Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke about the positive attributes of immigration and commented about the "very loud and powerful" voice in Washington, D.C., trying to stop President Barack Obama's progress on the issue.

According to Cuomo, New York has used the strengths of immigrants to help build the Empire State's reputation. While addressing the Daily News Citizenship NOW! phone bank, the governor said there are people and parts across the country that does not want any immigrants.

"A voice that is very loud and powerful in Washington has in many ways has stopped the progress that [President Obama] has wanted to make," said Cuomo.

"There's another voice, which is your voice today and the voice of New York that says don't be threatened and don't be afraid, immigration isn't a bad thing, immigration is a good thing, immigration brings in new people with new talents, new cultures, and they add to society, they bring a new asset to society, they don't detract, look at New York."

The New York governor noted 40 percent of New York City's population is foreign born, which also represents 20 percent of the state.

"We made New York the greatest state on the planet by welcoming people and using their strengths and we are still doing it aggressively," Cuomo said.

The Daily News Citizenship NOW! phone bank event set the stage for Cuomo to announce the launch of a pilot program providing free English-language training through mobile phones for hundreds of New York's immigrants. According to Cuomo's office, the pilot program allows users to access "self-paced audio and text lessons through their personal cell phones." The program uses voice tutorials and message services for two-way interactivity and instant feedback.

The program, however, will make its initial launch in three areas of the state: Finger Lanes and North County regions, lower Hudson Valley and New York City.

"One of the best ways to help immigrants play a productive role in the economy and become citizens is to make it easier for them to learn English," said Jorge Montalvo, director of the New York State Office for New Americans.

"These easy-to-use lessons use a mobile phone's audio and texting systems, which are available on the least expensive types of phones that low-wage immigrants are most likely to have and will give immigrants a chance to learn English, opening the door to new opportunities."

In a statement, Cuomo said everyone should have an opportunity to learn English, if they choose to. With the Cell-ED pilot program, Cuomo said the changes to learn and practice English has "dramatically" increased and will improve people's economic livelihood.

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.