Push for action includes full-page reprint of letter in an ad in The Hill
Frustration over Congress’ inaction on immigration solutions that would include pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status permit holders, essential workers and farmworkers, led to more than 30 Latino leaders, including ABIC Action members, sending a letter to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus decrying their inaction.
Among the signatories were ABIC Action co-chairman Mike Fernandez, and members Sol Trujillo and Ana Valdez.
Interviews with former Rep. Gutierrez also were broadcast on Telemundo’s national morning show, Hoy Día and Univision
A full-page ad in The Hill, which displayed the letter and names of those who endorsed it, was paid for by CHIRLA Action Fund, CASA in Action and ABIC Action.
“We remain greatly disappointed that, during the last year, as various interests sought inclusion in President Biden’s Build Back Better plan — legislation that was proposed as a budget reconciliation bill that would not require a 60-vote, filibuster-proof majority in the Senate — champions for immigration solutions were few.
“Indeed, while your colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus were heroically battling for passage of voting rights legislation, in memory of the great Rep. John Lewis, who also fought for immigrants’ rights, we were dismayed by the lack of leadership from most of the 38 members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus…..Where is your anger over the Senate stalemate? Where is your passion for people you represent as residents of your districts — millions in mixed status households — who will forever be a permanent underclass of Latinos unless Congress acts?” the letter stated. (Scroll down for full text of the ad in The Hill.)
Former Rep. Luis Gutierrez, long recognized as a champion for immigration solutions, was interviewed by English and Spanish news media about the letter. Gutierrez noted the political difficulty for Hispanic senators to stand up for immigration solutions if the CHC presents a weak front.
According to The Hill: “The bill was in the House. It’s where we have the majority. It’s where we have the power, in the House. If the House sends a message that we really don’t —-ing care, how do you think it makes [Sen.] Bob Menendez‘s [(D-N.J.)] and [Sen. Catherine] Cortez Masto’s [(D-Nev.)] job? It makes it harder for them,” said former Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), who for years led the CHC’s immigration efforts.
Interviews were also aired on MSNBC – Jose Diaz-Balart Reports