Dozens of civil organizations in the United States highlight the importance of immigrants and their economic contributions, while warning about the actions promised by President-elect Donald Trump regarding mass deportation.
“As immigrants, we have been fundamental to the progress and resilience of our nation, because we are hard-working, loving and resilient communities,” highlighted Angélica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for the Human Rights of Immigrants (CHIRLA) and president of FIRM Action. “And we will continue to be a positive force for our nation. We are not going anywhere and will continue to defend the millions of aspiring Americans who need protection from Congress and mass legalization, not mass deportation plans that would cause harm and chaos to every community in every city, county and states of the nation.
FIRM Action carries out several mobilizations at the national level, including a meeting with congressmen from both parties, to seek to stop Trump’s mass deportation plan, who has even indicated that he would deport entire families, if necessary.
This Monday, a hunger strike was even started to also pressure President Joe Biden’s government to take executive actions to help protect some populations, extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
This Wednesday the National Day of Action is organized in Placita Olvera in Los Angeles, California, organized by CHIRLA, and the march and demonstration for the lives of immigrants, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, together with the Liberty Bell, organized by PICC
The coalition of organizations’ events include the January Training for Immigrants to Know Their Rights, organized by Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), as well as other similar sessions organized by the organization CASA.
The Asian Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Caucus highlighted that this Migrant Day, the contributions of immigrant populations to the country should be remembered.
“On this International Migrant Day, we honor the hope, resilience, and essential role that immigrants continue to play in shaping and strengthening our nation,” said CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (California-28). . “Despite their contributions, many immigrant communities still face increasing xenophobic and discriminatory rhetoric, as well as significant economic, legal, and social barriers to both entering and remaining in this country.”
Representative Pramila Jayapal (Washington-07) indicated that this day offers “a moment to reflect on the countless contributions” of immigrants to the United States.
“As we do that, we must also continue working to fulfill our mission of creating a more humane, compassionate and functional immigration system that is rooted in justice and truly works for everyone,” he said. “As a proud immigrant and one of 18 naturalized citizens currently serving in Congress […] “I know how important it is that we reform our immigration system to prioritize equity and a roadmap to citizenship.”
Representative Rob Menendez (New Jersey-08), the grandson of immigrants and representatives of communities with high numbers of immigrants, highlighted the importance of maintaining a path to a more just system.
“As we celebrate this day, we must also recommit ourselves to protecting migrant communities at home and abroad, ensuring their dignity and providing them with opportunities to succeed,” he said.
The Hispanic Caucus celebrates actions
On Tuesday, the Biden Administration announced new rules for H-1B visas, following those also announced for H-2 visas, to make it easier to hire foreign workers and increase oversight against abuses.
The president of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Nanette Barragán (California-44), welcomed that decision.
“The CHC welcomes the final rules on H-1B and H-2 visas, victories that our Caucus urged President Biden to achieve,” he said. “The H-1B rule improves hiring processes, opens doors for DACA recipients, and ensures stronger oversight, helping American companies compete globally.”
He added that the H-2 updates boost protections for agricultural workers, as part of a path toward a fairer immigration system.
“We thank the Biden-Harris administration for these critical steps forward and remain committed to advocating for policies that value immigrants, recognize their contributions, and honor American values,” Barragán said.