Latino group tackles immigration issues during convention

The National Council of La Raza's conference focused on immigration reform as a U.S. lawmaker says he's certain he'll hear about it during the August recess. U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., during a panel discussion on the issue Monday, said he expects plenty of members of Congress to hear from constituents during meetings in their districts, CBS News reported. The Republican-led House of Representatives isn't expected to take up immigration reform until September. "I am very confident about our chances for immigration reform, even if the road ahead looks difficult sometimes," Gutierrez said. "We have unity among Democrats like I have never seen before and there are dozens and dozens of Republicans who will vote with us to resolve this issue in a bipartisan manner." Clarissa Martinez-De-Castro, the NCLR's director of immigration and civic engagement, said Latino voters "created a game-changing moment last November and have continued to be intensely engaged in this effort." One of the keynote speakers on the conference's Tuesday is first lady Michelle Obama, who is expected to speak about childhood obesity, one of her signature causes, CBS News said. "Our community is eager to hear from such a prominent and passionate public figure who, in her time as first lady, has shown unwavering commitment to important causes for the growing Latino community such as children's health, nutrition and education," Janet Murguia, NCLR president and chief executive officer, said in a statement last month. The NCLR conference is in New Orleans.