Immigration Hub Names Beatriz Lopez Co-Executive Director and Launches New Advocacy Arm

Washington, D.C – As first reported in POLITICO, the Immigration Hub proudly announces the launch of Catalyze/Citizens (C/C), a groundbreaking, independent 501(c)(4) organization that will champion pro-democracy and pro-immigrant leaders, hold accountable extreme anti-immigrant leaders and voices, and advocate for critical reforms for online and AI safety. C/C will launch sophisticated, data-driven campaigns to inform the American public of the human impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s draconian immigration actions while countering the unprecedented volume of anti-immigrant misinformation. As part of the expansion, Beatriz Lopez, formerly Deputy Director, will serve as Co-Executive Director alongside Kerri Talbot. With over a decade of experience, Lopez is a seasoned expert in crafting research-backed political and communications strategies that amplify pro-immigrant narratives and engage voters.

“Donald Trump’s re-election is not a mandate for cruelty – it is under this premise that I am proud to lead an incredible team of experts in using every lever and tool to ensure that we can defeat or reduce the harm posed under the new Congress and a Trump administration,” stated Beatriz Lopez, the new Co-Executive Director for the Immigration Hub and Catalyze/Citizens.

“The past decade has marked a dangerous shift: the mainstreaming of authoritarian ideology and the systematic spread of anti-immigrant narratives. Never before has the weaponization of immigration posed such a direct threat to American democracy, our core values, and public safety. Under my leadership, the Hub will expand its mission to tackle the source of disinformation by championing policies and solutions that ensure social media responsibility and online and AI safety. Creating the conditions for humane immigration reform means we can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines of a critical debate on tech regulations, or fail to compete against the enormous volume and spending on anti-immigrant marketing.

“Catalyze/Citizens emerged from a clear conviction – we need a robust response that matches, competes and wins against the extreme right’s anti-immigrant, anti-democratic narratives. To that end, we are committed to driving major advocacy campaigns to hold accountable Trump and his allies and elect leaders who will champion humane immigration policies and regulations to safeguard against dangerous online disinformation. 

“Together, the Hub and its new advocacy arm understand that the strongest response to Trump and anti-immigrant voices is a bold vision for a resilient, vibrant immigration system that recognizes the strength of aspiring citizens, keeps families safe and together, and stands tall with our democracy.”

Since its founding in 2017, the Immigration Hub has played a central role in advancing fair and humane immigration policies by activating over 400 partner organizations, educating and equipping elected leaders at all levels, and driving innovative advocacy campaigns. With Catalyze/Citizens as its new advocacy arm, the Hub will expand its scope to counter far-right disinformation campaigns and push for critical policy solutions, including reforms to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, to build safer online spaces and AI technology. Through these efforts, C/C aims to champion and elect pro-immigrant leaders, mobilize uncommon allies, and drive narrative interventions that protect immigrant communities and strengthen democratic values.

“With the transition to a new administration that has pledged to reverse the progress made in recent years, we can expect far-reaching, inhumane and lasting changes on America’s immigration system. But just as we have done in the past, the Immigration Hub is ready to respond,” said Kerri Talbot, Co-Executive Director of the Immigration Hub. “As we continue this work through the Hub, Catalyze Citizens will take on a new role in tackling misinformation and amplifying voices across the country who recognize immigration as essential to our democracy and economy.”

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Catalyze/Citizens is dedicated to winning protections for millions of aspiring citizens and safeguarding America’s democracy by leading innovative advocacy campaigns, generating powerful narrative interventions and forging groundbreaking alliances.