From the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 to standalone bills in the House and Senate, conversations about immigration cannot be divorced from the essential role of immigrants in COVID-19 relief and recovery. Undocumented immigrants are central to the success of the nation, yet they continue to be excluded from critical economic, political, and civic opportunities. This exclusion does not only impact their lives but it hinders progress for the country as we seek to overcome a global pandemic and strengthen our democracy.
Research from UCLA reveals that the exclusion of undocumented households from COVID-19 relief packages in Congress cost the country $10 billion dollars and 80,000 jobs. Further, a path to citizenship for all undocumented workers would add $1.5 trillion to the US economy and $367 billion to state and federal tax revenues over the next 10 years. Data makes clear that these frontline workers and their families are a critical component of a growing economy and thriving society.
LPPI’s webinar will convene a diverse set of voices to address two fundamental questions: what should a 21st century immigration reform look like and what are the challenges and opportunities to pass a package that doesn’t leave anyone behind?
The webinar will be moderated by Russell Conteras, Axios Race and Justice Reporter, and feature a dynamic conversation with these panelists:
- Andrew Selee, President of the Migration Policy Institute
- Dr. Cecilia Menjívar, Dorothy Meier Chair in Social Equities and Professor of Sociology at UCLA
- Angélica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Los Angeles
- Representative Joaquin Castro, United States Representative, TX-20 (Invited)
- Representative Linda Sánchez, United States Representative, CA-38 (Invited)
- Rob Bonta, California Attorney General and former California State Assemblyman (Invited)
When: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 from 10 am – 11 am PST
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/3zcw5fh9
