We Want It Now!

Chairwoman of the National Organization for Women (NOW), Terry O’Neill and 9to5 executive director, Linda Meric, were arrested with 113 other women in Washington D.C last Thursday for blocking a main intersection for a, “move on immigration legislation protest.” Because of the current Syria and budget crises, Congress stated that most likely they would not take up immigration legislation this fall. These women organized the peaceful protest to say to Congress, later isn’t good enough, we need it NOW! There are millions of illegal immigrants living in the U.S and their path to citizenship is something that can’t be put off much longer. The leaders of the protest say that the point of the protest was to also to raise the issue to women voters, and encourage them to join in the NOW mindset. Showing the group’s valor, 25 of the women arrested were illegal immigrants. When asked why they would take such a risk, one of the women, Maria Hernandez, responded “Why not? I’m taking the same risk every time I go out of my house, every time I take my daughters to school.” This quote shows that although there are international emergencies taking place, we can’t forget about the issues facing people living in America on a daily basis. Some members of the House of Representatives have responded by agreeing with the protestors, while others say it is better left for another day. However, in agreement the protestors I say why leave for tomorrow what you can do NOW!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/13/us/politics/womens-groups-rally-for-immigration-reform.html