LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Community leaders from all over the Little Rock area got together Thursday to talk about immigration reform. The leaders include people from faith-based groups, African American groups, businesses, media and education.



This local meeting is part of a much larger effort across the nation to change immigration laws. They say the current system is broken.



Arkansas Director of Reform Immigration for America J.R. Gomez says changes will not just benefit the Hispanic community but all of America.

He adds, "We focus on family unification and re-unification. One of the flaws in the system presently is that there are many, many children who are left alone because of deportation, or that a visa has expired. Which therefore leaves the family broken."



Gomez says Arkansas' support is crucial to getting national immigration reform.



At a national level more that 400 organizations have already joined the effort.



“If you want a common-sense solution to our broken immigration system that strengthens equal opportunity and the rule of law, treats hardworking immigrant families with respect and dignity, and moves all communities and families in America forward together, join us,” said Jóse René Gómez.



The Campaign to Reform Immigration for America is a united national effort that brings together individuals and grassroots organizations with the mission to build support for workable comprehensive immigration reform. The Campaign to Reform Immigration for America is, in part, a project of the Tides Advocacy Fund.



The campaign connects people from communities across the country who are ready to work together towards achieving the 279 votes needed to win just and humane comprehensive immigration reform legislation: 218 votes in the House ...