Jose Quinonez's blog

A report by the Center for American Progress argues that the economic benefits for comprehensive immigration reform could amount to well over $1.5 Trillion in economic growth for the country. Read the report here.

I completely agree with the analysis and perspective of this report. While I may not know if the actual economic boost of legalizing 12 million immigrants to be $1.5 or $1.3 or .9 trillion, what I do know is that immigration reform would unleash the economic potential of millions of people -- instantly. Think about it. Immigrant families who are now shout off from participating fully and openly, who now live in constant fear and in the shadows of society, would be able to dream, work, produce, save, and invest in America right away. This could come to pass with an immigration reform bill that sets a clear path to legalization for the currently undocumented immigrant families; families who are ready, willing, and able to remake America once again.

The New York Times ran a story highlighting how families are turning to the Food Stamp Program in their time of need. But no matter what the need may be, for immigrant families who have been here for less than five years, this program is not for them.

THE SAFETY NET
Living on Nothing but Food Stamps
By JASON DEPARLE and ROBERT M. GEBELOFF
Published: January 3, 2010
The number of Americans reporting food stamps as their only income soared 50 percent over the past two years.

We are so fortunate to be getting such wonderful press coverage. KTVU recently aired this segment which goes into detail of how MAF's Cestas Populares work and how MAF is leading the way in formalizing the rich tradition of peer lending in immigrant communities.

Take a look!