From his time working as a community organizer to his years in public office, Barack has worked hard for the Latino community on issues like fair pay, healthcare, and comprehensive immigration reform. At a speech to Latinos in July, Barack said:
It's about making sure our government knows that when there's a Hispanic girl stuck in a crumbling school who graduates without learning to read or doesn't graduate at all, that isn't just a Hispanic-American problem, that's an American problem.When Hispanics lose their jobs faster than almost anybody else, or work jobs that pay less, and come with fewer benefits than almost anybody else, that isn't a Hispanic-American problem, that's an American problem.When 12 million people live in hiding in this country and hundreds of thousands of people cross our borders illegally each year; when companies hire undocumented workers instead of legal citizens to avoid paying overtime or to avoid a union; and a nursing mother is torn away from her baby by an immigration raid, that is a problem that all of us - black, white, and brown - must solve as one nation.A government that works for all Americans - that's the kind of government I'm talking about. And that's the kind of government I've been fighting to build throughout my over 20 years in public service.
As Barack stands up for Latino Americans, more and more Latino voters are standing up for Barack – becoming a part of our historic movement for change. Here are a few of their stories:Cecelia from Apopka, Florida says:
I came to this wonderful country on 1988 -- not too long ago, but long enough to love, respect and want the best for this my home-sweet-home, United States of America. Barack Obama is the best for America, he talks -- and most importantly acts -- with the love and respect that the people who live in this country of ours desperately needs. I give thanks to his family -- as I know how hard is to have to leave your family to pursue a dream. A dream that we Latinos share is to have someone like Obama as a President, someone with courage to say ‘no’ to the special interests and lobbyists, and someone who puts real Americans first. I just became an American citizen. Now I will have the happiness of having my first vote to be cast for Obama.
Rigoberto in Austin, Texas says:
I support Obama because he speaks what the people need to hear and not what the people want to hear. I watched him speak on C-SPAN recently and I was absolutely moved by every topic he touched and the answers he gave people. And because I believe he will do the right thing for all Hispanics, including the immigrants who are now part of this nation.
Carolina in Phoenix, Arizona says:
I want change! We need change! When I vote, you are actually hearing the voices of six people. My parents and other family members are not yet citizens and do not have this right. They are responsible, functional, taxpayers in this society. Like my father told me ‘We are created equal but not treated so.’ Education is the main reason for me personally voting. My children are not in a wel-performing school. I would like for my child to have the same opportunities as other Americans. I want to help my community, not run away so someone else can inherit my problem. I hope Obama will help us. Our community is holding its breath, but we're exicited about the possibility of change.
Willa in Charlottesville, Virginia says:
I appreciate Senator Obama's support of the immigrant population. A couple of generations ago, one of my great aunts received immigrant's social service care during her first pregnancy and gave birth to a son at what is now the University of Chicago Hospital. The boy, given a good start, grew up to become a professor of Physics at Illinois Tech. America’s history of generosity need not be considered wasted. Obama understands how much we Latinos have to contribute.
Join Latinos for Obama to connect with other supporters and find out how you can be a part of the movement. You can also read the Latino Blueprint for Change here.
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