It is perhaps no surprise that the credit unions featured inPeter Strozniak’s CU Times article, Outreach Efforts Continue Despite Immigration Reform Stall(Oct. 1, 2014), are Federation members, as our federationpromotes financial inclusion for moderate- and low-income people,including immigrants.

The federal government and financial regulators do notdiscourage credit unions from serving immigrants, regardless ofimmigration status. Our lawmakers, and the agencies that enforcethe regulations governing credit unions, recognize that allowingpeople to participate in a safe, regulated financial system is goodfor people, the economy and our national security.

Immigrants are not terrorists. They are often low-wage daylaborers and domestic workers. They are the people who grow andharvest our food. They are members of our communities, activelyparticipating in the economy, who need access to the safe andaffordable products and services that credit unions provide.

Many credit unions were formed in direct response to Jim Crowlaws, redlining in communities of color, and other forms of racialand ethnic discrimination. As immigration reform continues toevolve, the Federation will continue to support its members’service to all underserved communities, including immigrants, andcontinue to help all low-income people achieve financialindependence through credit unions.

Cathie Mahon

President/CEO

National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions

New York