By Ryan Pagano
The current news cycle is filled with stories about the war in Ukraine, the economic impact of rising inflation and the sudden jump in Covid-19 cases with new variants after two years of the pandemic. With so many other critical issues affecting our communities today, across the country and on Long Island, one issue that seems to be getting swept under the rug is immigration reform.
President Biden is facing criticism from both sides of the aisle on his handling of the issue. Conservative Republicans are hammering him on the increase of migrants trying to enter the U.S. at the border, and progressive Democrats are arguing the administration has not done enough to push forward comprehensive immigration reform.
While this goes on, many immigrant rights advocates are raising awareness about how this lack of progress is affecting millions of immigrants who are stuck in limbo while trying to provide for their families during difficult times. Some organizations are increasing pressure on Democratic leaders to include a path to citizenship in legislation while they still control both houses of Congress.
Reporter Ryan Pagano spoke with immigrant rights activist Rodman Serrano, Suffolk County organizer of Make the Road New York, about how Long Islanders are being affected by the issue. They discussed the organization’s recent immigration reform vigil and the reopening of its Brentwood office after it closed for two years because of the pandemic. Herein are excerpts of the interview, which aired on the “Morning Wake Up Call” on WRHU 88.7FM Radio Hofstra University.
Ryan Pagano is the “Morning Wake Up Call” co-host.
