As the President restated last week, he believes that no one working a full-time job should have to raise a family in poverty. Most Americans agree. In fact, around three out of four Americans support raising the minimum wage. That’s why we’re asking state and local officials across the country to join the President to make this a year of action and raise the minimum wage. 

During his State of the Union address, the President encouraged Congress to support lifting the federal minimum wage to $10.10 while urging state and local officials to take action without waiting for Congress: “To every mayor, governor, and state legislator in America, I say, you don’t have to wait for Congress to act.” A month later, four governors – Dannel Malloy of Connecticut, Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, and Peter Shumlin of Vermont – appeared on stage with the President in Connecticut to support raising the minimum wage to $10.10. 

In the year since the President first called on Congress to raise the federal minimum wage, 10 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to increase the minimum wage. Without waiting on Congress to act, three of those states – Connecticut, Maryland, and Hawaii – are lifting their minimum wages to $10.10 an hour, and other states and localities are considering similar legislation. If Congress acts to raise the federal minimum wage, more than 28 million workers across the country would see a direct increase in their wages.

Here is a quick summary of actions over the past year: 

• New York – In April 2013, Gov. Cuomo approved the state budget raising New York’s minimum wage to $9 in 2016.
• Rhode Island – Gov. Chafee signed legislation in July lifting the state minimum wage to $8 by 2014.
• California – A few months later, California became the state with the highest minimum wage law in the country when it raised the state’s minimum wage to $10 by 2016.
• New Jersey – Voters approved a ballot measure in November boosting New Jersey’s minimum wage to $8.25 with annual increases for inflation.
• District of Columbia – In December, the District of Columbia elevated its minimum wage to $11.50 by 2016 with annual increases for inflation. Neighboring counties in Maryland – Montgomery and Prince George’s counties – approved parallel bills in November raising their minimum wage to $11.50 by 2017.
• Delaware – Gov. Markell signed a bill in January raising Delaware’s minimum wage to $8.25 by 2015.
• Connecticut – In March, Connecticut became the first state to raise its minimum wage to $10.10 by 2017. This followed a minimum wage increase last year to $9 in 2015.
• West Virginia – Gov. Tomblin signed a bill in early April increasing the minimum wage in West Virginia to $8.75 by 2016.
• Maryland – On April 7, Maryland’s legislature approved a bill lifting the minimum wage to $10.10 in 2018. Gov. O’Malley signed the bill into law yesterday. 
• Minnesota – Gov. Dayton signed a bill increasing the minimum wage to $9.50 by 2016 with future increases tied to inflation in Minnesota on April 12.
• Hawaii – Last week, the Hawaii legislature voted to raise the state’s minimum wage to $10.10 by 2018.

For more information, including a state-by-state breakdown of how raising the minimum wage would benefit Americans across the country, go to http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/raise-the-wage.

State and local elected officials understand that commonsense immigration reform is the right policy for our country and makes good economic sense for middle class families. Earlier this month, the White House released a report highlighting the numerous and varied economic benefits of fixing our broken immigration system, including helping to grow our economy by creating new business and jobs.

Yesterday, White House Domestic Policy Council Director Cecilia Muñoz spoke about the local economic costs of inaction on the federal level:

"Because the crux of the matter is that, while Congress and the federal government have the authority to set immigration law and enforce it, local governments live with the results of what Congress does and fails to do."

Below are some of the elected officials who recently added their voices in support for commonsense immigration reform:

On July 17^th, Governors from 15 states sent a letter to Congress urging them to pass commonsense immigration reform and highlighting the economic benefits to their states.

"We all recognize that immigrants contribute a great deal to our economy and our culture. We should make sure they are fully integrated into the social, civic and economic fabric of American life and have access to the same opportunities to succeed as everyone else. As Governors, we encourage you to adopt bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform legislation that reflects the values of our nation and contributes to the growth of our economies.”

After the U.S. Senate approved a comprehensive immigration bill on June 27^th, the U.S. Conference of Mayors issued the following statement:

“The nation’s mayors applaud the Senate’s decisive passage of bipartisan legislation that will repair our broken immigration system…We urge the House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s strong lead and adopt comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform legislation this year. This is the right thing to do for our families, our cities, our economy, and our country.”

