MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) -- A delegation from Middle Tennessee was in the nation’s capital yesterday for a pro-immigration reform rally held on the grounds of the capital building.
Thousands took part in yesterday’s rally in Washington D.C. Thousands more participated in rallies in 18 state capitals.
The Nashville based Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition took a delegation of 14 to Washington for the event. Spokesman Eben Cathey says they made the rounds on Capitol Hill, visiting with both Tennessee senators and five of the state’s congressional representatives.
“Had a lot of really great conversations about immigration reform, and it really seems like everybody that we spoke to – every representative we spoke to – is on the same page.”
Cathey says since the last election the Coalition has seen a real change in tone out of Washington on the subject of immigration reform.
“This election really woke everyone up to see that immigrants are voting, they’re speaking with one voice, and immigrants and allies alike – they want to see immigration reform now.”
The Associated Press reports that a bi-partisan immigration bill is currently being negotiated in the senate. The bill would reportedly provide a path to citizenship for some immigrants, but only after extensive new border security measures are instituted.