This follows the passage by the Illinois General Assembly of House Joint Resolution 69 which passed both chambers by a large margin and called on the President to take action on behalf of long-term undocumented Illinoisans.

CHICAGO – Today, elected officials, community and business leaders hosted a press conference to celebrate the passage of (H.J.R. 69), the “Work Permits for All” resolution.

This resolution, which passed in the Illinois House and Senate on May 26, urges President Biden to immediately issue work permits for long-term undocumented workers who reside in Illinois. While the resolution does not grant work authorization, it is the latest indicator of the groundswell of public support for executive action on work permits in the months leading up to the November election where immigration is expected to be a central campaign issue.

Polling consistently shows that with both Democrats and swing voters and even enjoys majority support by likely Republican voters.

The state of Illinois now joins Chicago and Cook County each of which passed resolutions in December.

The issue now moves to Illinois’ Congressional delegation which has been asked to advocate for this policy with the Biden administration while continuing to push for a pathway to citizenship for all immigrants in Congress.��

Statements from speakers calling on President Biden to extend work permits to long-term immigrants who are hard-working taxpayers, contributors and strengthen our nation’s economy:

Erendina Rendon, Vice President of Immigrant Justice for :

“Today, we are here because the state joined the city and the county in calling on President Biden to use his executive authority to grant work permits for Illinois long-term undocumented residents. There are more than 400,000 immigrants in Illinois who, for decades have worked without a work permit, have contributed, gone to school, and graduated. They have U.S. citizen adult children. They have U.S. citizen spouses. Many are Dreamers, ineligible for DACA. If President Biden takes action, they can come out of the shadows, join the regular workforce, and have equal worker protection. Leader Hernandez and Senator Villa led efforts in the state legislature to pass House Joint Resolution 69, unequivocally saying, in Illinois, we believe that we would be stronger if our long-term undocumented could have access to work permits.”

Xochitl Cervantes, member of the :

“It is not fair that workers are always suffering violations in order to be heard. Thanks to the collaborative effort of the DALE program, I was able to get a work permit because I had been abused in the workplace. I am happy to continue to help and support the fight for a work permit. My biggest hope is that we all have a work permit without having to suffer and be abused.”

(D-IL):

“Now that we have and are experiencing the most restrictive and punitive executive action on immigration taken in recent memory, it’s time to do the right thing. It’s time for President Biden to deliver for the working men and women of our country who have brought prosperity and vitality to our economy and solidity to our society because of their work and all of their efforts — they have made America a better place for all.

“We ask President Biden to do the right thing and use the executive authority of his office to provide relief to provide peace of mind and tranquility to people in our community, like the original Dreamers, the mothers and fathers and grandparents of the DACA class holders and those who wish that they could be a part of the DACA class of immigrants in this country.

“For spouses of U.S. citizens, both Republican and Democratic voters agree that they should have the ability to be here to reunite with their families and continue living a normal life in peace. It’s time for continuing use of the authority that is sacred and bound in the authority of the presidency of the United States. This is the time to act. This is the time to show compassion and say we value and recognize all the contributions that have been made by people who came here from 40, 30 or 3 days ago. It’s time to bring them out of the shadow. It’s time to provide an opportunity for dignity. We know they pay taxes, abide by the laws and create prosperity. They ought to have the opportunity to live, work and be a part of our community because that’s what makes our country great.”

Simone Peña Hernandez, an undocumented government major at Harvard and Dreamer:

“I came to this country with my family from Mexico when I was 14 years old, seeking a better life and more opportunities. Education has always been a core source of my family values and it became my primary focus. I learned English and graduated near the top of my class at Shores High School and got a full scholarship at Harvard, thanks to great teachers like Mr. Islas. My dad works in construction. My mom works two jobs as a classroom assistant and parent mentor and cleaning offices. We clean office buildings on the weekend as a family. As an undocumented student, a significant barrier that I encounter is not being able to have a work permit, instead of stipends. Sometimes, I get a gift card in exchange for my work. This lack of security not only impacts my academic performance, but also my mental and physical well-being. I will graduate from Harvard in less than two years and am deeply concerned I won’t be able to legally work in my desired field. Obtaining a work permit allow me to gain valuable experience in my area of study and enable me to focus on my future without the constant fear of deportation or unemployment. The undocumented immigrant community is resilient, hardworking and eager to contribute to the society that has given us a chance to dream. Thank you to the Illinois General Assembly for taking this important step to call on President Biden to grant work permits to me and my parents.”

