I believe in an America where everyone has the right to live, love, and hope: the right to lead successful lives; the right to love without fear of separation or persecution; and the right to hope for a brighter future for themselves and their children.  When we are denied this right, we must take action to correct this wrong.  

On April 10, 2006, Grandma Kim reached out her hand to me and held it as we marched for 3 miles through downtown Los Angeles. With great agility and ease, this 86 year old woman steered me through the peacefully marching crowd while chanting the mantra for immigrant communities in Spanish and in Korean “Si, se puede! Hal Su Eet Da! (Yes, We Can!)” The single largest national mobilization in U.S. history was taking place on this day. Millions of immigrants and their supporters marched peacefully in cities large and small to support humane immigration reform and oppose draconian legislation that criminalized hardworking immigrants and their families and I was being led by this community elder. 

Grandma Kim has been on the frontlines advocating on behalf of her community for a variety of issues including immigration reform.  She has testified before elected officials, collected thousands of signatures of support, and stood in the summer heat to register voters.  She not only voices the needs of the Korean American community but also speaks to the larger movement for social justice.  Grandma Kim is one of the most vulnerable members of society – elderly, limited English proficient, and an immigrant – and I had the privilege of walking and working beside her.

During the Asian American Pacific Islander Week of Action, we are being asked to take action on behalf of our community as we seek to pass humane immigration reform this year.   In 2006, we successfully beat back legislation that would rip apart our community.  In 2010, we have an opportunity to pass legislation that will keep it together permanently.

For far too long this issue has been placed on the back burner of the American agenda.    Americans should be asking for more initiatives to create jobs, for access to affordable quality healthcare, and for those who believe in an America that cherishes the right to live, love, and hope, we should also be asking for humane immigration reform.   And if the values of America alone do not resonate with you, consider a recent UCLA study that suggests that legalization of undocumented immigrants could generate $1.5 trillion in US GDP over 10 years (http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2010/01/07/legalization-immigration/).   Humane immigration reform is more than just about rights, it also makes fiscal sense.  And now we need to let Congress know that too.  Our community, our country can no longer afford to wait.

The National Asian American Pacific Islander week of action from Jan. 12-20 is a collaborative effort among national, state and local AAPI organizations and allies to demonstrate the collective power and voice of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the comprehensive immigration reform debate. Coordinated outreach and events across the nation will engage community members in the broader Reform Immigration FOR America campaign and show Congress that the AAPI community is serious about demanding reform this year.

Morna Ha is a current student at the Harvard Kennedy School and previously worked for a non-profit organization advocating and organizing for immigration reform and student legalization.