LULAC Supports the STRIVE Act Which is a Realistic and Fair Immigration Reform and a Moratorium on Raids Around the Country

LULAC National President Rosa Rosales made the following statement today: “Over the last few months a failure to reach consensus on immigration reform has resulted in raids around the country including Texas. For this reason LULAC applauds the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for their leadership in supporting the STRIVE act today which would more thoroughly address the security and labor concerns at hand. The STRIVE Act has 75 co-sponsors.

LULAC is disappointed with the latest round of raids by the federal agents who were part of the newest initiative by the government to crack down on undocumented immigrants working in the plants of poultry producers across the country. Other industries have also been targeted. Raids in a doughnut factory in Houston and a Mexican restaurant chain in upstate New York have also led to dozens of arrests. LULAC again urges President Bush to mandate a temporary stoppage on raids. The raids do nothing to improve our immigration laws and cause fear in the communities. The process is having a negative impact on the immigrants, local communities and the economy.

Early on April 16, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out raids on poultry processing plants owned by the Pilgrim’s Pride Company in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas and West Virginia. Of the total number of workers arrested, 58 were released under supervision for humanitarian reasons such as childcare or medical issues.

In a keynote address to the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME), an organization founded in 2003 by the Mexican government, I stressed key issues pertaining to Immigration reform, concerns over the latest round of raids and the newly created LULAC National Commission for Immigrant Affairs (LNCIA). LULAC has twenty members that are part of the IME delegation.

LULAC supports strengthening our borders, strengthening interior enforcement, employment verification and earned legalization for hardworking immigrants that want to contribute to this great nation and will continue to work for a comprehensive immigration bill that is fair and just.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.”*

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