Immigration reform

When, for heaven's sake, are we going to get to immigration reform and a program for legalization of undocumented workers?

Senator Charles Schumer of New York is chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration. He has asked Democrats to stop using the word "undocumented" and wants them to instead use the word "illegals." But that is just going to further the criminalization of migrants who for decades have picked our fruit, washed our dishes, made our motel beds, roofed our homes and worked exceedingly hard at some of the toughest jobs around. For all practical purposes, they were invited here over decades.

Maybe things are moving so slowly in Washington because immigration is such a hot issue. But it is wrong to postpone action just because some members of Congress are beholden to Lou Dobbs-influenced racists who might vote against them in the next elections.

Waiting any longer for reform just does not make sense. Please, President Obama, get the ball rolling.