05 SEP 2022

This Labor Day, Immigration Hub Honors Unions and Immigrant Workers

WASHINGTON, DC - Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, issued the following statement on Labor Day:  

“On Labor Day, our nation celebrates all hard-working Americans, including immigrant workers, who are the backbone of our economy. We also take this day to recognize the role labor unions have played to deliver critical protections for American workers so that families can continue to pursue the American Dream. 

“We thank our partners in the labor movement for standing in solidarity with immigrant workers in the fight to build a humane and fair immigration system that represents the needs and interests of all working people. They understand that a path to citizenship for our nation’s undocumented immigrants would improve wages and working conditions for all Americans. Far too many immigrant workers remain vulnerable to workplace abuse and we must continue to fight for fairer working conditions that increase safety and economic security for all. 

“Our nation was built by immigrants, and throughout our nation’s history, immigrants have enriched the fabric of our communities, our workforce and our labor movement. The valuable role and contributions of immigrant essential workers during the pandemic are particularly noteworthy. While immigrant workers were disproportionately harmed by COVID-19, they showed up every day on the front lines as farmworkers, caretakers, doctors and more to help our nation survive the pandemic and support our recovery. In fact, 69 percent of immigrants— including more than five million undocumented immigrants— worked in essential roles. With America well on its way to recovery, we cannot leave behind the immigrant workers who put their health and safety at risk and made this possible. 

“Now, as our nation grapples with continued labor shortages which are in part driving higher costs, immigrant workers continue to ensure that our shelves are stocked, the sick are cared for and businesses remain open. As we approach the November election, its important to note, 57% of voters believe immigrant workers play a positive role keeping businesses staffed up and 70% support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

“This Labor Day, let's remember and honor the sacrifices that all American and immigrant workers have made to strengthen our workforce and economy. In a time of need, immigrants delivered for us all. Now, Congress can uplift all workers by ensuring permanent protections for the eleven million undocumented immigrants including Dreamers, farm workers and TPS holders who call this country home. It’s past time for Congress to finally act on the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly agree that the time to get it done is now.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.