Castro: Diverse Texas Makes Case For Immigration Reform

Castro: Diverse Texas makes case for immigration reform Express-News Copyright 2013 Express-News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Published 5:45 pm, Thursday, January 10, 2013 “We don't know whether the folks here are documented or undocumented, but it demonstrates the hard work ethic of the Latino community and the fact that there is a great need for their work,” Castro said, referencing the banquet servers at the Grand Ballroom of the downtown Hilton, many who spoke Spanish and smiled as panelists debated immigration reform on the dais. On stage, Castro, laid out policies he plans to take to Washington, calling for “comprehensive immigration reform” to address the estimated number of 15 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. Texas Agricultural Commissioner Todd Staples, a Republican, spoke prior to the discussion about the importance of immigration reform and blamed President Obama for playing “political chess” on immigration policy. Bailey, who also owns a chain of restaurants in Houston, said the Republican Party “alienated” the largest minority group in the country, Hispanics, with immigration rhetoric during the last campaign cycle.