(D-IL), the only member of Congress in a mixed-status family and wife to a DACA recipient. She shared the story of her uncle, who fled poverty in Guatemala to help his family:

“José Maximiliano Guerra, mi Tío Chilano, put five boys through college, working 70 hours and seven days a week, working his butt off in this country. And because of this system and bars, he still cannot live here outside of the shadows. This is exactly why this coalition is here today.

“Today, as a coalition, from the local level to the federal level, we are saying resist and persist with solutions that help every single person in this country. We’ve seen the numbers, that when you extend work permits for those that have been here, like my Tio Chilano, for 39 years, or if you’ve been here three days, it will help the workforce that’s desperately asking for those workers. It will generate revenue for cities like Chicago, the state of Illinois, even the state of Florida. And it will make it possible for families to be able to stay together.

“In the absence of congressional action (no real work done since 1986, when my parents became citizens), we call on President Biden to do what other presidents in 30 years have not done, which is issue boldly, proudly and unapologetically work permits for all. Congressman García and I and many of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus members will not stop every breathing moment between now and the next few weeks, because June is the perfect month for President Biden to finally issue the executive order that keeps families together.”

Imelda Salazar, community organizer for 24 years with the :“The Southwest Organizing Project represents hundreds of undocumented families and mixed-status families. President Biden, we want work permits for all. That’s the bottom line!”

, (D-Cicero) and Deputy Majority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives:

“I’m very proud to share with you that House Joint Resolution 69, calling on the Biden administration to issue work permits to long-term immigrants, passed both chambers with overwhelming support in our last year. It’s not very often that a policy issue can get business groups, unions, worker advocates, and community leaders all on the same page.

“While it is frustrating that we are limited in what we can do here at the state level, we must find a way to unite as the leaders in this room to deliver to these hard workers and their families. Whether they live in mixed status households, young people who do not qualify for DACA or they have been working in the shadows and living in fear for more than a generation, immigrant workers deserve the opportunity and peace of mind that a legal permit to work would bring.

“For decades, these workers have been vital to our economy, helping us through the pandemic as essential workers and contributing to a record-breaking economic recovery here in Illinois. They delivered to Illinois, so let’s deliver to them. Right now, Illinois can only fill . That means many critical roles go unfilled across the hospitality, manufacturing, health, education, and agricultural sectors, holding our leaders and leading industries back from the growth they could achieve. from driving our economy forward even further. This impacts all of us. 91̽�� leaders will tell you that expanding our authorized workforce isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s what is good for business and Illinois. We urge President Biden to use his executive power to bring real relief to working families who are the backbone of our economy. Long-term immigrant workers have waited long enough. The time for executive action is now.”

José Marco-Paredes, Vice President of Civic Engagement, :
“Illinois has spoken: The President should extend work permits to long-term undocumented people in our state. There is a good reason this solution is so popular: we all win. Our economy grows, and undocumented immigrants can work with the dignity and protections that they and their families deserve.”

(D-West Chicago):

“There are 400,000 in Illinois who are demanding work permits for all. It’s my voice that you are hearing, but it’s their stories that propelled this forward. My good friend Natalio is a landscaper and has six children. He came to this country in search of a better life. He works winters in the factory, and in the summers, he mows lawns. Much like Simone, who’s at Harvard, they work hard and tirelessly and all they want is for a better future. So whether it’s from Harvard or from landscaping or essential workers working at meat packing districts who were risking their lives during COVID as essential workers, each and every one of those stories deserves a tomorrow. Each and every one of those stories deserve to come out of the shadows because they are essential and critical to our state’s well-being.”

Sam Sanchez, Chairman and CEO, , National Recreation Association board member and Illinois Recreation Association executive board member:

“Granting permits to Dreamers and to spouses of U.S. citizens and to the 400,000 hard-working immigrants who are not working at their actual capacity is good fiscal policy. As Illinois’ chief fiscal and accountability officer, I can tell you it would help Illinois’ bottom line and taxpayers to get these immigrants working. They want to work. Many of them are working, but they’re underperforming in terms of their ability to contribute to the tax base. Simone is going to graduate from Harvard but without a worker’s permit, maybe Sam can hire her in his restaurant to work washing dishes. Is that what we want for America? Of course not. She should be a lawyer or a doctor.

