Mediaboss Marketing

Steve Marcus

Dreamer Astrid Silva is embraced by President Obama after introducing him at Del Sol High School Friday, Nov. 21,2014.

By Ana Ley (contact) , Amber Phillips (contact)

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014 | 2 a.m.

When President Barack Obama gave Astrid Silva a shout-out last month, he did more than put a face on his new immigration plan.

He helped thrust Silva, and her home state of Nevada, into the national spotlight on immigration reform.

She has since used her political fame to sell the presidents divisive executive action. Her latest push came before a Senate panel Wednesday, where she accused Obamas critics of attacking America and everything that has made this country strong.

When people challenge the presidents authority, theyre attacking me, Silva said. Theyre attacking my mom.

Astrid is one of several Nevada players who are behind a movement that is intensifying attention on the state's unique immigration landscape. And what happens in Nevada could impact the national conversation about changes in policy.

"Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, has become a bellwether on immigration reform and the Latino vote," said Kevin Appleby of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which advocates for immigration reform.

Continue reading here:
Why Nevada has become a leader in immigration reform