​(Washington, DC) – Washington, DC – The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) is outraged that the GOP presidential hopeful Jeb Bush used the derogatory term “anchor babies” to reference Asian children being born to immigrant families. His offensive comment exemplifies the consistent anti-immigrant rhetoric the Republican party uses to criticize communities of color.

“Whether directed towards Latinos, AAPIs or any other community, this demonstrates just how out of touch Bush is with our nation's changing demographics. His use of 'anchor babies' is plain wrong, offensive and hypocritical,” said Johanna Puno Hester, APALA National President. “APALA members denounce the use of any xenophobic or racist rhetoric, especially as a means to earn our community's votes.”

The rich AAPI immigration history is neglected by people like Jeb Bush who do not believe the distasteful term is offensive at all, undermining generations of AAPI immigrant contributions to America.

“APALA stands with all immigrants and communities of color. We won't allow Jeb Bush or any other candidate to divide and conquer us,” said Gregory Cendana, APALA National Executive Director. “Instead, this moment will signify to the growing AAPI voter bloc and rising American electorate, how the GOP does not reflect our values. As the presidential election season ramps up, we will continue to engage our communities, monitor the statements and policies of candidates and ensure voters know who stands with them--and who doesn't.”

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(Washington, DC) – Last week, during its 13th Biennial Convention, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) elected the first undocumented and youngest person ever to their national executive board. Yves Gomes was elected to APALA’s highest governing body on Sunday, August 16, 2015.

The election came off the heels of one of the largest convenings of undocumented Asian and Asian American and Pacific Islander (undocuAPI) youth. In partnership with ASPIRE Los Angeles (ASPIRE LA), APALA supported more than 40 undocuAPI youth from across the country to build with labor leaders and draw connections between mass deportation, mass incarceration, and other forms of criminalization in our communities. Trina Lei Pasumbal, ASPIRE LA CORE member, said, “A lot of amazing things came out of this year’s APALA convention, we were able to build with labor and our new found undocuAPI community, and it was amazing to see Yves taking on a new leadership role. It’ll make a positive impact on the undocuAPI movement and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Gomes, a pharmacy technician and proud union member, was supported by the leadership of his union. UFCW 400 President Mark P. Federici added, “Our members understand the devastating impact our broken immigration system has on working families. While Congress has failed to act to address this crisis, leaders like Yves continue to step up to fight for the rights of all hard-working men and women. We couldn’t be more proud of Yves and we know he will make a valuable contribution to the board of APALA.”

“It’s important for APALA to be grounded by those directly impacted by the issues we champion. From rank and file workers to women to youth of color and undocumented youth, we believe these voices should be uplifted at levels of the organization.” stated APALA National President Johanna Puno Hester. “We welcome Yves Gomes to the board and know that he will be a critical voice as we continue to advance worker, immigrant and civil rights.”

Yves Gomes said, “I am honored to be on the National Executive Board of APALA and I am astounded at APALA’s boldness in investing their trust in me as a young worker who is also undocumented. With my position on the board, I want to serve my undocumented and labor communities in fostering meaningful and strategic dialogue between each other so our movement can grow. I am incredibly humbled at the opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters in APALA, fellow young workers, undocumented youth and represent my union, UFCW Local 400.”

​To set up an interview with Yves Gomes, Trina Lei Pasumbal or Johanna Hester, contact William Chiang at wchiang@apalanet.org. Visit www.apalanet.org for more information.

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