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Immigration protest outside Cornyn's Harlingen office
Posted: 08.11.2009 at 10:26 AM
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Read more: Local, Politics, Illegal Immigration, Immigration, Sotomayor, Hispanics, Protest, La Union Del Pueblo Entero, Lupe, Activists, Harlingen, Cameron County, Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Mexico

Several activist organizations called for immigration reform in front of U.S. Senator John Cornyn's office in Harlingen on Monday.

La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) and several organizations told Action 4 News that they wanted to show their dissaproval to what they're calling the Republican Texas seantor's unsupportive behavior for Latino issues.

Although Senator Cornyn's office was closed, the picketers called him by cell phone and chanted in unison for better representation for the Hispanic community.

Marta Sanchez with LUPE said they are seeking a legislation for comprehensive immigration reform and support on several other acts in Congress up for legislation.

"We feel he needs to represent us also," Sanchez said. "We're under his jurisdiction. We also feel he needs to represent us as Hispanics because we got very disturbed when he didn't publically support Sotomayor and that gives us a sign he's not representing us."

Sen. Cornyn's staff told Action 4 News they would have met with the organizations but the office was closed that day and they were not notified about the event.

The Texas senator said in a written statement released Monday that he supports immigration reform.

“Today President Obama backtracked on his promise to address comprehensive immigration reform during his first year in office," Cornyn said on Monday. "After stating several times on the campaign trail that it would be a ‘top priority,’ I am disappointed he has changed his tune. Immigration reform is long overdue and belongs on President Obama’s full plate."

Cornyn went on to ask President Barack Obama to make immigration a priority again.

“It’s important that immigration legislation protects our borders, promotes economic prosperity in Texas and throughout the United States, and is consistent with our American values of compassion, family, and opportunity," Cornyn said in his statement. "I urge President Obama to reconsider his decision and put immigration reform back on his priority list."