I know you all think that the pro-immigrant groups that are usually ignored by mainstream media, would feel some loyalty to the Hispanic media types that follow them around all year going to their low profile press conferences, getting their names out to the public, and promoting their events, marches etc….

BUT NO!!!!

As the news broke about an bipartisan immigration deal in the Senate, (a lovely Thursday AFTERNOON) and EVERYONE rushed to cover it, because believe it or not TV, web, radio and other news outlets, even in Spanish, want the story NOW, or as the cable networks do it: This just in, breaking news, developing story, new updates etc….

So as reporters are rushing around to meet their deadlines, they start getting some nice emails…

Subject: NCLR APPLAUDS LAUNCH OF SENATE IMMIGRATION DEBATE

Just wanted to be sure you all saw this.

We’re also having a telebriefing tomorrow at 1 pm EST for Spanish language press to talk in more detail about the Senate proposal and what it means for the Latino community. I can send you information on that as well if you’re interested.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2007

NCLR APPLAUDS LAUNCH OF SENATE IMMIGRATION DEBATE
But expresses serious concerns about key provisions in bipartisan deal

Washington, DC –The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. , today acknowledged the hard work of a bipartisan team of senators for their role in crafting a compromise immigration bill which will proceed to the Senate floor this week.

“Successful immigration reform cannot happen unless it includes a path to citizenship for immigrants who are living, working, and contributing to their communities in the United States . This proposal contains this crucial element, and this debate is the first step,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. (La Raza has a CEO? does that mean it is now a company that sells out Hispanics to corporate interests?.. oh wait, that is nothing new)… yada yada yada…

There was also a nice briefing announced by a bunch of groups that all hang out together for Friday

TELEPHONIC BRIEFING
The Senate Immigration Reform Announcement

WHAT: On the record briefing with Q&A (on the record? please people, you are not the White House)

WHEN: Friday, May 18, 12:00 noon ET

WHO: Kevin Appleby, Director of Migration and Refugee Policy, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Cecilia Muñoz, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation, National Council of La Raza

Tom Snyder, National Political Director, UNITE HERE International Union

Frank Sharry, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum, Moderator

But if Friday afternoon is a bad time…. you can always wait until Monday…

***TELEPHONIC PRESS CONFERENCE***

National Civil Rights, Labor, Immigrant Rights, Faith Groups Speak Out As Senate Moves to Consider Immigration Reform

WHAT: Civil Rights, Labor, Faith and Immigrant Rights Groups will share perspectives on the upcoming Senate debate on Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

WHEN: Monday, May 21st at 2pm (eastern)

WHO: AFL-CIO
Asian American Justice Center
Casa of Maryland/Fair Immigrant Rights Movement
Leadership Conference for Civil Rights
National Council of La Raza
Service Employees International Union
US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Meanwhile… the republicans and the White House, were making audio, video and written statements in Spanish available within minutes as well as interviews with everyone from secretary Carlos Gutiérrez on down…AND then people wonder….