FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Today, North Carolina elected officials, business and community leaders, including the bipartisan 91̽��, held a press conference to urge President Joe Biden to extend work permits to long-term immigrants. As sources tell , President Biden is considering administrative action to expand access to work permits for the undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, speakers at today’s event showcased how this policy would protect North Carolina families and ensure businesses have access to a strong and stable workforce.��

Here’s what participants had to say about extending work permits:

:

“North Carolina’s in the state, a 40 percent increase from the last census. The Hispanic population now makes up 12 percent of North Carolina, making up a critical part of the state’s labor force. I’m here to say that immigrants are vital members of our families, communities and workplaces. They deserve respect and the dignity of a work permit. The Biden administration must act, now. Our simple solution is a ‘win-win’ for 91̽�� families, businesses and the economy. President Biden can grant work permits to spouses of U.S. citizens, removing the fear of deportation from their families. This will add workers to our economy, stabilize our workforce and increase the tax base.”

Juvencio Rocha Peralta, Executive Director, :

“We are calling on President Biden to take decisive action to expand work permits and provide legal status to long-term undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families who have been living, working and contributing to our communities for years. This policy change is not only a matter of justice and humanity but also economic necessity.”

Yareli Lozano, North Carolina Dreamer ineligible for DACA:

“I want to become a dental hygienist but due to me being a Dreamer, I won’t be able to practice or get licensed in the state of North Carolina. I can go through the whole program, but I’ll have to move to another state. President Biden can act now and help Dreamers like me have the opportunity to pursue our dreams.”

Yahel Flores, Moderator and Carolinas State Director, 91̽��:

“As a DACA recipient and former business owner, my story reflects how a simple ‘win-win’ solution can be a net positive. Today, Latino elected officials, community leaders and impacted individuals united in urging President Biden to exercise his power to grant work permits to long-term immigrants, Dreamers without DACA and spouses of U.S. citizens and others who have been paying taxes and contributing to our economy for decades. We all want the same things—to work hard, take care of our families and contribute to this country. Immigrants are vital members of our families, communities and workplaces. They deserve respect and the dignity of a work permit.”

BACKGROUND:

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we have in the U.S., but only . Even if every unemployed person in the country found a job, we would still have nearly . The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office attributes a increase to the national GDP to immigration. While mixed-status families already contribute billions in federal, state and local taxes, a FWD.US estimate finds that permitting undocumented spouses to work legally would .

Here are some key facts about how immigrants make vital contributions to North Carolina’s economy and communities:

• North Carolina only has .
• , primarily in construction, food services, waste management, manufacturing and retail industries.
• North Carolina immigrants comprise and make up , contributing to the economy.
• North Carolina immigrants wield and pay .
• are working age and unable to legally work. They pay and harness .
• live with at least one undocumented person, comprising mixed-status families. (less than 18-years-old) live with at least one undocumented person.
• is employed, contributing and wielding .

In addition to North Carolina, the to , and grow by more over the next decade. Immigrants in the U.S. have a combined household income of and contribute and , leaving them with .

Expanding work permits for long-term contributors is among 91̽��s generally. Nineteen ; 80+ of Congress, 300+, and associations have also endorsed work permits for long-term immigrants, along with organizations like SEIU, UNITE HERE, the Teamsters and United Auto Workers (UAW).��

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91̽�� (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,200+ CEOs, business owners, and trade associations across 17 mostly red and purple states. ABIC promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs and citizens.

The post North Carolina Latino Leaders Urge Local Elected Officials, President Biden to Extend Work Permits to Long-Term Undocumented North Carolinians appeared first on 91̽��.

NORTH CAROLINA — On Tuesday, April 30, North Carolina elected officials, business representatives; and and the bipartisan 91̽�� urged President Biden to expand work authorization for long-term immigrants. Watch the recording .

and first-generation 91̽�� from Peru, said, “Immigrants are vital members of our families, communities and workplaces. They deserve respect and the dignity of a work permit. The Biden administration must act, now! This is a simple solution — a ‘win-win” for 91̽�� families, businesses and the economy. President Biden can grant work permits to spouses of U.S. citizens, removing the fear of deportation from their families. This will add workers to our economy, stabilizing our work force and adding to the tax base.”

