that chamber should her party seize control from the Republicans, made some important pledges to immigrants. Standing side-by-side with Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), one of the most decent and productive lawmakers in public in America today, Pelosi spoke about:
* Pathway to citizenship for millions of deserving undocumented immigrants in the country;
* Ensuring family reunification for immigrants who have been separated from their spouse, children, and other close relatives for many years;
* The enforcement of workplace laws that protect employees;
* Increased wages for people who are at the bottom of the pay scale, hinting at a boost in the minimum wage rate; and
* Protection for America’s borders against a flood of people just coming from Mexico in search of employment.
“We recognize the value that immigrants have to our society, a constant re-invigoration for hope, optimism and courage that they bring,” said Pelosi. “That has been the success of America. We shouldn’t stop it now.”
Rangel, whose record of support for immigrants has been consistent, fair and realistic, cited two key items on the list: wages and citizenship. It was an appropriate choice. He said that a decent wage for American workers was vital to their existence, while a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented made sense – period.
In an election year, are Pelosi and Rangel simply seeking votes by pandering to the immigrant community?
Absolutely not. For one thing, the Democrats and a handful of fair-minded Republicans have articulated the need for many of the things both Pelosi and Rangel singled out.
For another, the planks in their immigration platform are central to the bipartisan reform package, approved recently by the Senate, but which the Republican leadership in the House finds objectionable. Republicans have taken to going across the country, holding time-wasting Congressional hearings on immigration in order to hear what they already know: that many Americans would like to see reform of the nation’s laws, emphasize rigid control, deportation of the undocumented already in the country and punitive actions taken against anyone who dares to help illegal aliens.
In addition, Rangel, who would become the next chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee if the Democrats win a majority in the House in November, is known for saying what he believes in, not for what people expect him to say.
Both members of the Democratic leadership in Congress have carved out a record of outstanding national public service and we accept their pledge for what we believe it is: a sincere effort to treat the foreign-born with dignity and respect.