Following the U.S. Senate vote, the National Association of Counties also weighed in on behalf of county officials across America:

“NACo applauds the U.S. Senate for passing bipartisan legislation which offers the best opportunity in many years to make long overdue reforms to our broken immigration system. NACo endorses many of the key provisions of the bill, including the earned path to citizenship, modernizing the legal immigration system, a sensible guest worker program, and improving border security.”

​A bipartisan group of Attorneys General from 35 states and territories sent a letter to Congress voicing their support and noting the value of an increased workforce:

“Our immigration system must be flexible enough to address the needs of businesses in the various states, with state input, while protecting the interests of workers. This includes a visa system that is both responsive and effective in meeting the demands of our economy. It should also acknowledge the beneficial economic contributions immigrants make as workers, tax payers, and consumers. Our immigration policies, where possible, should prioritize keeping families together in order to ensure the most supportive home environment for all the children across our country. Our immigration policies must provide a sensible means to deal with the immigrants who re currently in the country without legal status but are of good character, pay taxes and are committed to continuing to contribute to our society.”

Finally, the National League of Cities, which represents over 19,000 municipalities across the country, also offered their support of the Senate passed bill:

“This legislation offers a common sense solution to our broken structure, and gives hope to city leaders across the country who every day must deal with the consequences of the current fragmented system. [The Senate] vote affirms what our residents have been telling us -- the time for reform is now!”

State and local officials experience firsthand the impacts of a broken system, and their voices provide a useful perspective in the national debate on immigration reform. In the weeks ahead, we will continue to highlight their views and the role that immigration plays in creating strong state and local economies.

For more information, visit the White House’s immigration page.

David Agnew is Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Throughout this week, we’ve heard from state and local officials from Southwest, Northeast, Midwest and Southern United States. Today, officials in the West wrap up our series by sharing what bringing our legal immigration system into the 21st century would mean to them.

“In the Anchorage Community and throughout the State of Alaska, there are many immigrants who own businesses and contribute to the local economy. They also have children within our school system who are legal citizens. We need resources from the Federal government to help local communities fix the broken immigration system. Congress and the Administration must act now and approve a comprehensive bill that will strengthen illegal border entry, establish an earned path to citizenship, and provide financial and technical assistance that will alleviate the local impact of new immigrants.”

Anchorage, Alaska Assembly member Elvi Gray-Jackson

"As the Mayor of the most diverse city in Oregon, I can attest to the value of welcoming others to our nation. One out of four of our residents were not born in the US. The children in our schools have more than 90 languages or dialects spoken in their homes. This leads to a better Beaverton. It's about time to get our immigration system fixed. We'll all be better for it. "

Beaverton, Oregon Mayor Denny Doyle

“We have a historic opportunity to get reform right, and it is vital that we do not fail. Legislation must include a clear pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million undocumented individuals currently living in the shadows. That path should be a fair process, not a punishment. Our immigration policies should reward those who work hard and play by the rules. Legal immigration should be efficient and acknowledge the merits of bright minds and the importance of reunifying families.”

Los Angeles, California Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

"Honolulu is the United States' crossroads of the Pacific. We need to fix our broken immigration system to make it more attractive for talented minds to work here and expand our potential as a center for commerce and innovation. Immigrants help to fuel our economy and it is time to fix the system to give responsible, hard-working families the opportunity to live the American Dream."

Honolulu, Hawaii Mayor Kirk Caldwell

“With nearly 30 percent of all Seattle children in immigrant families and more than 100,000 foreign-born residents, Seattle’s economic growth and vitality is strongly linked to immigration. Our broken immigration system harms Seattle’s families and our region’s economy. Congress needs to address immigration reform now. Seattle’s families and economy depend on it.”

Seattle, Washington Mayor Mike McGinn

“Providing immigrants an opportunity for success has been the foundation of our country's great strength and a source of inspiration for millions, including my own Basque grandparents. It is vital for our economic future that we reform our current system to allow hard-working people who believe in the American dream a fair and reasonable path to citizenship. America is an ideal as much as it is a place -- one that says everyone has a chance. We must stay true to that ideal if we are to remain a great country.”

Boise, Idaho Mayor David Bieter

“As the grandson of immigrants, I believe in fair rules that allow for people who are willing to commit themselves to the responsibilities of American citizenship to do so. Today, throughout the country, we look the other way at employers who don't play by the rules and cast blame on folks who are seeking a better life and opportunity in our nation. We can do better and President Obama's proposal does just that. We can secure our borders while removing the insecurity hard-working, undocumented workers live with every day. We can create a path to citizenship, ensure that everyone is paying their fair share for the privilege of working and living in America, and do it all with dignity. We're fortunate that America still holds promise for so many. This plan helps ensure that promises aren't broken for our citizens and our immigrants hoping to become citizens.”

