Dear LCLAA Members and Allies,
These past few weeks have been a mixed bag, consisting of the introduction of dangerous, racist policy measures, coupled with moments of victory. We have seen this month the Administration harmfully expanded Title 42 and yet, last week we witnessed the same administration introduce a new process that would let immigrant workers obtain temporary protection from deportation if they are part of a labor dispute.
The later is an achievement that enforces the labor rights of immigrant workers, who we know too-often have their status used as leverage. The new guidance will protect the rights of immigrant workers to combat wage theft, civil rights violations, harassment, and unsafe working conditions. This is the product of decades of work done by our organization, members, partners, and allies, but we must be clear as we celebrate – this victory is one for our community by our community.
We cannot praise an administration that is only halfway committed to our cause. We can applaud the individual actions, but we cannot stand here and forget the actions mere weeks ago that turned its back on our brothers, sisters, and siblings from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti. We must be vigilant and hold our government to a higher standard, one that envisions and accounts for a diverse and talented workforce.
Yanira Merino
National President of LCLAA
