The power of text messages and social networking sites in political communications was proven during President Obama’s campaign. People continue to spread change only this time the issue is immigration reform.

The Center for Community Change in Washington, DC created a text message network managed by the Reform Immigration for American campaign (RI4A) in order to better communicate with people. The company noticed that most Latinos don’t have access to email, blogs, or internet but do have access to phones. The Huffington Post quoted Rachel LaBruyere, Deputy Online Director of RI4A about their new texting network. "Text messaging is a tool that's immediate enough to drive calls quickly, but also sophisticated enough to build a much larger network, which enables ongoing action and cultivation of engaged activists. Texting from a mobile network makes it possible for the community to quickly respond in real time when President Obama or another legislator makes a controversial or important comment about immigration reform."

Here is an example of a text message:

“Immigration Alert:1000's of Haitian undocumented immigrants risk deportation 2 Haiti. Call Obama, ask 4 Temporary Protected Status NOW! 866-930-3396 Pls Forward"

Their goal is to send a text message no longer than 160 characters including spaces. It’s short and simple and according to them effective. RI4A also uses text messages to organize events.

Currently there are 12 million undocumented people living and working in the United States and according to Diego Graglia from Feet in 2 Worlds Obama is walking a thin line with Latinos.

“Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D.-Ill.), who last year introduced an immigration reform bill in the House, is even calling for Latinos to punish Democrats and Republicans alike at the polls this year, saying that if the issue sees no action before April’s Congressional recess, it won’t be addressed at all in 2010.Gutierrez told the Mexican news service Notimex, the reform movement should set a March 21 deadline for the Democratic administration to get the issue started.“If the issue is not broached by that date, the Hispanic vote will have to reflect on the idea of a punishment with a vote of absence in the next elections, so that our power and importance are felt,” he said, in a statement that was reported in Spanish by the wire service.”

If politicians want Latino support then immigration is the way to obtain it. I know President Obama is busy with health care and fixing the economy, but kids continue to be taken from their parents. This is an issue that needs some attention.

Keep up with the latest from Youth Radio. Follow @youthradio on Twitter. Live your digital life on Facebook? Become a fan of YMI-Youth Media International and get updates delivered right to your page.