Garcetti Leads Opening LA's Immigration Office

Reopen the office for immigrants

Garcetti says that would be operational in early July

BY: Esmeralda Fabian Romero / esmeralda.fabian @ laopinion.com | 9:01 pm | 02/20/2013 |   La Opinion

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On the recommendation of Councilman Eric Garcetti, the City Council approved the reopening of the office of immigrants.

Photo: The Opinion J. Emilio Flores

The city of Los Angeles has at last taken the firm position supporting the thousands of undocumented immigrants living in this city, has unanimously approved the restoration of the Office of Immigrant Affairs.

On the recommendation of the 13th district councilor and candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, City Council yesterday approved this office acts as a source of local support to persuade immigration reform nationally.

"There have been many years of struggle and fortunately we are finally seeing the light of hope," said Jose Felix, community leader MacArthur Park area, who personally thanked the initiative of members of the City Council yesterday during the meeting of these at city hall.

"I am proud to have reached this resolution. Locally We must be ready to take action on the process of immigration reform proposed by President Obama, and that would benefit many immigrants Angelenos" said Gracetti.

Members of pro-immigrant organizations as CHRILA, COFEM, Hermandad Mexicana and other groups representing immigrants from places like Thailand, were present at the City Council of Los Angeles to express their gratitude and ensure the support of city officials.

"I commend you for taking responsibility for a part in the process of immigration reform. In any city in the country should be more an anti-immigrant sentiment," said Raul Murillo, president of Hermandad Mexicana, who also emphasized that they expect this time city, "we can finally provide identification cards."

Garcetti took the lead in reaching this decision, arguing not only that he is the grandson of Mexican immigrants and Russian, but "in this city for 65 percent of the inhabitants are immigrants or children of immigrants, from over 144 different countries "shared and said he lives in Los Angeles the largest population of people from 37 countries outside its territory.

The mayoral candidate shared with La Opinión expects that this office is ready to operate "as soon as July 1, but I think if Mayor Villaraigosa makes arrangements may be opening its doors in late spring."Garcetti also told this newspaper about his intention to support pro-immigrant march possibly in April.

"America needs this reform, and each of these actions is a step. Need to demonstrate to Congress that this support is in Los Angeles," said the councilman.

The other councilor who is also a candidate for mayor of Los Ángekles, Jan Perry, was absent for the vote in favor of the resolution, as well as Council President Herb Wesson.