For Immediate Release
September 20, 2021
Media Contact
Erik Villalobos, evillalobos@ndlon.org
Following Parliamentarian setback, TPS migrant families march the Capitol to call on Democratic Leadership to Act Now
See Broadcast of Press Conference
Washington DC- Following the Senate Parliamentarian’s official ruling on immigration, deciding against the first of several different options to provide permanent residency for TPS Holders, Dreamers, Farmworkers and Essential workers through budget reconciliation, thousands of TPS migrant families of the National TPS Alliance marched on the streets of Washington DC to call on Democratic leadership to ensure beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are not left out of the $3.5 trillion final reconciliation package, which is where Democrats seek to include permanent protections for TPS Holders, Dreamers, Farmworkers and Essential Workers.
The march began with a cultural and live music show at freedom plaza, followed by an action in front of the white house, and concluded in Area 15 of capitol. The streets of the capitol, were filled with fields of blue, eye-catching artwork of butterflies and large birds, signs calling for ‘Residency NOW’, and TPS families from across the country making a final call to ensure inclusion via budget reconciliation.
Members of the National TPS Families made the following remarks at the march:
“The fight for our permanent residency and political equality through reconciliation is still far from finished! Democratic leadership must reaffirm their commitment to our families and look for any alternative which would guarantee permanent residency for TPS holders, Dreamers, Farmworkers and essential workers this year. We need these leaders to commit to their campaign promises and fight alongside us until the very end.”–Martha Fernandez, TPS Holder, TPS Committee, Antelope Valley, CA
“Let us remember that in November, we travelled all over the country to tell US citizens in our communities to ‘Vote Against Hate’. There is no doubt that our efforts, and the efforts of Black, Brown and Migrant communities from all over the country gave Democrats a majority so today, It is now time for Democratic Senate leadership to step up to the plate and deliver on the campaign promises they made to the communities who put them in power. No more excuses! Let’s make this the year where congress finally delivers on long awaited immigration reform by providing legalizations for millions through budget reconciliation. We need permanent protections for TPS Holders, Dreamers, Farmworkers, and Essential workers!”-Crista Ramos, Lead Plaintiff in Ramos V. Mayorkas, Child of TPS Holders, TPS Committee- San Francisco
“As congress is expected to continue discussing a final reconciliation deal, President Biden can still provide immediate relief to millions more with the power of his signature. We need Biden to fully re-designate and expand the TPS status for many who remain without status and cannot return to their native country in these moments of ongoing crisis.”-Erasmo Ramos, TPS Holder, Morristown, NJ TPS Committee
“We already contribute an annual $4.6 Billion a year in taxes, we have also been the backbone of this country as frontline workers in the midst of a global pandemic, and we also send many of our earnings in remittances to our native countries. If the Biden administration is truly committed to tackling the root causes of migration, permanent residency and equal rights for millions will be a critical first step. Legalizing millions of migrant communities through reconciliation will not incentivize another migrant crisis, but this will support our efforts to help improve conditions back home.”-Karla Rivas, TPS Holder, Massachusetts TPS Committee
###
The National TPS Alliance is a grassroots organization comprised of over 50 committees nationwide, advocating for the permanent residency of beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status from the countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, Nepal, Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Yemen
For legal questions please contact the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at CILPpress@law.ucla.edu
https://www.facebook.com/TPSAlliance