California Report: Californians Hail Obama’s Push for Immigration Reform

Californians Hail Obama’s Push for Immigration Reform

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Eliseo Medina, secretary-treasurer of the SEIU, arrives at the White House in November, 2012. A Central Valley native, Medina says the 2012 election was a political earthquake in terms of immigration.

President Barack Obama is expected to launch a major push for immigration reform on Tuesday. It’s a big moment for advocates from California who’ve been lobbying for this day for years in Washington, D.C. Reporter: Jacob Fenston

Before sunrise on Tuesday, a delegation of farmworkers left Bakersfield to head to Las Vegas, where the president will deliver his speech. There have been many promises made for immigration reform over the years, but the United Farm Workers leadership is guardedly optimistic. Farm owners are also hopeful. A statement by Western Growers, a group representing California and Arizona farmers, says it looks forward to working with senators leading the reform effort to ensure whatever plan is developed works for agriculture in this part of the country.