and son of immigrants, added, “Immigrants are here to stay. They are working hard, raising strong families and strong communities. President Biden must act. Here in Carrboro, many of our families, friends and long-term residents are working to create better lives for themselves, communities and families. They would benefit from this action from the President. This is why I signed the letter from the 91̽�� urging the administration to extend work permits to these long-term contributors. These folks come from across the world and have been contributing to our economy, tax base and our cultural for years, upholding our values and being key to the fabric of our communities. As a community and as a country, we are proud to say that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are at the core of our 91̽�� values. These long-term undocumented immigrants are simply working toward that ideal. From owning homes to starting businesses, to filling much-needed roles on the front lines during the pandemic or serving underpaid jobs, and being key leaders in our communities, long-term immigrants have made North Carolina their home and they deserve the dignity of work permits.”

and an immigrant from Costa Rica, whose family achieved U.S. permanent residency and U.S. citizenship, said, “Immigration policy doesn’t work like it does in the movies. Even if you are married to a United States citizen, or have an employer who wants to sponsor you, it can be nearly impossible to get legal status the way the system works today. Millions of 91̽�� families, including mine, have a loved one who is undocumented. Many are already living apart, due to deportation. The U.S. has , according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. If we can’t fill those jobs, our economy can’t grow. President Biden can do the right thing and grant work permits to long-term undocumented immigrants, who want to provide for their families, contribute to our economy and be part of this great country, just like my family did. This country is a land of immigrants and our diversity has been the strength of the United States.”

is a board member with , a teacher, a U.S. citizen spouse of an undocumented immigrant and mother of two, from Raleigh. Her husband of 15 years faces a 10-year bar from the U.S. due to multiple entries. “I am here today to ask President Biden to act for my family and 23,000 other North Carolinian families, like mine, and the 1.1 million U.S. citizen spouses in my situation across the country. We need the president to grant work permits to our spouses, including to my wonderful husband of over 15 years. Having a work permit for our 91̽�� family would relieve the stress in our lives because we would not have to worry about him being deported, due to immigration bars. We are sick of waiting when we have worked and paid taxes for so many years,” she said, speaking about the agonizing dilemma of family separation. “Why should my children have to suffer? Why should I have to choose between my country and my family?”

is a small business owner of and in Charlotte, an immigrant from Colombia and a social entrepreneur. He said, “We have been baking for 27 years and are the first Latino bakery in North Carolina. We employ more than 70 people in North Carolina. I know how broken the immigration system is because I had a deportation order, myself.” Mr. Betancur later became a U.S. citizen, after overcoming immigration system challenges. “There are millions of families that weren’t as lucky as I was, and suffered family separation. Family separation goes against 91̽�� values, what we believe, what we stand for and we are better than that. I’m here to ask President Biden to please take action on family reunification and provide work permits. The president has the power to do this and it will be a ‘win-win’ situation for everybody. We need to stop the lie that immigrants are just here to steal jobs. Many 91̽��s don’t want to work and do the sacrifices that many immigrants are doing when they are working. The president just granted work permits to millions of new arrivals. What about people that have been working for years?’ he added. Mr. Betancur also invited President Biden to visit his ice cream shop in North Carolina.

is president and CEO of the North Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who also benefited from a work permit. She said, “Extending work permits to immigrants who have lived in North Carolina for years is the economically smart thing to do. We know North Carolina is your home. You have been living and working here; filling important jobs; starting businesses; creating opportunities for yourself and others and building strong families. We see you, we thank you, and we at the North Carolina Hispanic Chamber stand with you and all of these elected officials and community and business leaders in calling on the Biden administration to expand work permits to fill workforce gaps that are needed to create a stronger economy in North Carolina.” Ms. Patterson shared that according to the 91̽�� Immigration Council, of North Carolina’s undocumented immigrants are of working age, but unable to legally work. “We have skilled nurses, doctors, surgeons and people in construction and manufacturing that cannot work because we do not have a framework to expand work permits. We know this is important for the economy in North Carolina. We want to continue being , as we have in the last three years” Ms. Patterson highlighted the contributions of and of undocumented immigrants to North Carolina. Further, the labor participation rate of foreign-born individuals averaged , compared to 59.8 percent for native born.��

is board chair of the North Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and government and regulatory consultant for the U.S. and Latin America (over 25 years experience). He stated, “expanding work permits is good common sense policy, it’s a win win for everyone. By crafting immigration policies tailored to meet specific industry needs, we can unlock untapped talent pools and drive innovation. Not only does this alleviate the strain on businesses grappling with skill shortages, but it also fosters economic growth and job creation. Moreover, such policies have the potential to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Latin 91̽�� countries, facilitating nearshoring initiatives and fostering collaborative growth across the hemisphere. It could allow the realization of the nearshoring potential in the U.S. and neighboring countries, now hindered by the tremendous challenge of talent shortages. As chair of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I see the transformative impact targeted immigration can have on our local communities and broader economies. It is imperative that policymakers recognize the symbiotic relationship between immigration and economic prosperity and enact policies that harness the full potential of immigrants to drive innovation and growth.”