Missoula, Montana Mayor John Engen

“‘Give me your tired, give me your poor,’ inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, no longer reflects our immigration policy. No longer do we ‘lift our lamp beside the golden door’ of entry into our country. I once was an immigrant, waited my turn to become ‘naturalized,’ proved that I could speak and write English, worked hard, paid taxes and social security, and was elected to city council more than a decade ago. The ‘process’ must allow a path to citizenship and full integration into our society to all who honestly desire these and respect the laws and values of our country.”

Laramie, Wyoming City Councilor Klaus Hanson

For more information:

• Read more about commonsense immigration reform
• State and Local Officials in the South Speak Up to Fix the Broken Immigration System
• Leaders Across the Midwest Urge Immigration Reform to Strengthen the Economy
• In the Northeast, Leaders Demand an Immigration System that Lives up to Our Heritage
• Leaders Across the Southwest Say It's Time to Fix the Broken Immigration System
• CBO Report: Immigration Reform Will Shrink the Deficit and Grow the Economy

Last week, we heard from state and local officials from across the South, Northeast, and Midwest United States about why they support immigration reform and how it will help their communities. Today, officials in the Southwest explain why the time is now to fix the broken immigration system.

"Federal immigration policies have a direct impact on Denver’s residents and Denver’s economy. We need long-overdue reforms that keep our communities strong, keep families together, ensure an adequate labor force for a growing economy and maintain the safety of all of our residents. I applaud President Obama for moving forward with fortitude and pushing Washington to rise above partisan gridlock and craft reasonable, sensible changes."

Denver, Colorado Mayor Michael Hancock

"I thank the President for starting the formal consideration of immigration reform by laying out his vision and principles.  This is an important economic and social issue that has languished unresolved for too long. Now is the time for Washington to come together and take action."

Mesa, Arizona Mayor Scott Smith

“Congress must pass comprehensive immigration reform. It is both a practical and a human necessity. In Santa Fe, New Mexico hard-working immigrant families make important contributions to our community every day. They are business owners, workers, students, artists, musicians, parents, police officers and members of our Armed Services. I want all immigrant family members in Santa Fe and across our country to have their basic rights and be able to become full participants in our communities.  They need a legal path to citizenship. It will make my town and our country stronger.”

Santa Fe, New Mexico Mayor David Coss

"I would like to see a bipartisan solution that results in immigration policies that can be enforced and respected by those on both sides of our borders. We appreciate the cooperative work being done in that regard by President Obama and the Senate." 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Mayor Mick Cornett

"In Salt Lake City, we laud and support the effort to construct and enact comprehensive federal immigration reform. We hope a fundamental re-working will recognize the important role our immigrant population plays in our economy, work to keep families unified, establish an earned but attainable path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and keep our borders secure. In Salt Lake City, as in cities and towns across the nation, our immigrant population is an integrated part of our community –finding a humane approach to this reality will say much about our commitment as a nation to a free, civil and tolerant society." 

Salt Lake City, Utah Mayor Ralph Becker

“Like many Nevadans, I'm the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants. When my grandfather came to the US, he came with nothing. My great grandmother sewed Levi jeans; and he cleaned fireplaces after school. They wanted a better life and they were willing to work hard to get it. Eventually they were able to work their way into the middle class. I am the first person in my family to graduate from college, but I could never have achieved my dreams if they hadn't been able to reach for theirs. This is what America is all about - hard work, opportunity, fairness and security for every family.  I support common sense immigration reform that is tough, fair and practical; reform that provides a path for citizenship, broadens our tax base, and ensures the safety and security of all our residents. Inaction is not an option. We must keep the vision and values of America alive and well.” 

Nevada State Treasurer Kate Marshall

"I’m the Mayor of San Antonio, and at the local level, we see every day what happens when people put aside their ideology and partisan labels and actually get things done.  And what we have here is the opportunity for Democrats and Republicans -- people on both sides of the aisle -- to actually get something done in Washington, D.C. that’s going to boost America’s economy and fix our broken immigration system, and they ought to get it done soon."

