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The Obama administration recently announced its intent to push for comprehensive immigration reform in the coming new year. In a speech given earlier this month Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano favored what she called a “three-legged stool” approach involving enforcement, expanded legal channels, and a “firm but fair way to deal with those who are already here.” Before the immigration debate turns to Capitol Hill in 2010, an event this weekend will pair immigrant-rights organizations with popular Los Angeles-based musicians in an effort to raise awareness of the human rights issues surrounding the migration of peoples across the U.S. – Mexico border. On Saturday at the Echoplex, Mucho Wednesdays and KPFK radio will present “Ilegal en Estyle” featuring the conscious immigrant music of Chilean-born and California raised singer-songwriter Pilar Diaz alongside opening act Wait.Think.Fast. The community organizations participating in the night’s activities include the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (Chirla), the National Day Laborers Organizing Network, LA Voice, An Unfinished Dream, and the recently successful Basta Dobbs Campaign. “Ilegal en Estyle” will provide a space for artists, music lovers, and pro-immigrant rights activists to network and inform themselves on the issue of immigration. KPFK’s own Latin-Alternative music program “Travel Tips for Aztlan” will be broadcasting live from the concert on Saturday night from 10-midnight.

GUESTS: Pilar Diaz, Musician, Marco Amador, National Day Laborer Organizing Network and Cimarron Productions