Reform = path to citizenship

Now that Republicans say they are open to negotiations and President Barack Obama plans to push for immigration reform, he must work closely with immigrant advocacy groups to draft a bill that fully capitalizes on this opportunity.

Since Obama was re-elected, Latino organizations have reminded him that if he doesn’t prioritize a passage of immigration reform in 2013, his party might lose the support of the massive numbers of Hispanics who voted for him in November and who will participate in 2014 midterm elections.

Getting the President’s attention and his leadership was just part of the struggle. The other arduous task is to help him define aspects of this reform. The main goal is to open a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., including the Dreamers.

There is fear that some Republicans may try to argue for some type of legalization without a path to citizenship. They signaled this with their Achieve proposal, a short-sighted version of the Dream Act.

President Obama must reject any proposal that attempts to create an underclass of residents. An unacceptable measure like this is also at odds with a chief goal of an effective immigration system -- to integrate foreigners who intend to work hard and plant roots, and help them become full-fledged citizens who contribute to society.

Obama’s team announced it will begin a campaign for immigration reform in late January. Hispanics must remain attentive to the discussion and debate and make their voices heard on the type of immigration reform Congress should usher in. Otherwise, our sons and daughters will be grappling with the same set of problems.