GV Face: Dreams of US Immigration Reform

"Time Is Now" Immigration Reform Rally

“Time Is Now” Immigration Reform Rally in Washington, DC (April 10, 2013). By David Sachs/SEIU (CC BY-NC-SA)

Is immigration reform just a dream?

Millions have emigrated to the US, for family, opportunity or in the pursuit of a better life. Today, there are 40 million immigrants in the United States, of which an estimated 11 million, live and work without legal status. Fear of deportation drives many to live in the shadows, making them vulnerable to violations of basic rights protected under US and international law.

In this week's GV Face, l talk to activists and experts about the movement for immigration reform, and discuss what the proposed reform could mean for the daily lives of millions of immigrants.

Activist Marisol Ramos talks to us about the various youth immigrant movements offline and online.

Alfonso González author of Reform Without Justice and editorial committee member of the North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA) questions whether guest worker programs can solve the deadlock over immigration.

Global Voices author Robert Valencia talks about the various times reform seemed within reach but then got sent to the back burner.

Global Voices Managing Editor Solana Larsen will be leading the discussion.

Read our Special Coverage page Migrant Journeys for background (in partnership with NACLA).

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