T he diverse media across the United States are being enjoined to voice out the collective sense of ethnic communities in having immigration reform that addresses concerns involving families and personal liberties of immigrants. As the debate on immigration takes center stage in the coming weeks, the largest collaboration of ethnic media in America makes its stand known -- immigration reform "that protects all workers from exploitation, improves America's security and builds strong communities."

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THE SENSE OF 60-MILLION ADULT AMERICANS: Time for Immigration Reform Is Now

By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ

The author is a member of the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and National Press Club of the Philippines-USA.

S AN DIEGO -  America's first and largest ethnic-media collaboration is breaking new ground in advocating for the passage of an immigration law that would reunite families and end abuses resulting from what it calls "a broken system of raids and roundups" of immigrants.

The New America Media, which groups more than 2,500 ethnic-news organizations across the United States, also seeks to expunge the phrase "illegal or undocumented immigrants" from the current debate.

In an editorial on Thursday (June 25), the NAM urged the White House and the Congress to move quickly towards enacting an immigration reform package "that protects all workers from exploitation, improves America's security and builds strong communities."

"Immigration reform is an issue that directly impacts the lives of millions of our audiences," explained Sandy Close, NAM executive director.

The NAM is enjoining its ethnic media members -- which reach over 60 million Americans -- to publish the pooled editorial as a way of sending a powerful message to the government that ethnic media and their audiences are paying close attention to the immigration debate.

"This is the first time we have done this on a national scale," said Sandip Roy, a NAM editor and writer who also hosts a radio show.

"We are not taking a position on a particular immigration plan but on the need for the government to move for immigration in general. Also we are committed to showing that immigration is an issue that affects all ethnic groups from Latinos to African Americans to Asians," Roy added.

* PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE - Redefining Community News

BREAKING NEWS -  Exclusive

Volume 3, Issue No. 9 / News Without Fear or Favor

. . . . . A community service of San Diego's Philippine Village Voice (PhilVoiceNews@aol.com or at 619.265.0611) for the information and better understanding of the public. . . . . .

T he editorial is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Arabic. Below is the full text:

"The White House and members of Congress must move quickly on enacting a just and humane immigration reform package that will reunite families, reinvigorate the economy, and remove the term 'illegal or undocumented immigrants' from the dialogue in this country.

"Ethnic media, which reaches over 60-million adults in the United States, calls on Congress to move decisively on immigration reform because there are few issues as important to the nation's well-being as an overhaul of the inefficient, inhumane and economically debilitating immigration system.

"More importantly, we are also urging our readers and viewers to contact their Senators and Congressmen and let them know that immigration reform must be a national priority.

"The immigration system is broken not just for 12-million undocumented immigrants, but also for specialized workers blocked from joining the American economy because of narrow quotas, and mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who must wait for years before being reunited with their families.

"Our nation needs comprehensive immigration policies that will replace a broken system of raids and roundups with one that protects all workers from exploitation, improves America's security and builds strong communities.

"It’s time to end the division between workers, which has allowed big business to exploit both sides. Clearly, working-class citizens and immigrant workers have much in common – dreams of better homes, education for their families and quality healthcare.

"There is more that brings us together, than separates us.  United we can be a strong force for change, changes that that bring more workforce safety and humane conditions.

"Immigration is often portrayed as an explosive, divisive issue. In reality it's not.

"Since the repeal of the national-origins quota system in 1965, which discriminated against certain immigrants, a consensus has been building towards an immigration system that respects the country's core values.

"These include economic opportunity, equality under the law regardless of ethnic background, and an embrace of the world's most innovative, energetic and ambitious workers.

"Now, with the country facing serious competition from workers abroad, it's more important than ever to create a world-class immigration system. It's good for families, good for communities and good for America." # # #

* Editor’s Note: This editorial was produced in association with New America Media (www.newamericamedia.org), a national association of ethnic media, and was published by ethnic media across the country this week to bring attention to the urgency of immigration reform.

(This Breaking News is sent by Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, San Diego, California. Mailing address: P.O. Box 2118, La Jolla, CA. 92038. Volume 3, Issue no. 9, June 25, 2009).