San Antonio, Texas Mayor Julián Castro

For more information:

• Read more about commonsense immigration reform
• State and Local Officials in the South Speak Up to Fix the Broken Immigration System
• Leaders Across the Midwest Urge Immigration Reform to Strengthen the Economy 
• In the Northeast, Leaders Demand an Immigration System that Lives up to Our Heritage
• Western Officials Demand a 21st Century Immigration System
• CBO Report: Immigration Reform Will Shrink the Deficit and Grow the Economy

This week, we’ve heard the views of state and local officials in the South and Midwest who know that we need to fix the broken immigration system. Today, we hear from officials in the Northeast who explain how commonsense immigration reform is consistent with our heritage as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.

"A fair, sensible immigration policy made our country great, and has repeatedly renewed and enriched the City of Burlington throughout its history.  One of the most inspiring experiences I've had as an elected official has been participating in a naturalization ceremony.  Our immigrants serve our community as professors and farmers, skilled laborers and doctors; they are our neighbors, our students, our friends.  Today's broken immigration system is out of step with the welcoming and supportive character our country should strive to demonstrate.  By passing comprehensive immigration reform, we will strengthen America's economy, communities, and spirit." 

Burlington, Vermont Mayor Miro Weinberger

“In the City of Hartford, reforming immigration laws could increase foreign professionals and skilled workers, immigrant populations could serve as conduits to export goods and services, and ultimately it could increase our tax base. Passing comprehensive immigration is right thing to do for our country's future and it's a decision our children and generations to come will be proud of."

Hartford, Connecticut Mayor Pedro Segarra

“I encourage Congress to enact bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform. America’s current immigration system is broken, harms our economy, and does not reflect our values as a nation. For years, the federal government has failed to address the issue and left our communities and states to deal with the effects. Now is the time to reform our nation’s immigration system to benefit all Americans, so that we can prosper as a nation. Managing the immigration process is a federal responsibility that requires a federal solution. I applaud the President for offering a comprehensive immigration plan and I hope that Congress will now work across party lines to find workable solutions.”

Delaware Governor Jack Markell

"The families and children who have come to the United States to escape torture and persecution deserve a clear pathway to citizenship. Our country's foundation was built by immigrants, many of whom came in search of safety and a life free of violence or political injustice. Streamlining immigration laws for those seeking asylum will help men, women and children reclaim their lives and become a part of a community that promises security, opportunity and freedom."

Portland, Maine Mayor Michael Brennan

“At the heart of Boston's thriving economy are the talents, perspectives, and entrepreneurial spirit of our city's immigrants. Our current system is unacceptable and so is inaction. We need an updated system that will keep hardworking families together and help us attract and retain the most talented graduates from our universities and abroad. We are a nation of immigrants, and today we have the opportunity to move our country forward together.”

Boston, Massachusetts Mayor Tom Menino

“Although illegal immigration is a major problem in our nation it is imperative that our elected officials work together in an effort to solve the dilemma.  Posturing serves no useful purpose.  Open discussion and compromise, without vitriol, is the only way to reach an amicable and mutually acceptable agreement.  It is time to govern and forget the political posturing.  Once elected, we serve all the people not just those who supported our efforts.”    

Edison, New Jersey Mayor Antonia Ricigliano

“Our lawmakers in Washington working on immigration reform could benefit from the pragmatic, common sense spirit that we’re known for in New Hampshire. It’s pretty clear to me that if you are committed to justice, we can all agree on the basic principles of strengthening our borders, holding employers accountable for hiring undocumented workers, and providing a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million individuals who are already in this country. We also need to make sure that we’re recruiting and retaining the high skilled workers who have always been key to creating good paying jobs and growing the economy. I’m hopeful that Washington will do right by us and fix this broken system.”

New Hampshire State Senator David Pierce

“Our current immigration system is broken and must be repaired. While Immigration reform is a Federal issue, I strongly support reforms that will protect our borders, create jobs, and develop a system to address the millions of undocumented individuals living in the country.”

Baltimore, Maryland Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

“As Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, I see first-hand the extraordinary contributions immigrants from all around the world make to our City every day. Whether it is a student traveling to Providence to pursue a college degree or an entrepreneur who has moved here to build a business, Providence benefits in extraordinary ways from its increasingly diverse population. For these reasons and more, I support a comprehensive plan to reform our nation’s broken immigration system. We need to create a viable pathway to citizenship for our undocumented immigrants and to fix our immigration processes for workers, students and the millions of others who continue to view America as the land of opportunity.” 

Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Angel Taveras

“It's time to move from politics to policy by passing a bipartisan bill that brings an immigration system formed in the 1960s into a 21st century global economy.”

New York City, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg

“Morgantown West Virginia, the home of West Virginia University, benefits from the international vitality that comes with being a university community.  Fixing our broken immigration system with fair, common sense reforms is essential to keeping Morgantown an attractive place for bright hardworking immigrants to live, work and raise a family.  Let's get it done!”

Morgantown, West Virginia Council Member Bill Byrne

For more information:

• State and Local Officials in the South Speak Up to Fix the Broken Immigration System
• Leaders Across the Midwest Urge Immigration Reform to Strengthen the Economy 
• CBO Report: Immigration Reform Will Shrink the Deficit and Grow the Economy
• Read more about commonsense immigration reform

Yesterday, bipartisan state and local officials in the South explained why now is the time for immigration reform. Today, leaders in the Midwest share why they support immigration reform and how fixing the broken immigration system will help their communities by strengthening the economy, spurring innovation and increasing U.S. trade and exports.

"For America to be competitive in the 21st century, it's critical that we implement an effective system for legal immigration. It should be a system that honors our country's heritage and also one that recognizes immigrants as valuable members of our communities who have long fueled our economic engine.”

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder

“From our early days as an auto town to our new economic direction, South Bend has always built on the contributions of generations of hard-working families who became Americans by choice. Our city will be better off when Congress finally acts to fix our broken immigration system. This community needs Washington to do what it takes to ensure that such talented and capable people have the chance to legally and fully contribute to our economy, and share the blessings and burdens of citizenship.”

South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg

“Our nation’s federal immigration laws and policies are broken, and an overhaul is long overdue.  I support President Obama’s leadership in trying to reform our nation’s immigration system.  The President’s comprehensive proposal secures our borders, provides a clear path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants who act responsibly, and holds businesses accountable when they hire people who aren’t here legally.”

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller

“The President’s proposals will allow the individuals we train in our world-class institutions to develop new technologies and create jobs in our own country rather than overseas. They will allow families to stay together and millions of our neighbors to step out of the shadows and into active roles in our communities.”

Chicago, Illinois Mayor Rahm Emanuel

“As Mayor of the City of Wichita, I recognize the urgent need for a federal solution to the issue of illegal immigration. This issue has broad social, economic and political importance for our community. The Wichita City Council is on record in support of a federal solution to the problem. Piecemeal efforts by individual states or communities will only exacerbate the problem. Only the federal government can fix what's wrong with the immigration system.  Any federal solution should acknowledge the economic impact of the current labor force and the need for a consistent, fair and humanitarian outcome.”

Wichita, Kansas Mayor Carl Brewer

“Whether we’re talking about our Fore Fathers or Ellis Island, America has a long tradition of people coming to this nation in order find a better life. We need comprehensive reform to our immigration policies which should honor the hard work of those here now, as well as the individuals who came before us, because we are a nation of immigrants. Considering the fact that, unless you are Native American, we are all immigrants, it is time to move forward and reform the immigration policies that have been holding back individuals that want to be productive, taxpaying citizens.”

Racine, Wisconsin Mayor John Dickert

“This is a country that celebrates diversity.  It’s time for us to accept the reality that millions of hard working immigrants are contributing to the progress and growth of our nation.  We need to find a better way to welcome them.”

Cincinnati, Ohio Mayor Mark Mallory

“As Mayor of Allentown I applaud the President's proposal to provide comprehensive reform to our nation's broken immigration system. I believe that these proposals provide a framework that will increase our nation's economic competitiveness and help communities like Allentown to grow, all while providing a pathway to legally recognize our neighbors currently living in the shadows who have been contributing to their local economies for years.  Allentown, like the rest of our nation, was built on the shoulders of immigrants. The President's proposals provide hope that this proud and uniquely American tradition will continue, strengthening our city for generations to come.”

Allentown, Pennsylvania Mayor Ed Pawlowski

“We know in Minneapolis that in order for our neighborhoods to prosper and our city to succeed on the global stage, we need everyone. Luckily for us, people have come to our city from around the world to help us do just that. President Obama’s immigration-reform proposal today pulls everyone who can contribute to our success out the shadows and gives them a chance to work and to play by the same rules as everybody else.”