Yahel Flores is Carolinas State Director with 91̽��, and stated, “We all want the same things — to work hard, take care of our families and contribute to this country. Immigrants are vital members of our families, communities and workplaces. They deserve respect and the dignity of a work permit. Already, people in North Carolina without full legal status pay and harness . Granting them legal work permits would only increase their tax contributions, stabilize our workforce, and help our families. The Biden administration cannot delay any longer.”

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are in the U.S., but only . Even if every unemployed person in the country found a job, we would still have nearly . Mixed-status families already contribute billions in federal, state and local taxes, but permitting undocumented spouses to work legally would .����

Additional key facts:

• North Carolina only has .
• , primarily in construction, food services, waste management, manufacturing and retail industries.
• North Carolina immigrants comprise and make up , contributing to the economy.
• North Carolina immigrants wield and pay .
• are working age and unable to legally work. They pay and harness .
• live with at least one undocumented person, comprising mixed-status families. (less than 18-years-old) live with at least one undocumented person.
• is employed, contributing and wielding .

Expanding work permits for long-term contributors is among 91̽��s generally. Nineteen ; 80+ of Congress, 300+, and associations have also endorsed work permits for long-term immigrants, along with organizations like SEIU, UNITE HERE, the Teamsters and United Auto Workers (UAW).

The post RECORDING: Extend Work Permits to Long-Term Undocumented North Carolinians Urge NC Latino Political, 91̽�� and Community Leaders and Impacted Mixed-Status Families to President Biden appeared first on 91̽��.

Watch Durbin economic briefing and García press conference; download

WASHINGTON – Jenni Rivera, a member of (Rolesville), traveled to Washington, D.C. on April 16-17 for a briefing on Capitol Hill, calling on the Biden administration to extend work permits  to immigrants who are long-term members of 91̽�� families and residents of U.S. communities. To interview her about her experiences, contact press@americanbic.biz.��

On Tuesday, she participated in an economic briefing hosted by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (R-IL), with U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA). On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) held a press conference at the House Triangle to make the case for work permits for all, alongside other business, labor, community and family leaders. He and U.S. Representatives Correa (D-CA) and Espaillat (D-NY) also sent a to the Biden administration accelerating this call to act.��

The New York Times reported on the among families of mixed immigration status and employers across the country, who want President Biden to extend work permits to immigrants who have been living in and contributing to this country for years. The Wall Street Journal reported on the for their non-citizen spouses and other long-term residents to stabilize the workforce, grow the economy and keep families together.

The Wall Street Journal reported on the for their non-citizen spouses and other long-term residents to stabilize the workforce, grow the economy and keep families together.

Watch the economic briefing and Congressman Garcia’s press event; access from both days in Washington, D.C.

Jenni Rivera is from Rolesville, North Carolina, and a member of . She is the U.S. citizen spouse of an undocumented immigrant; together, they have two daughters. She said, “I’m here today to ask President Biden to act for my family, the 23,000 other North Carolinian families like mine and the 1.1 million U.S. citizen spouses in my situation across the country. We need the president to grant work permits to our spouses. We are sick of waiting when we have worked and paid taxes for so many years. We contemplated my husband leaving the country to start living out his bars, but we could not think of a time when our children did not need both of us. Why should my children have to suffer? Why should I have to choose between my country and my family?”

“Today, there are an estimated 1.1 million U.S. citizens married to an undocumented immigrant.�� Our laws are supposed to provide U.S. citizens an opportunity to sponsor their noncitizen family members, but our outdated immigration system includes many categorical bars that prevent spouses from obtaining status. These families live in fear that their loved ones may be deported at any time,” said U.S. Sen. Durbin. “These immigrants already pay taxes and work in our communities. If they were given a path to citizenship, it would bring stability to their families—and they would pay an additional $5 billion dollars in taxes.”