“We are asking for immigrant labor to have the basic dignity to legally work. Now, employers in Illinois are having difficulty finding workers to keep their businesses running, which is why business leaders are making the case that this makes financial sense, from the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, representing every business in the state of Illinois, not just Hispanic businesses. This isn’t just a Hispanic issue. Immigrants pay taxes and contribute to the economy. It makes more sense for asylum seekers and immigrants to pay into the tax base through gainful employment. Let’s save taxpayer money by getting these worker permits approved. President Biden, we are here to ask you to do the right thing. It is time.”

Teresa Labastida, Parent Mentor Program Manager, :

“I am an immigrant. I have been working in the shadows for many years, volunteering during the pandemic, helping our community, and assisting new arrivals. President Biden can open programs to apply for a work permit. I want to thank powerful leaders in our community, like Alderwoman Ruth Cruz, who joined city council members to urge President Biden to open this program.”

, 30th Ward:

“Giving work permits to undocumented immigrants, including Dreamers and mixed-status families, is fair and just. It protects workers and helps grow our economy. When we left our countries, we told our families, nos vamos para el norte (we’re going up North), and el norte (the North) has become our home. We call on President Biden to do the right thing, to be on the right side of history and to make sure to give work permits to all of our undocumented residents. Today, we continue to ask President Biden to allow 180,000 undocumented people in Chicago to request work permits. These permits mean more than just employment; they symbolize opportunity and freedom.”��

Karen Kent, President, :

“We have welcomed waves of immigrants throughout the years . . . the waves of immigrants are like rings on the tree in our shops. We support 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. We will continue to push for work permits for all, for comprehensive immigration reform and justice for all immigrants.”

Lou Sandoval, President and CEO, :
“As a business person and as a leader of the business community, this isn’t an issue of partisanship. This is an issue of opportunity and having people meet their potential. When we don’t fulfill the promise and we only go so far to let people become educated through DACA but then be underemployed, we’re not allowing them to fulfill their promise.On behalf of all the business in the state of Illinois, the biggest thing I hear from a lot of business leaders is the big need for workforce development. There’s a big gap right now and a lot of jobs that go unfilled. We need to do the right things for the long-term undocumented and make sure they are able to fulfill their economic potential.”

Manuel Perez, Senior Vice President, :

“My parents immigrated from Mexico in the 1980s for a better life. They spoke little English and had less than a high school education but a strong work ethic. Because of my mother, I excelled academically, attended Princeton University on a full ride, and returned to Chicago, where I worked and contributed to the economy. I most recently served as Deputy Mayor of Chicago under Mayor Lightfoot and now work at Cabrera Capital Markets, the country’s largest Latino, Mexican-91̽��-owned investment bank and brokerage firm. Our founder, Martin Cabrera, also has roots in Mexico. His grandparents came here through the Bracero program, picking fruit and vegetables in a field. Two generations later, their grandson is now one of the most successful bankers in the country.

“The issue of work permits is not only an issue of fairness for long-term workers, but a recognition of their contributions, and it’s an investment in the contributions that their children and grandchildren will provide for years to come. So let’s get this done, Mr. President.”

Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, 91̽��:

“The Democratic National Convention is going to be in Chicago, and we’re here because Harvard Dreamer students like Simone need a work permit, and so do undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens and mixed-status families. We’re here to welcome the President and provide work permits for all. Thank you to the elected officials who have been our champions.”

SUPPORTERS:

• (D-Melrose Park)
• ��-��󾱳�������)��
• , 16th District
• 7th District��
• , 40th Ward
• , 1st Ward
• , 31st Ward
• ��
• , Joliet City Council At-Large
• ��
• 91̽��
• ��
• ��

BACKGROUND:

(May 28, 2024)

(May 28, 2024)

(January 9, 2024)

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About The Resurrection Project
The Resurrection Project (TRP) builds trusting relationships to educate and propel individuals, immigrants and families to achieve their social and economic aspirations, stable homes and equitable participation in their community. TRP is a leading provider of affordable housing, financial education and immigration services on Chicago’s Southwest side.

During the past three decades, TRP has worked to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating wealth, building assets and engaging residents to be catalysts for change. Rooted in the Pilsen community, TRP’s impact now extends across the City of Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois; we are making steady progress towards leveraging and preserving more than $1 billion in community wealth by 2025. To learn more about our programs and services, visit us at .

91̽�� (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of 1,400+ CEOs, business owners, and trade associations across the country. 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.

