With his vocal support of both Colorado’s ASSET bill and Metro’s provision of tuition equity, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is perhaps the highest-profile elected official in Colorado to speak out on immigration issues.
It comes as no surprise, then, that Denver’s mayor is also lending his support to the White House’s recent announcement that it would halt the deportation of select groups of illegal immigrants.
From the mayor’s office:
DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock today issued the following statement in support of President Obama’s policy to halt the deportation of young undocumented immigrants:
“I applaud the President’s decision to halt the deportation of young undocumented immigrants who deserve every opportunity to succeed in what has become their home country. This new policy takes a common sense approach to immigration laws, acknowledging the difference between those who choose to come to the U.S. without proper documentation and children who are here through no choice of their own.
“By granting these young people relief from deportation and providing a pathway to work visas, we improve their chances of contributing positively to our economy, our society and their own families while strengthening America’s global competitiveness. With this policy, our country also takes a critical step towards compassionate and responsible immigration reform.
“While this is an exciting moment, there is still much work to be done. To compete and thrive in today’s global economy, we must give all our children an opportunity to succeed.”
For President Obama, the move was no doubt motivated in part by political calculus — the policy change will doubtlessly mobilize young Hispanic voters to come out in full force on election day.
Unlike Obama, Hancock isn’t facing a competitive re-election campaign this year, or, more than likely, ever. The mayor’s support of comprehensive, progressive immigration reform, then, is less designed to garner political support and more an example of Hancock taking advantage of his office to advocate for policies he actually believes in.
There’s no risk or reward for Hancock in pushing the positions he does: he’ll get re-elected either way. Still, by taking a bold stance on issues especially relevant in the west, Denver’s mayor may yet succeed at raising his national profile.
At the very least, Hancock bolsters the Obama campaign’s talking points in the mountain west. As the mayor of the region’s second-largest city, Hancock’s support enables Obama to crow about coalitions behind him on issues which affect actual states, municipalities, and people.
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