Durbin continued, “It’s time for our Republican colleagues in Congress to set aside extremist rhetoric and come to work with us on solutions. But 91̽�� families need solutions now.�� That is why I led a letter with 18 of my colleagues to President Biden asking him to provide the spouses of U.S. citizens with a work permit.�� It is only a temporary solution—ultimately Congress needs to act.�� But it is essential that we do everything possible in the meantime to allow these families to live free of fear of deportation and stay together.”

“I’ve heard from employers across my district. They need workers, and they want to hire the ‘right way’. I’ve heard from my constituents who have been waiting for too long to get work permits,” said U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García. “Our message to the President is clear. It’s past time we provide immigrants, who’ve already been doing the work and keeping our country running, with the work permits they deserve. Jobs not only create opportunities for immigrant families, but also bring stability to entire communities. We are stronger because of immigrants, not despite them. Expanding access to them is a matter of economic justice.”

U.S. Senators Durbin, Rosen, Warnock, Fetterman and 15 other senators to President Biden asking him to “protect and unify 91̽�� families” and “provide much needed relief for undocumented immigrants and the 91̽�� businesses, families, and communities that rely upon them.” Chicago Mayor ; Iris Ramos Jones, Director of the Nevada Office for New 91̽��s ( by Gov. Lombardo); more than ; and representing U.S business, labor, local government, faith, civil rights and family voices have been calling for this commonsense policy change for years.

On April 5, U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas the call to action. The proposal is legally , politically and requires only to the existing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy manual to expand work permits to nuclear relatives of United States citizens.����

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we have in the U.S., but only . Even if unemployed person in the country found a job, we would still have nearly . The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office attributes a increase to the national GDP to immigration. While mixed-status families already contribute billions in federal, state and local taxes, a FWD.US estimate finds that permitting undocumented spouses to work legally would .��

Immigrants make vital contributions to North Carolina’s economy and communities. Key facts:

• North Carolina only has .
• , primarily in construction, food services, waste management, manufacturing and retail industries.
• North Carolina immigrants comprise and make up , contributing to the economy.
• North Carolina immigrants wield and pay .
• are working age and unable to legally work. They pay and harness .
• live with at least one undocumented person, comprising mixed-status families. (less than 18-years-old) live with at least one undocumented person.
• is employed, contributing and wielding .

In addition to North Carolina, the to , and grow by more over the next decade. Immigrants in the U.S. have a combined household income of and contribute and , leaving them with .

The post Jenni Rivera (91̽�� Families United) Back from Washington, D.C. appeared first on 91̽��.

“Today, there are an estimated 1.1 million U.S. citizens married to an undocumented immigrant.�� Our laws are supposed to provide U.S. citizens an opportunity to sponsor their noncitizen family members, but our outdated immigration system includes many categorical bars that prevent spouses from obtaining status. These families live in fear that their loved ones may be deported at any time,” said Senator Durbin. “These immigrants already pay taxes and work in our communities. If they were given a path to citizenship, it would bring stability to their families—and they would pay an additional $5 billion dollars in taxes.”

Durbin continued, “It’s time for our Republican colleagues in Congress to set aside extremist rhetoric and come to work with us on solutions. But 91̽�� families need solutions now.�� That is why I led a letter with 18 of my colleagues to President Biden asking him to provide the spouses of U.S. citizens with a work permit.�� It is only a temporary solution—ultimately Congress needs to act.�� But it is essential that we do everything possible in the meantime to allow these families to live free of fear of deportation and stay together.”

Added Sen. Padilla, “We need to do more to provide stability and dignity for those who have earned it. That’s why I joined Senator Durbin in calling upon the Biden administration to use the authority that they have to do this and more. And while we push for the president to exercise his executive authority, we recommit to the long-term efforts here in Congress, the legislative process to provide citizenship for essential workers, a pathway to citizenship for the millions of long-term U.S. residents and more dignity and respect for them and their families.”

Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, 91̽��, said, “We are inspired by President Biden granting work permits to new migrants and ask that he extends the same dignity of a legal work permit to long term residents, including spouses of U.S. citizens.”

“As we outline in our new FWD.us analysis, President Biden should expand eligibility for Parole in Place to spouses of U.S. citizens both for the significant benefits that parole would afford them and their 91̽�� families, but also our economy,” said Dr. Phillip Connor, senior demographer at FWD.us, who presented his demographic analysis. According to the report, extending work permits to the undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens would boost the economy by $16 billion and add at least $5 billion in extra tax revenue.

