The Leadership Conference is working diligently to see that Tom Perez is confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Perez is an eminently qualified public servant and consensus builder who has dedicated his career to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and have the opportunity to succeed. He has served with integrity and distinction at the local, state and national level, compiling an outstanding record of achievement. Wade Henderson Remarks at the Rally for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Thank you, Janet (Murguia). I'm Wade Henderson, president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights – a coalition of more than 200 national civil and human rights organizations, working to build an America that is as good as its ideals.
Today, I want to let you know that you are not alone. The entire civil and human rights community stands with you, because the principle behind the comprehensive immigration reform movement is the same principle that has guided every civil and human rights movement in our nation's history – and that is that people who work hard to make our country a better place, and who are willing to play by the rules, deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity and to have an equal chance to share in the American Dream.
The civil rights community has been with you every step of the way in this effort, and we will continue to be with you until we succeed.
We are with you to continue to demand that Congress and President Obama move forward with fixing our broken immigration system. Not only is it the right thing to do, but fixing our immigration system is essential to fixing our health care system; expanding our economy and creating good jobs; strengthening workers rights and protecting consumers; and providing every student in this country with a quality education.
We're going to keep a close eye on Congress as it works out the details, to make sure that people are treated fairly and humanely – and to make sure that reform works for everyone, citizens and immigrants alike.
You are not alone. We will be there with you, to let them know that immigration reform needs to happen this year. We know that Congress has a lot on its plate and is doing a lot of important work. But this is one issue that cannot afford to wait any longer.
Thank you.
