Speech #1140078201

I will be at a workshop in Denver. Colorado. for people learning about the process and applying for citizenship. A coalition of groups led by the National Partnership for New Americans but also encompassing Mi Familia Vota. a range of labor unions. and advocacy groups large and small across 30 States have invited me to participate in this nonpartisan activity to promote civic engagement and citizenship in immigrant communities across this country. Their goal is to help 1 million eligible immigrants become citizens so they can vote in primaries and general elections this year and make sure they are at Americas table. In communities like Denver and Chicago. there is a hunger for citizenship despite all the barriers. despite the costs. and despite the antiimmigrant tone coming from our TVs and candidates. In fact. it is the antiimmigrant tone that people tell me over and over is what is motivating them to apply. study for the tests. and better their English. It is that energy that gives me great confidence in our Nation and in the direction our Nation is heading this year. Immigrants are a part of a growing American coalition of working class voters: women. straight people and LGBT. environmentalists. Latino. Asians.