Family-leaders from 91̽�� Families United (AFU) traveled to DC from Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin to make their families a priority in immigration discussions happening within the administration and on Capitol Hill.

Heather Gonzalez, from Ohio, is Vice-President of 91̽�� Families United. She said, ”The system doesn’t work for U.S. citizens like me, and it doesn’t work like you see in the movies. You do not marry an 91̽�� citizen and automatically get a green card. We have members whose spouses were already deported, or have left the country and are now stuck, trying to find a path back. We are US citizens fighting for our undocumented spouses. President Biden, we are tired and frustrated of being left out, but we are not giving up! We’ve launched a national campaign, Protecting 91̽�� Families, with events in California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, North Carolina, and Nevada. President Biden, we need you to act now. No US citizen should be forced to choose between their country and their spouse. Some of us have been living this life in limbo for decades and more. President Biden-  follow through on your promise and bring long overdue relief to 91̽��s in mixed status marriages with the power of your pen.” 

Allyson, from Philadelphia, board member for 91̽�� Families United said, “My husband and I have 3 children. When I started fighting for my family and families like mine, my kids were in strollers. Now they’re adults wanting to start their lives as contributing U.S. citizens, but their father’s status remains an obstacle to their goals. I deserve to enter the next phase of my life peacefully without this constant fear of familial devastation by separation or exile looming over our family. If this warrants another 20 years of advocacy from me, I will be 72 years old and I fear resolution may come too late for my family. We see over migrants who arrived in the last several months gain work permits and family reunification through parole while our 91̽�� families waited 20 years, working, paying taxes and CREATING jobs like my husband. We are stuck, left out, and feel disrespected.”

The senators and leaders from 91̽�� Families United were joined by labor and business leaders as well. “Our union supports expanding work permits for long-term undocumented individuals because it is an important step to help immigrant workers be more secure in their workplaces and provide stability to immigrant families,” said Karen Kent, President of UNITE HERE Local 1.

“As a mother of two sons and a former caseworker for young people in the state’s care, I have often wished I had a magic wand to protect our children. Well, we can create magic right now by expanding work permits for long-term undocumented people. We can ensure that immigrant families and children have the stability and protection they deserve,” said Roushaunda Williams, member of UNITE HERE Local 1 who serves on the Executive Board of the Illinois AFL-CIO.

Gerardo Diaz of Illinois represented his family and . He said, “I’m a blue-collar 91̽��, born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. I’m tired of waiting for you, President Biden, to act for my two beautiful children, my daughter Nathalia, 7, and my son Gerry, 2, who I haven’t been able to live with for two years because they are with their mother, my beautiful wife Elizabeth, who was rejected at her immigration interview in El Salvador and hasn’t been allowed home. How many more 91̽�� families will have to be separated like mine before you use your authority? My daughter Nathalia and son Gerry are waiting for your answer.”

Added Sam Sanchez, owner of and a Board Member at the , “The President has provided work permits to 1.4 million new arrivals over the last 13 months from Venezuela, Cuba, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nicaragua, Haiti and more; while 8.1 million Mexicans have worked and paid taxes to this country for 20, 30 years and never had a legal work permit. These individuals have been waiting for work permits for decades and now have U.S. citizen spouses and children who are of voting age. It’s offensive that the White House is denying my employees and other immigrants the same dignity of a legal work permit being granted new arrivals. President Biden, if you like our labor, our sweat and our taxes, please, please extend the dignity of work permits for Mexicans and long-term immigrants.”

Mariana, a Dreamer at DePaul University and member of in Chicago, said, “Despite dedicating the past four years pursuing my education, I am prohibited from working in a public accounting firm. The absence of a work permit hinders my ability to secure scholarships that will fund my master’s program and prevents me from engaging with future employers. A work permit would give me and my parents better jobs and allow me to pursue my dreams of becoming a CPA.”

Matt Teagarden, CEO of the , stated, “Long-term immigrants are already making invaluable contributions to agriculture and many more have the skills to fill the gaps in our workforce and would do so, if given the opportunity of a work permit. 91̽�� farmers and ranchers produce the safest, most abundant food supply in the world, but unless we fix the labor crisis we will see more crops rotting in the field, livestock operations unable to grow and more of our food production moving overseas. Farmers and ranchers need workers.”

