AFL-CIO backs immigration fasters

The AFL-CIO announced Wednesday that it was backing activists fasting in protest for immigration reform. 

The fasters have called for events to be held across the country next week in support of immigration reform.

{mosads}“As Thanksgiving approaches and families gather, we remember the all too many families torn apart by our broken immigration system,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a statement.

“The labor movement will not stop fighting until our immigration system is reformed and the deportation crisis is over,” Trumka said.

He blamed Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and his House Republican Caucus for holding up a deal, calling them the final obstacle to a new law.

The Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill earlier this year, but that has yet to move in the House.

The protest by fasters on the National Mall has been given high-profile attention by politicians. In a speech Monday, President Obama said he stands with the fasters.

“Right now, I’m seeing brave advocates who have been fasting for two weeks in the shadow of the Capitol, sacrificing themselves in an effort to get Congress to act,” Obama said. “I want them to know we hear you. We’re with you. The whole country hears you.” 

Vice President Biden also visited the fasters last week, who are staying in tents on the National Mall. The first lady recognized them in a tweet on Tuesday. 

The activists have now been fasting for more than two weeks in support of immigration reform.