About the Latino Policy Forum

The Latino Policy Forum is the only organization in the Chicago area that facilitates the involvement of Latinos at all levels of public decision-making. The Forum conducts analysis to inform, influence and lead. Its goals are to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies and engage diverse sectors of the community, with an understanding that advancing Latinos advances a shared future. For more information, visit .

The post On Heels of Asylum Restrictions at the Southern Border, Illinois Elected Leaders and Advocates Call on President Biden to Issue Emergency Work Permits to Strengthen Economy and Build Communities appeared first on 91̽��.

Watch Durbin economic briefing and García press conference; download

WASHINGTON – Sam Sanchez, owner of and a Board Member of the ; Gerardo Diaz, member of ; Rebecca Shi, executive director of the 91̽��; Karen Kent, president of ; Roushaunda Williams, Member/Leader of and the ; and Evelyn Barrios, a Dreamer who attends DePaul University and is part of �� traveled from Chicago 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 them about their experiences, contact press@americanbic.biz.��

On Tuesday, they 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.

, Chairman and CEO of Third Coast Hospitality; Board Member, National Restaurant Association, stated “We’re urging President Biden to enact an executive order for long-term immigrants, some of whom have children and grandchildren who are of voting age. Their family members deserve to participate in the economy where they can get their tax refunds, where they can grow their businesses, where they can feel that they’re part of this nation — not being treated as second-class citizens.” Sanchez is the first Mexican-91̽�� elected Board Chair of the Illinois Restaurant Association. He lives in Chicago and is available for interviews in English and Spanish.��

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.”

Rebecca Shi, executive director of 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.”

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 .

“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 who serves on the .

Evelyn Barrios is a Dreamer who attends DePaul University and is part of . She said, “I was the first in my family to finish high school and will be the first to graduate from DePaul University, with a degree I cannot use. For 16 years, I have fought to defend my right to study, work and simply live here. I have put so much effort into studying and working without knowing if I will be able to pursue my dreams. After graduating, I will pursue my Master’s. But how many degrees do I need to prove my worth? We need work permits for everyone. I urge President Biden to expand work authorization for all immigrants in our communities. We need a solution that allows us to live with dignity.”

“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 Illinois’ economy and communities. Key facts:

• Illinois only has .
• , primarily in manufacturing, food services, waste management, construction and retail industries.
• Illinois immigrants comprise and make up , contributing to the economy.
• Illinois immigrants wield and pay .
• 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 Illinois, 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 Chicago Leaders Sam Sanchez (91̽��), Gerado Diaz (91̽�� Families United), Rebecca Shi (ABIC), Evelyn Barrios (Dreamer, Pilsen Neighbors) Karen Kent and Roushaunda Williams (UNITE HERE Local 1) Back from Washington, D.C. appeared first on 91̽��.

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, April 17, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) joined representatives from 91̽�� families of mixed citizenship status and labor, business and community leaders to urge the Biden administration to extend work permits to long-term immigrants. Also today, U.S. Reps. García, Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Lou Correa (D-CA.) to President Biden, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Ur Jaddou outlining their work permit plan for long-term undocumented immigrants.

“Implementing such a policy would benefit workers nationwide. Legal work permits would further shield immigrants from exploitation and enable them to seek jobs that match their skills, thereby fostering better working conditions. Additionally, granting work permits to long-term immigrant workers could increase annual tax revenue by an estimated $13.8 billion, according to the 91̽�� Immigration Council,” the letter states. Read the complete letter .

“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 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.”

Rebecca Shi, executive director of the 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.”

is chair of the . He stated: “My first day as chair of Latino caucus was the day after the tragedy at the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Six immigrant workers were killed doing exactly the hard, dangerous jobs that this country depends on to function every single day. They are the latest, tragic reminder of the sacrifices immigrants have made for years, even decades, many of them without any path to the security and stability of a work permit. Immigrants who have been contributing to this nation have waited too long. President Biden, you have the power to act. These are our family, neighbors, friends, colleagues. Our communities are sick to death of waiting, and waiting and waiting for action from our leaders to benefit the very people who are growing our economy every day. They deserve this protection and our country will be better for it.”

Gerardo Diaz 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.”

“I am a single mother to two beautiful children who depend on me as the head of the household. As an essential worker, I have had several injuries from my workplace,” said member Maria Rodriguez, a Baltimore construction worker. “Because I have no work permit, I do construction types of jobs. I complete my job with a lot of pride, but I fear something might happen to me and my children will be alone here in this country without me.”