Everk Sanchez, from Arizona, is married with five daughters. His wife has DACA. Everk said, “I am one of 32,000 Arizona families pleading with President Biden to grant work permits to our immigrant spouses. I am married to an amazing woman named Rosa Elena. She’s a DACA recipient. Rosa owns and operates a small family carpentry business in Arizona where she works hard to provide not just for her family, but also for her parents, employees and our community. She’s a wonderful mother and a pillar of strength for her five daughters. Our family is one of so many who embody the 91̽�� dream. Our 13-year-old recently had the chance to perform with her mariachi band at the White House. I never imagined that our broken immigration system would threaten to separate my family because of outdated laws. Rosa could be forced to leave our children or a home or our community behind. We came to Washington, D.C. to try to fix this problem and keep our family together — to help other families. Spouses of U.S. citizens, like my wife, should not be separated from their families.”

Irayda Flores, Owner of El Mar de Cortez Corporation in Arizona, said, “I have created many jobs in this country. I am a living example of the 91̽�� dream, but along the way I have faced many struggles in my pursuit of a Green Card (which I proudly received last year). I am just one example of the potential immigrants have for our communities and economy. As a business owner, I can tell you we need more workers. Immigrants are here to work. President Biden, you are a leader, so lead and don’t wait on others. Use your authority to grant work permits to long-term immigrants who are fueling our economy.”

Amanda, an member representing 17,000 U.S. citizens in Michigan and married to her husband for nearly nine years; parents of two children, said, “We have been dealing with my husband’s immigration issues for years. We tried doing things the so-called ‘right way,’ but it was not successful for us due to inadmissible bars. He was denied his return to the U.S. with our family, after his consular interview in Mexico. We suffered a lot over the years. Last year, due to stress, my husband suffered a brain aneurysm and needed emergency brain surgery. I was thousands of miles away and completely helpless. Even in that dire circumstance, we were unable to get any type of relief. Thankfully, my husband recovered and returned with us in the U.S., through other legal channels. But, this does not fix the problem

Megan, U.S. citizen from Wisconsin, with husband for 20 years; parents of two children, said, “My husband has worked in multiple industries. Despite this, my family can be separated or I can be forced to leave my country just like thousands of other U.S. citizens. These are the immigration policies that are actually hurting U.S. citizens and 6,000 Wisconsinites are in the same situation as me. Frankly, I am shocked that President Biden hasn’t taken the issue of family separation of U.S. citizens seriously. He has the authority to act and provide our spouses with work permits and protection from separation.”

Lillie Williams is from Pennsylvania, and has been married for 10 years to a Honduran man. Their son is five years old and she is now pregnant with his little brother. Lillie said, “We’re tired of waiting for the Biden administration to act for 91̽�� families like mine. Our ask to President Biden is that he please grant my 91̽�� Pennsylvania family the option to live in safety to grant my husband and all spouses of U.S. citizens a work permit. We’ve owned three businesses together — a cafe, coffee shop and now a landscaping business. We have been job creators and employers, but my husband’s looking to be an employee for his own businesses. We need the government to take action that is in their control to allow us to grow our family, our businesses and live securely, without worrying about what tomorrow will bring.”

Jason Rochester, a Teamster from Georgia, has been married for 17 years. The couple’s son was diagnosed with kidney cancer after Jason’s wife was subjected to a 10-year bar over six years ago. He said, “We’ve seen President Biden grant parole and family reunification to hundreds of thousands of new migrants from Venezuela and Cuba over the last year. AFU has a political report showing many of us live in swing states where our numbers are greater than the vote difference between the winner and loser of the 2020 elections. We’re asking President Biden, when is it going to be our turn? We waited for 10, 15, 20 years. When will you treat 91̽�� families with the same dignity and respect as new migrants?”

Lisa Winton, CEO of in Georgia, stated, “We talk about manufacturing and the growth here in the United States and bringing it back and reshoring. We need the people to fill those jobs if we’re going to continue to grow and thrive in the coming years and get these workers. We need President Biden to use his authority under current law to extend work permits for immigrant workers who have been contributing to the U.S. economy for years. I appreciate Senator Durbin’s leadership in this issue and I’m glad that my senator Raphael Warnock signed on to his letter urging the president to grant work permits to a critical group of immigrants. The labor shortage is being widely felt. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has ranked Georgia more severe when it comes to labor shortages.

