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Locals Call For Immigration Reform At All Levels Of Government

Local supporters of immigration reform are calling for action on federal, state, and local levels  of government. As WEMU's Andrew Cluley reports, the group, Organizing for Action Washtenaw, hosted a forum on immigration reform Wednesday evening at the University of Michigan. 

Local supporters of immigration reform say there are actions to be taken on the state and local levels even if work on the issue stalls at the federal level.  The group, Organizing for Action Washtenaw, hosted a forum on the University of Michigan campus Wednesday night. 

State Representative Jeff Irwin is an Ann Arbor Democrat. 

He says Governor Rick Snyder has shown support for some immigration reform, but needs to go further to make Michigan a welcoming state for all. Irwin says legislation pending in Lansing  would ensure immigrants can obtain driver's licenses to enhance safety on the roadway and ensure more motorists have insurance.  He adds that other bills would grant eligible students in-state tuition rates at Michigan colleges and universities. Irwin  also says Michigan has traditionally benefited from the hard work and drive of immigrants.

Like many, I first came to this area when I started school at the University of Michigan, then fell in love with the community and haven’t left. After graduating from U of M in the mid 1990’s I interned at WDET for several years, while also working a variety of jobs in Ann Arbor. Then in 1999 I joined the WEMU news team.