President Obama met with Latino entertainment figures Thursday at the White House to discuss immigration reform, noting that it would be impossible to accomplish without Republican support. That might not be enough for Hispanic voters, who want the president to do more.
Eva Longoria spoke to reporters after the meeting and emphasized the DREAM Act, among other topics. The DREAM Act would provide a conditional path to citizenship for undocumented young people who have grown up in America. The rigorous process would require applicants to receive a college degree or pursue military service.
The legislation failed in the Senate in 2010 and isn't likely to pass the current Congress. President Obama has moved to slow deportations pursuant to the DREAM Act, giving hope to qualified students, but the entire Hispanic community feels let down by the legislative failure.
What are some other recent actions by Latino celebrities out to influence the immigration debate?
George Lopez
Probably no single celebrity has been as outspoken as comedian and actor George Lopez. He uses his successful celebrity platform to speak on immigration issues, most notably the Arizona immigration law, SB 1070. Lopez spoke about the Arizona action while at a celebrity golf tournament and used humor to talk about the serious ramifications of SB 1070, were it to be fully implemented.
SB 1070 is the controversial legislation passed in Arizona last year. Dubbed the "show me your papers" bill by detractors, it would require law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of people they interact with.
As it stands now, major portions of SB 1070 have been set aside in court rulings, but other states are considering similar legislation. President Obama spoke about such efforts in Georgia, calling HB 87 "a mistake."
Salma Hayek
The Oscar-nominated actress is also vocal about her experiences as an immigrant and her feelings about how Hispanic immigrants are treated in America. Hayek also spoke out against Arizona SB 1070, but it wasn't her first time in the spotlight speaking to immigration issues.
In 2006, Hayek responded strongly to a proposal in Congress to make being an illegal immigrant a felony.
"As a human being, I find this situation intolerable. As an immigrant, I find it offensive. And as an American citizen, I find it disheartening. The work that these immigrants do directly affects the health of the U.S. economy," Hayek said at the time.
Shakira
The Colombian superstar has hits worldwide, and has used her influence in a variety of ways, including working to influence the immigration debate. She took on SB 1070 as being unfair to families and leaving the vulnerable open to abuse.
"I just met with some families and women who have been subjected to domestic violence, and they are so concerned," the singer said. "They're going to live in fear to call the police or to report a crime that has been inflicted to them. They're trying to protect their kids and their own families from abusers. and now they're going to have to protect themselves from the government."
Growing influence
As Latino voters gain more influence in American politics, it remains to be seen if those in the Republican leadership become less hostile. Democrats, in the meantime, are poised to gain from the emerging Hispanic electoral clout.
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