Activists Push For Immigration Reform

Members of the Central Coast Comprehensive Immigration Reform Taskforce took to the steps of Ventura City Hall to share their message.They say President Obama and Congressional Representatives should pass reform that is fair and just in 2013. The taskforce is a diverse group that includes: Black American Political Association of California, Ventura County (BAPAC VC), Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice, Ventura County (CLUE VC), La Hermandad Mexicana, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MCIOP) and SEIU 721.Members say the system is broken because it separates children from their parents.They say it costs tax-payers for detaining non-criminals.And they believe it jeopardizes employers and businesses in need of a reliable workforce.In addition they say old policies give rise to poor work conditions for undocumented workers. Organizers estimate that 12 percent of the workforce on the Central Coast is made up of undocumented workers.Studies show that at t least 74 thousand of them live and work in Ventura County.Share your comments about this story with us on the KEY News Facebook page. Connect with KEY News on Twitter