Roushaunda Williams, Member/Leader and the , said, “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.”��

Evelyn Barrios is a Dreamer who attends DePaul University and is part of . She said, “I was the first in my family to finish high school and will be the first to graduate from DePaul University, with a degree I cannot use. For 16 years, I have fought to defend my right to study, work and simply live here. I have put so much effort into studying and working without knowing if I will be able to pursue my dreams. After graduating, I will pursue my Master’s. But how many degrees do I need to prove my worth? We need work permits for everyone. I urge President Biden to expand work authorization for all immigrants in our communities. We need a solution that allows us to live with dignity.”

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.”

The post VIDEO/PHOTOS: U.S. Rep. García (D-IL); State Rep. Martinez (D-MD); Labor, 91̽��, Community Leaders and Impacted Families Urge Biden to Provide Work Permits for Long-Term Immigrants 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��.

CHICAGO – On April 10, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker sent a letter to President Biden and congressional leadership calling for expanded access to work permits. Specifically, he asked the Biden administration to “use [their] statutory authority to . . . create a pathway to legal status and work authorization for long-term undocumented immigrants — a community that has poured their hearts and souls into making a better life for themselves and their families in the United States and whose contributions to the 91̽�� economy are irreplaceable.”

Today, The New York Times published about the need for the Biden administration to take action to benefit long-term undocumented immigrants, featuring Illinois business, community and family leaders.

Said Rebecca Shi, an Illinois taxpayer and executive director of the 91̽��, “Thank you, Gov. Pritzker, for your leadership on immigration. We in Illinois are proud of the example you are setting, one that other states and, indeed the federal government, should follow. Illinois is a Welcoming State because we all want the same thing — the chance to work hard, contribute and take care of our families. President Biden must act with urgency and extend work permits to long-term immigrants like Dreamers, people married to U.S. citizens and others who have worked and helped build our communities for years.”

In his letter to Biden, Gov. Pritzker writes, “From new arrivals to decades-long residents, immigrants are valued members of communities across our country. . . When legal work authorizations are extended to long-term undocumented communities, formally recognizing their irreplaceable, positive impacts on the U.S. economy and 91̽�� society, they will contribute even more to the nation they have embraced as home for years. . . We urge you to use the tools at your disposal, Mr. President, to expand TPS eligibility for new arrivals and formally cement long-term immigrants’ status within the U.S. workforce.”��

Tomorrow, Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL) is hosting a Capitol Hill briefing with Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) about the ways in which long-term undocumented immigrants contribute to our communities and the U.S. economy. Granting them access to work permits could only magnify those benefits.��

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) is hosting a press conference highlighting the need for long-term U.S. residents who are undocumented to have the same right to apply for work permits as people who have more recently arrived.��

“This is a trifecta of Illinois leadership on immigration urging the Biden administration to do what is economically important, morally right and politically smart,” said Shi.

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91̽�� (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,400 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 ABIC Applauds “Trifecta of Illinois Leadership on Immigration” appeared first on 91̽��.

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, April 17 at 3:15 p.m. ET, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL) will join impacted�� families, labor, business and community leaders at the House Triangle to urge the Biden administration to extend work permits to long-term immigrants.��

, and supported by immigration advocates, the Biden administration took action to protect work permits for nearly 800,000 immigrants. But millions of long-term undocumented immigrants who have paid taxes and cared for their families for years are still awaiting an opportunity to even apply. Work permits are fundamental to opportunity and stability in employment. Rep. Garcia and the collective will urge the Biden administration to expand access to them today.����

WHO:

• (D-IL)
• , Chair of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus
• Sam Sanchez, Chairman and CEO, ; Board Member, ; Board Chair (Retired),
• Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, 91̽��
  
• Roushaunda Williams, Member/Leader UNITE HERE Local 1; Executive Committee, Illinois AFL-CIO
  
• Gerardo Diaz, 91̽�� Families United (U.S. citizen spouse of an undocumented immigrant from Illinois)
• Manolo Betancur, Owner, , Charlotte, NC
• Evelyn Barrios, Dreamer and student at DePaul University, Pilsen Neighbors��

WHAT:�� Press conference to urge President Biden to extend work permits to long-term immigrants in the United States

WHERE:�� House Triangle (East Front)

WHEN:�� Wednesday, April 17, 3:15 p.m. ET

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91̽�� (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,400+ 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 House Triangle: Rep. García (D-IL); 91̽��, Community Leaders and Impacted Families Urge Biden to Provide Work Permits for Long-Term Immigrants appeared first on 91̽��.