Minneapolis, Minnesota Mayor RT Rybak

"St. Louis has a rich history of population and commerce growth through immigrant efforts. In 1904, Germans, Italians and Irish flooded the City following the World's Fair.  We opened our arms then and continue to do so today.  Comprehensive immigration reform is a crucial component to St. Louis economic stability and growth.  We need and want immigrants to come to St. Louis and call it home."

St. Louis, Missouri Mayor Francis Slay

“On behalf of the nation’s counties, I urge Congress and the President to enact comprehensive immigration reform this year. Immigrants and their families, regardless of whether they are authorized or unauthorized to be in this country, contribute to local economies. It’s long past time for Washington to work through their differences and pass comprehensive immigration reform this year.”

Douglas County, Nebraska Commissioner and President of the National Association of Counties Chris Rodgers

“The current immigration debate is wrongly focused on who among the undocumented is worthy of citizenship as opposed to how our country and economy can benefit through granting more people citizenship. This debate needs to focus on creating more legal ways to citizenship in order to keep families together and to attract more entrepreneurs to our country.”

South Dakota State Representative Marc Feinstein

"North Dakota is in an energy boom and growing economy. The high salary energy industry has created low unemployment. We also have a growing health care industry due in part to the aging of our population greater than other states.  To fill this need for employees we need to welcome our new neighbors from other countries. Our state was built on the backs of immigrants and most of us are within a few generations of ancestors coming from other countries. We have the spirit and economy in which anyone could build a good life for their family, regardless of who they are or where they came from. Our federal immigration policy has not lived up to the positive options available to us. It’s time for Congress to act and come up with a commonsense immigration policy.”

North Dakota State Senator Tim Mathern

For more information:

• State and Local Officials in the South Speak Up to Fix the Broken Immigration System
• CBO Report: Immigration Reform Will Shrink the Deficit and Grow the Economy
• Read more about commonsense immigration reform
• President Obama: The Best Chance We've Had in Years to Fix Our Broken Immigration System

Across the country, Democratic and Republican state and local officials are speaking out about the need for commonsense immigration reform. This week, we’ll share thoughts from governors, mayors, county executives, state legislators, attorneys general, treasurers and more about why they support immigration reform and how fixing the broken immigration system would impact their communities.

“For too many years our country has struggled to find an effective solution to immigration reform, with the central issue being the question of how to deal with undocumented workers.  We have been encouraged, however, that in recent months a bi-partisan group of U.S. Senators has been working together to establish a path that allows those workers, the great majority of whom are hard-working dignified individuals, to become lawful tax-payers.  It is important for the continued growth and competitiveness of our country that we find a solution to this issue, and I urge Congress to continue working together to establish a fair, but humane, solution that establishes such a path.”

Miami-Dade, Florida Mayor Carlos Gimenez

“There is no doubt that the economic, social and cultural contributions of immigrants continue to enrich our cities and communities. We cannot ever forget that immigrants have helped make our nation stronger. This is an issue of great importance here in Georgia, and as such, I support President Barack Obama’s proposal to achieve meaningful, comprehensive immigration reform.”

Atlanta, Georgia Mayor Kasim Reed

“In Birmingham, we recognize the value of diversity. We strive to be inclusive and to give a sense of respect for all cultures and all races. Here in the cradle of the Civil Rights struggle, our history mandates that we embrace all cultures and ensure that all are treated equally and fairly and with the honor they deserve.”

Birmingham, Alabama Mayor William Bell

“Louisville is a growing international city in the heartland of America. Comprehensive immigration reform is essential for us to spur entrepreneurism and grow jobs. America's population represents all of the immigrants of the world. The quicker immigration reform is addressed and resolved, the quicker our international competitive economic advantage will accelerate.”

Louisville, Kentucky Mayor Greg Fischer

"Tennessee has become one of our nation's new destination states for immigrants. For Memphis and our entire region, the need for immigration reform is one that has crystallized around our community's persistent need for a qualified workforce. With the South remaining extremely viable in economic development, we have come to better understand how creating a pathway to citizenship is a real opportunity to strengthen our workforce and our local economy."

