Standing Up for Our Neighbors: Why Advocating for Immigrants Matters
I wish everyone could hear some of the stories of people who came to the United States to find a better situation for their families. I must admit some are inspirational and others are gut-wrenching because they didn't have a happy ending. Hard-working individuals who came here to work and better their circumstances, to whole families who had to uproot their whole lives and culture to start a new life in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. A symbol of freedom and new beginnings in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Because we told them they could.
Since the beginning, the United States has used the manual labor of immigrants to build this country. It is almost ironic the way we have forgotten that almost half of what is today the west of the country, was part of Mexico. Trapping inside and displacing millions of Latinos in the process. I urge you to check out what happened to the Latino communities throughout the expansion west. Aside from the fact that every year thanks to immigrants we can run this machine of manufacture and agricultural exploitation on schedule. Many immigrants have been contributing to our communities, working hard, and building a life for themselves and their families. Yet, they often face uncertainty and fear due to their undocumented status. It's time to recognize the value and dignity of these individuals and advocate for their rights.
La Coalicion Americana Por la Democracia y la Igualdad is hosting this five-day marathon on TikTok from May 1st to May 5,2024, under the hashtag #Atrevete . Five days of inspiring the community to sign this important piece of American History. The goal is to have one million signatures on House bill HR1511, Introduced in the House (03/09/2023) This bill expands eligibility for a program that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to, at its discretion, provide lawful permanent resident status to certain long-term residents of the United States, including individuals who are unlawfully present.
Legalizing immigrants who have been in the country for decades would bring numerous benefits:
1. Economic Growth: Legal status would allow them to fully participate in the economy, start businesses, and contribute to the tax base more fairly. Right now they contribute to a system that does not extend the same protection as an individual without their status legalized. This includes the protections in the workplace to prevent the exploitation of these individuals and their circumstances.
2. Family Unity: The trauma of being invisible in a country where the goal is to thrive. The possibility of children being separated from their parents, wives from husbands. For the sake of the family, as a whole, and to prevent these children from falling through the cracks. Like millions of children who are separated from their parents and are traumatized permanently from the dehumanization of a system that already judges them.
3. Social Integration: Legal status would facilitate integration into society, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This facilitates the creation of safe spaces for these communities to thrive.
4. Human Rights: By recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, regardless of immigration status; we do good on the promise of welcoming those that want to chase the American Dream.
5. Fairness: We have to recognize the hard work and dedication with a pathway to citizenship. Let's stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors and demand a more inclusive and compassionate society. Together, we can create a brighter future for all!
HR1511, also known as the "Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1924" bill, aims to renew and update the provisions of the Immigration Act of 1924. The bill's purpose is to address current immigration challenges by reviving and modernizing the earlier legislation. Over 8 million undocumented immigrants would come out of the dark and integrate into the very society they serve and contribute to.
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