CHICAGO – Today, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined community leaders to elevate the contributions of Black and Brown immigrants and urged President Joe Biden to to address the growing labor shortage, keep families together and stabilize the workforce. The mayor also announced that he is circulating a letter for signature by other mayors and county executives, urging President Biden to grant work permits to long-term undocumented immigrants in the United States.

“This is the city that works, and whether it is a new arrival or a long-term undocumented Chicagoan who has lived in our city for decades, immigrant communities are working communities,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I’m proud to stand here today with the business community and labor partners as we call for work permits so that families can stay together and we can continue to grow our local economy.”

An impressive group of leaders from The Resurrection Project (TRP), the Chicago Urban League, the 91̽�� (ABIC) and other business, labor, community and faith constituencies spoke up in favor of extending work permits to long-term undocumented residents of Illinois. A full list of speakers appears .

stated, “Work Permits for All is an opportunity to right that wrong and have an equitable approach. We all have value. We need to continue to say that hate has no home here; there is no division, and not all undocumented people are Latino — they are Black, Latino, Asian and white. What is the difference between taking in Ukrainians and Afghans? Do you know we have 30,000 Ukrainians that we have taken into Chicago, but no one has said anything about that? We can’t be told to wait until after the November election. Right now, we need to hear we’re going to make this right for all of our families.”������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Rebecca Shi, executive director of the 91̽�� (ABIC), said, “Thank you, Mayor Johnson for joining us to ask President Biden to grant work permits to the long-term residents of this country — Black people, Latino people, Asian people — folks from every race and religious background. Chicago and Illinois are home to 320,000 undocumented Mexicans and Guatemalans, and 40,000 undocumented Haitians, Jamaicans and Nigerians. They have lived here on average 15 years, contribute $1.5 billion in taxes and make up 26 percent of the workforce despite being only 17 percent of the population. We are grateful to the president for providing work permits to the new arrivals and ask him to extend the same dignity of work permits to long-term residents who are helping to build our city.”

“As an immigrant who leads an organization working to achieve equity for our community, I am honored to be part of this Black and Brown coalition to advocate for the long-term immigrants who have strengthened our city,” said Raul I. Raymundo, CEO of . “We are proud to partner with the city, state and the White House on providing legal assistance for thousands of new arrivals. But now we must expand access to long-term immigrants who have been contributing to this city, state and nation for decades. I am grateful to Mayor Johnson for his leadership and solidarity with the long-term undocumented residents, as Chicago continues to be a welcoming city.”

Said , executive director of GoodKids MadCity – Englewood, the father of five children and husband of a Mexican woman with DACA: “I have seen firsthand the disparity and fear from my wife’s family’s point of view. I’ve been a part of their family for the last 15 years and I can count on my hands how many days of work her father has taken off. Partly because he is a hard-working individual, but primarily it’s because he does not have paid days off, and the fear that if he does not work, he will be cast away as if he never existed. My father-in-law’s story is not unique. There is a constant fear of feeling expendable. To be a taxpayer that does not benefit from this country by even just having a work permit is not a just system, and leaving those people out of the fight for work permits is not an equitable system. As a Black person, I know first hand how it feels to be disregarded and forgotten. So, I am here today in support of the Work Permits for All Campaign, and calling on President Biden to create a just and equitable system for everyone — including those who are currently migrating into our city, but also and especially those who have been here for decades as members of our society.”

“In the Baltimore bridge collapse, six Latinos passed away that day. It was no coincidence. Latinos are building the United States of America,” said Jaime di Paulo, President and CEO of the . “Every time there is a tragedy in construction, there is going to be a Latino there. This is the reason why we are here today. We need to urge the president of the United States, through our mayor, to extend permits to the undocumented workers who have been building the United States for years.”��

“We have been asking for a reprieve from detention and deportation, as well as work permits, so that people are able to thrive and work with dignity here,” said Fasika Alem, Programs Director for the . “One out of every four Black immigrants is undocumented. Parole is something the U.S. government has discretion to grant in many ways. The City of Chicago could once again partner with the federal government to provide protections for long-term undocumented immigrants, including work permits. This should also be coupled with continued advocacy for the redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for countries like Haiti, Ethiopia, Cameroon and Sudan as well as the designation of TPS for countries like the Congo, Mali and Mauritania. Together, parole and TPS can provide significant protections to people in Chicago and Illinois.”

