Grupo Salinas and Azteca America Support Immigration Legislation Presented by Senator Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Salinas, Azteca America and its non-profit arm Fundacion Azteca America, companies founded by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), support recent legislation proposed by Senator Bob Menendez as an important step toward achieving comprehensive immigration reform.

The bill addresses important issues that are vital to nonpartisan support for immigration legislation, including border security, workable enforcement and a path to legalize and integrate an estimated 11 million undocumented workers in the United States following background checks and the payment of a fine. The legislation also includes elements of the DREAM Act, which would create visa opportunities for undocumented college students and members of the U.S. military.  

"We believe there are many important elements in this bill that contribute to workable comprehensive immigration reform," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America. "What we need is vocal support of such initiatives that reaches members of Congress."

Grupo Salinas and Azteca America have sponsored an ongoing campaign in favor of immigrant rights and comprehensive immigration reform through a multi-media campaign called "I too am America," which includes a series of public service announcements, a white paper written by the University of Denver's Center for Community Engagement and Scholarship entitled "The State of Latinos: Immigration," informational brochures distributed by Azteca America affiliated television stations in over 70 cities through the country, and a series of immigration forums.

The first forum was held this spring at Georgetown University, with the most recent held last week at Arizona State University. The next conference, called "State of Latinos, Immigration," will take place this month in Ft. Myers, FL to address the issue with policy makers and community leaders.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. Azteca America operates in 69 markets nationwide and can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.  

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to building the middle class of the countries where it operates, and improving society through excellence.  Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies TV Azteca (www.irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com ).  Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently with its own management, board of directors and shareholders.  Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings.  However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

About Fundacion Azteca America

Fundacion Azteca America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of the Hispanic community currently in the U.S. Fundacion Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca, Azteca America and TV Azteca are companies of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas. For more information, visit www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org.

SOURCE Grupo Salinas; Azteca America; Fundacion Azteca America