Memphis, Tennessee Mayor AC Wharton

“As Arkansas recorded the nation’s fourth-largest percentage increase in immigrant population during the last decade, it’s important that we have policies that welcome our new neighbors rather than relegate them to a second-class status. Our country was built on the American Dream in which anyone could build a good life for their family, regardless of who they are or where they came from. Unfortunately, our immigration policy has not lived up to that noble ideal. It’s time for Congress to act and come up with a commonsense immigration policy.”

Little Rock, Arkansas Mayor Mark Stodola

“America’s success as a nation has been due to the ‘diversity’ of our population by immigrants coming to this country, our cities and towns for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their families and others. They bring with them energy, vibrancy and the will to survive and succeed, in addition to the economic, social and cultural benefits for all. To this end, I fully support President Obama’s four point Immigration reform proposal, which calls for comprehensive immigration reform to help stimulate the economy, grow the nation’s workforce, and remain competitive in the 21st century global marketplace.”

Alexandria, Virginia Mayor William Euille

“I am calling on my colleagues and others to join me in support of comprehensive immigration reform.  A well regulated system leads to greater economic opportunities for immigrants and strengthens family ties which in turn help to build stronger communities. Many families throughout our history were composed of sons and daughters of immigrants.  They were only looking for a hand up and not a hand out.  Their contributions to this country are unlimited. A comprehensive immigration system ensures liberty and justice for all.  It will take a strong bipartisan effort for this to occur.  We have achieved many great things in this country.  It is not time to turn the hands of change backward.”

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Mayor Kip Holden

“I stand with President Obama on common sense immigration reform.  We have an opportunity to create an immigration system that is both fair for Americans and for those immigrants wanting to be a part of our great nation. Now is the time to address this critical issue.”

Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Harvey Johnson

“It is no secret that the immigration system in the United States is broken. Fortunately, passing comprehensive immigration reform has never been more attainable than it is right now. We all agree that we must strengthen our borders, crack down on employers who hire undocumented workers and provide a reasonable path to citizenship. It is so important that we bring the 11 million undocumented workers in this country out of the shadows and require them to learn English, pay taxes and penalties, and pass background checks before they can obtain citizenship. These are non-partisan, common-sense approaches to solving our nation’s immigration problems.”

South Carolina State Representative Todd Rutherford

“Durham is a city with a creative class and a city of entrepreneurs, which we encourage and support.  Immigration reform would be a tool that would work to allow many of these international students to remain in our city upon graduation to practice their learned skills, while facilitating the continued progressive entrepreneurship of our city specifically and our state and nation in general.”

Durham, North Carolina Mayor Bill Bell

For more information:

• CBO Report: Immigration Reform Will Shrink the Deficit and Grow the Economy
• Read more about commonsense immigration reform
• President Obama: The Best Chance We've Had in Years to Fix Our Broken Immigration System

This week, Vice President Biden will host a virtual conversation with mayors around the country to discuss commonsense steps to reduce gun violence. Mayors know first hand the impact of gun violence on communities across the country – and they've come together to demand action.

On Wednesday, April 17th, at 2:45 p.m. EDT, the Vice President and mayors will discuss how we can protect our children and communities by reducing gun violence. We hope you'll tune in.

During the Google+ Hangout, Vice President Biden will be joined by:

• Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Gary, IN
• Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore, MD
• Mayor R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis, MN
• Mayor Steve Scaffidi, Oak Creek, WI

Watch the hangout with Vice President Biden and mayors live on Wednesday, April 17th, at 2:45 p.m. EDT on WhiteHouse.gov, or tune in to the White House's Google+ page or YouTube channel.

Last week, because of people speaking out, the U.S. Senate took an important step forward on commonsense reforms to reduce gun violence, but we've got a lot more work to do. Watch the Google+ Hangout live on Wednesday, April 17th, and make your voice heard by joining the White House call for action on social media.

Here's how it works:

1. Sign on to share a tweet or Facebook message through our action page here: wh.gov/nowisthetime/action
2. We'll gather as many voices as we can, then post all the messages and tweets simultaneously for maximum impact
3. The more people who sign up, the louder our collective voice will be, so after you sign on, encourage your friends and family to participate.

The Vice President’s Hangout with mayors continues a series of conversations with top administration officials on Google+. In January, Vice President Biden participated in his first-ever Google+ Hangout to talk to Americans about proposals to reduce gun violence. You can watch the full Hangout here or learn more about the President's proposals to reduce gun violence here.

Follow the White House on Google+ for updates from the Administration and opportunities to participate in upcoming hangouts.