Washington, DC – Yesterday, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the DREAM Act of 2017, which would allow a select group of immigrant students to earn permanent residence and a pathway to American citizenship. The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) commends the new legislation that recognizes the contributions of undocumented young people but also demands that DACA be protected until Congress enacts broader reform for all undocumented immigrants and their families.
Johanna Puno Hester, APALA National President and Assistant Executive Director of the United Domestic Workers, AFSCME Local 3930, commented: “As an immigrant myself, I am glad that Congress is taking action against this anti-immigrant administration. However, if Congress truly wants to enact pro-immigrant policies, passing the DREAM Act is only one solution. We must continue to put pressure on elected officials at the federal and local level to pass legislation that protects sanctuary cities, defunds and demilitarizes our borders and our communities, and ensures that the millions of immigrants who are not protected under DACA or the DREAM Act of 2017 are able to live in this country without fear of detention or deportation.”
“The administration time and again has made it clear that no immigrant is safe,” added Alvina Yeh, APALA National Executive Director. “After the rescission of DAPA last month, we cannot overlook the fact that DACA is still under threat, which, if rescinded, would be a shattering blow to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who call America home. Now more than ever, we stand with immigrants and their families and will continue to resist, organize, and fight back until all 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country have a pathway to citizenship.”
Yves Gomes, APALA National Executive Board Member, concluded: “DACA and the DREAM Act of 2017 are no doubt avenues toward comprehensive immigration reform. However, let us remember that all immigrants deserve dignity and respect and we, as immigrant rights advocates, must fight against a divisive narrative that paints a good vs. bad immigrant. The time to act is now, and we will continue to protect and defend our brothers and sisters from policies laced with anti-immigrant and racist sentiment.”
Johanna Puno Hester, APALA National President and Assistant Executive Director of the United Domestic Workers, AFSCME Local 3930, commented: “As an immigrant myself, I am glad that Congress is taking action against this anti-immigrant administration. However, if Congress truly wants to enact pro-immigrant policies, passing the DREAM Act is only one solution. We must continue to put pressure on elected officials at the federal and local level to pass legislation that protects sanctuary cities, defunds and demilitarizes our borders and our communities, and ensures that the millions of immigrants who are not protected under DACA or the DREAM Act of 2017 are able to live in this country without fear of detention or deportation.”
“The administration time and again has made it clear that no immigrant is safe,” added Alvina Yeh, APALA National Executive Director. “After the rescission of DAPA last month, we cannot overlook the fact that DACA is still under threat, which, if rescinded, would be a shattering blow to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who call America home. Now more than ever, we stand with immigrants and their families and will continue to resist, organize, and fight back until all 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country have a pathway to citizenship.”
Yves Gomes, APALA National Executive Board Member, concluded: “DACA and the DREAM Act of 2017 are no doubt avenues toward comprehensive immigration reform. However, let us remember that all immigrants deserve dignity and respect and we, as immigrant rights advocates, must fight against a divisive narrative that paints a good vs. bad immigrant. The time to act is now, and we will continue to protect and defend our brothers and sisters from policies laced with anti-immigrant and racist sentiment.”
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| apala_demands_justice_for_all_immigrants.pdf |
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