‘WE DON’T WANT ‘EM’: THE REVEALING STATEMENT BEHIND LATEST ANTI-IMMIGRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
The renewed Muslim ban makes no secret of its underlying motivations – overt discriminatory policy based around race and religion. “We don’t want ‘em,” Trump said in official remarks. Of note, despite administration justification to the contrary, those now blocked from traveling should the ban go into effect have already undergone extensive legal processes to enter the U.S. Another devastating attack includes a coordinated targeting of the higher education of Texas Dreamers. But with Trump’s tariff war tanking the economy and his big, horrible bill facing opposition, it’s no surprise he’s refocusing on expanded efforts to attack and blame immigrants. Read more here.
FORMERLY DETAINED DREAMER: ‘I AM AN AMERICAN WITHOUT PAPERS’
College student Ximena Arias-Cristobal joined TheDream.US President Gaby Pacheco, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration President Miriam Feldblum, and AV Executive Director Vanessa Cárdenas to discuss concerns over the targeting of students like herself. In powerful remarks, Arias-Cristobal framed her fight as a human rights issue. “I am a Georgian, and I am an American without papers. No one should have to go through something like this.” Said Cárdenas: “A much smarter and more popular approach than detentions, deportations, and visa denials would be ensuring clear pathways for international students and citizenship for Dreamers.” Read more here.
MILITARIZED AND MASKED AGENTS TARGETING KIDS, PARENTS, AND WORKERS
As Stephen Miller pushes for an astonishing 3,000 ICE arrests per day, horrifying visuals of armed and masked agents targeting parents, trusted workers and even kids are generating anger and pushback across the country. In Minneapolis, angered neighbors condemned militarized agents swarming a Mexican restaurant as “trauma” to the community. There must be a better way, responds Cárdenas. “Masked and armed ICE agents are coming to a community near you. Their approach is to arrest first and ask questions later. This is not who we are and presents a threat of violence to every American – citizen or not.” Read more here.
IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH: AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION
In her weekly column, America’s Voice consultant Maribel Hastings writes that Immigrant Heritage Month arrives in the midst of virulent attacks on immigrants who enrich this country through their work, spirit, and ingenuity. They are Dreamers, long-settled contributors, and beloved neighbors. “Although many communities have raised their voices and the judicial branch has put the brakes on many of the president’s actions,” we’re dealing with a lawless administration, she writes. “This Immigrant Heritage Month, the call to action is urgent.” Her column was also published in outlets including La Opinión, El Periódico USA, and La Tribuna Hispana. Read her column in English here and Spanish here.
IMMIGRANTS HAVE ALWAYS BELONGED IN AMERICA
In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, 30 cities and counties have launched a multilingual campaign affirming that immigrants have always belonged in America. “You Belong” will be available in nearly 30 languages and “is intended to inspire, uplift, and support immigrant communities in our cities and the nation” during the month of June. “From every corner of the world, people have come here seeking refuge and opportunity,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, “and together, we’ve built a city of hope, resilience, and innovation.” Here at AV, we’ll be lifting up immigrant stories throughout June – and we hope you’ll join us in honoring this important celebration. Read more here.
THIS IS WHAT MASS DEPORTATION LOOKS LIKE
Militarized ICE agents in masks and tactical gear swarming neighborhoods and brandishing weapons is not what Americans voted for, as the recent community pushback in states across the country demonstrates. Click here to share our message stating loud and clear that this is not what Americans want.
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS
Beginning this Saturday, hundreds of immigrants and allies in California will kick off a three-day walk to Sacramento to urge state leaders to pass a resolution condemning mass deportations and supporting legalization. “We cannot tolerate our families being ripped apart through the current deportations,” said Gabriela Hernandez of ALMAS LIBRES, a member of the Northern California Coalition For Just Immigration Reform. “California must put its money where its mouth is and more proactively urge Congress to pass a fair Path To Citizenship, so that we may continue to contribute to this country and live in peace and with dignity.” Click here for more details.
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