Political leaders gather in support of immigration reform in Los Angeles

Congressman Luis Gutierrez led "La Lucha Continua" (The Struggle Continues), a community forum dealing with immigration reform at Placita OlveraChurch in Los Angeles on Feb. 1.Rio Hondo's own Students Without Borders were present to offer support and show solidarity with other colleges and organizations.

Gutierrez authored the newly introduced immigration bill Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009"CIR ASAP" which would provisionally legalize undocumented workers and students.

Incentives provided by the bill include more border enforcement while providing a pathway to legalization for undocumented workers.

Through a series of background checks, health inspections and civic testing workers would be offered provisional licenses and a legal ability to work in the U.S.

Undocumented students would be allowed citizenship after receiving a degree or enlisting in the armed forces for two years or more under a provision known as the DREAM ACT.

Most members of Students Without Borders attended to learn about CIR ASAP.

Rosario Ramirez member of Students Without Borders said "I feel really proud to be a part of this movement and I certainly believe that Luis Gutierrez is not going to let us down with comprehensive immigration reform."

Supporters of the forum featured leaders such as local Los Angeles Chief of Police Charlie Beck, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and radio host Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo.

Chief of police Charlie Beck began his speech by clarifying to those present at the church that he is willing to work with the undocumented community by serving them as their chief.

"Our goal is to provide security to members of this community no matter where you are from," Beck said.

He promised to continue the work of special order 40 which prohibits members of the Los Angeles police department from inquiring a person's immigration status.

Attendees angrily shouted "alto a los retenes" meaning stop the checkpoints placed on the streets of Los Angeles which puts undocumented drivers at risk of losing their car and being deported to their country of origin Congresswoman Judy Chu representative of the 32 nd district assured the community that she will fight for comprehensive immigration reform.

She related the struggles of the undocumented community to the experiences her father encountered as an Asian immigrant living in the U.S. Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo announced that through his station he was going to keep the Latino community updated on immigration reform and highlighted the importance of having faith in the movement not losing hope.

Sotelo said "People call my station saying that they are tired of living as undocumented."

He further explained that if people place their faith in god and remain hopeful then the movement for comprehensive immigration reform can be stronger.

Amongst a round of applause and chants of "si se puede" Congressman Luis Gutierrez reminded people that the fight for immigration reform will only get stronger and louder.

Inviting people to join him on March 21 to Washington DC to remind President Barack Obama of the promise he made to the undocumented community.

He urged people to give a legislative visit to their congress member and ask them if they will push for his bill. Saying "those who block the process and no matter if they are a democrat or republican if they block the struggle of the undocumented community we will deal with you through the electoral system.