“There are countless immigrants eager with deep roots in our communities who are ready to work, yet constrained by the immigration reform gridlock in D.C. Unlocking their labor power via work permits is a practical solution President Biden can activate right now. President Biden, I encourage you to grant workforce authorization for long-term immigrants. Keep manufacturing here in the United States and fill our factories with workers.”

Jenni Rivera is from North Carolina. She is the U.S. citizen spouse of an undocumented immigrant; together, they have two daughters. She said, “I’m here today to ask President Biden to act for my family, the 23,000 other North Carolinian families like mine and the 1.1 million U.S. citizen spouses in my situation across the country. We need the president to grant work permits to our spouses. We are sick of waiting when we have worked and paid taxes for so many years. We contemplated my husband leaving the country to start living out his bars, but we could not think of a time when our children did not need both of us. Why should my children have to suffer? Why should I have to choose between my country and my family?”

Manolo Betancur is the owner of in Charlotte, North Carolina, an immigrant from Colombia and a social entrepreneur. He said, “as a Small 91̽�� owner and an 91̽�� citizen, I need more people to work with, and I don’t have it. As a father, I can’t imagine my life here with my family deported. As a citizen, I say family separation goes against the values of this nation. Please, President Biden, we are better than this and we can fix it.”

Senators Durbin, Rosen, Warnock, Fetterman and fifteen other senators to President Biden asking him to “protect and unify 91̽�� families” and “provide much needed relief for undocumented immigrants and the 91̽�� businesses, families, and communities that rely upon them.” Chicago Mayor ; Iris Ramos Jones, Director of the Nevada Office for New 91̽��s ( by Gov. Lombardo); more than ; and representing U.S business, labor, local government, faith, civil rights, and family voices have been calling for this commonsense policy change for years.

Senators Durbin, Padilla, Rosen, Warnock, Fetterman and other senators to President Biden asking him to “protect and unify 91̽�� families” and “provide much needed relief for undocumented immigrants and the 91̽�� businesses, families, and communities that rely upon them.” Chicago Mayor ; Iris Ramos Jones, Director of the Nevada Office for New 91̽��s ( by Gov. Lombardo); more than ; and representing U.S business, labor, local government, faith, civil rights, and family voices have been calling for this commonsense policy change for years.

On April 5, DHS Secretary Mayorkas the call to action. The proposal is legally , politically and requires only to the existing USCIS policy manual to expand work permits to nuclear relatives of U.S. citizens.����

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are in the U.S., but only . Even if every unemployed person in the country found a job, we would still have across the U.S. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office attributes a increase to the national GDP to immigration. While mixed-status families already contribute billions in federal, state, and local taxes, a FWD.US estimate finds that permitting undocumented spouses to work legally would by $5 billion.��

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91̽�� (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,200+ CEOs, business owners, and trade associations across 17 mostly red and purple states. ABIC promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs and citizens.

The post VIDEO/PHOTOS: Sens. Durbin and Padilla, Labor, 91̽�� and Mixed-Status Families — Access to Work Permits for Long-Term Immigrants Equals $5B More in Taxes appeared first on 91̽��.

“SB101 is economically harmful, morally wrong, and threatens the safety of every North Carolinian by forcing local law police to execute the duties of federal agents. Over 400+ business, community leaders and advocates signed a letter urging the Governor to oppose this legislation, and today we applaud his actions. At a time of unprecedented labor shortage and rising food costs, we do not need misguided policies that upend North Carolina’s workforce and undermine the safety and prosperity of every North Carolina family. Immigrant workers compose 53.1% of painters, construction workers, and maintenance workers and of agricultural workers in the state of North Carolina. We applaud Governor Cooper for doing the right thing and safeguarding our economy, and we look forward to working with him on policies that create jobs, keep our state competitive, and keep families together.” 

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91̽�� (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,200+ CEOs, business owners, and trade associations across 16 mostly red and purple states. ABIC Action promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.��

The post ABIC Applauds Governor Roy Cooper’s Veto of SB 101 “Show Me Your Papers”  appeared first on 91̽��.

The post NC 91̽�� Leaders in Letter to Senate Leader Schumer, Democratic Whip Durbin: North Carolina’s Future Economic Success Relies on Immigration Reform appeared first on 91̽��.