Teresa Labastida, a community navigator with , was born in Mexico and has lived in Chicago with her husband and three U.S. citizen children for 25 years. She said, “My husband works double shifts as a dishwasher at a restaurant. I am a parent mentor and a community navigator with Palenque LSNA. Since last year, I was happy to support the newly arriving immigrants. I helped them apply for help and legal services. I made good friends with some of those families and we celebrated together�� when they called to tell me they received their work permits. It’s a bittersweet celebration for me, because even though I have helped many families, I do not have a path to fix my immigration status. My husband and I have been working in the shadows for 25 years. We don’t have a legal work permit. We file taxes every year. We have a good track record. What about us? This country gladly takes our labor, but when it is time to grant us work permits, it feels like they forgot about us. We also deserve to get out of the shadows and work with dignity.”

Immigrant workers in Illinois contribute . Illinois is home to 480,000 long-term undocumented immigrants. Work authorization would address labor shortages, ensure fair wages and improve working conditions while growing the economy and keeping Illinois families together. Read more at .

LIST OF SPEAKERS

• , City of Chicago
• , City of Chicago
• , President and CEO, Chicago Urban League
• , President and CEO, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• , Chairman and CEO, Loop Capital
• , CEO, The Resurrection Project
• , Vice President of Immigrant Justice, The Resurrection Project
• , CEO and Founder, Cabrera Capital Markets (CCM) and Cabrera Capital Partners (CCP); Executive Committee Member, Chicago Community Trust
• , President and CEO, YMCA of Metro Chicago
• Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, 91̽��
• , President and CEO, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
• , MPA, President and CEO, 91̽�� Leadership Council, Chicago’s Premier Black 91̽�� Organization
• , President and CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
• , Programs Director, United African Organization
• , Executive Vice President, UNITE HERE Local 1
• , President and CEO, TIDY LLC; Illinois Chamber of Commerce Board Member
• Roushaunda Williams, UNITE HERE Local 1 member
• , Executive Director, GoodKids MadCity – Englewood (GKMC-E)
• , Executive Director, Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
• , President and CEO, Latino Policy Forum
• , Chairman and CEO, Third Coast Hospitality; Board Member, National Restaurant Association; Former Chairman, Illinois Restaurant Association
• , Senior Organizer, Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
• , Executive Director, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
• , CEO, North 91̽�� Institute For Mexican Advancement (NAIMA) and Mexico en el Corazon
• , Executive Director, A Just Harvest; Pastor and Executive Director of San Lucas UCC Pan y Liberación Community Healing and Resource Center; Vision Doula, Black Flower Collective; Board of Directors, National Council of Churches
• , Senior Pastor, Concord Missionary Baptist Church
• , President and CEO, Instituto Del Progreso Latino
• , M.A.P.S., Executive Director, Gamaliel of Metro Chicago
• , Executive Director, Chicago Community and Workers’ Rights
• , Executive Director, Chicago Workers Collaborative
• , Bilingual Executive Director, Farmworkers & Landscapers Advocacy Project
• , Lincoln United Methodist Church; LULAC National VP for the Midwest
• , Executive Director, Palenque LSNA
• , Executive Director, Warehouse Workers for Justice
• , Executive Director, Illinois Workers in Action
• , Executive Director and Supervising Attorney, Children’s Legal Center
• , Co-Executive Director, Enlace Chicago
• , Midwest Policy Director, Hispanic Federation
• , President and CEO, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
• , Executive Director, La Casa Norte
• , Executive Director, Centro Romero

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builds trusting relationships to educate and propel individuals, immigrants, and families to achieve their social and economic aspirations, stable homes, and equitable participation in their community. TRP is a leading provider of immigration services, affordable housing, and financial education on Chicago’s Southwest side.  

For more than three decades TRP has worked to improve lives by creating wealth, building assets, and engaging residents to be catalysts for change. Rooted in the Pilsen community, TRP’s impact now extends across the City of Chicago and through the State of Illinois; we are making steady progress towards leveraging and preserving more than $1 billion in community wealth by 2025.

91̽�� (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,400+ 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 WATCH: Chicago Mayor, Clerk, Families, Biz, Labor and Community Leaders Call for Work Permits for Long-Term Undocumented appeared first on 91̽��.

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