Union Leader Jaime Contreras Condemns New DHS Deportation Plan

PHOTO| 32BJ SEIU

Following the memorandums signed by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly on immigration and border security, some union leaders are speaking out condemning Kelly’s actions.

32BJ SEIU represents more than 163,000 property services workers in the U.S.

Roughly 18,000 of 32BJ’s property service workers in the D.C. Metropolitan and Baltimore areas are immigrants from Central and South America, according to a news release.

32BJ SEIS Vice President Jaime Contreras released the following statement:

“Homeland Security’s sweeping deportation plan is just the latest evidence that our broken immigration system will continue to spread fear in our communities and break up hardworking families unless Congress acts to fix it.

“As one of the largest immigrant workers unions in the country, 32BJ SEIU has been at the forefront in the fight for comprehensive immigration reform we believe that in order to defend the rights of all workers, millions of undocumented men and women who are already part of our communities must be brought out of the shadows and given protection under the law.

“The current administration’s ‘deport everyone’ approach is not only an affront to our values as a nation of immigrants but is already punishing hardworking families who are deeply rooted in our communities.

“Most Americans recognize the contributions of hardworking, taxpaying immigrants and are ready for a system that is humane and effective and legalizes those who are living in the shadows while addressing border security, economic security, global competitiveness, and reestablishing the rule of law.

“The vast majority of undocumented immigrants are here for the same reasons as generations before them — to build a better life for themselves and their children. Commonsense reform would reduce the exploitation of immigrant workers and reduce employers’ incentive to hire undocumented workers.

“This means ensuring that all workers—immigrant and native-born— have full and complete access to the protection of labor, health and safety and other laws.

“We are a nation that respects hard work, family and the pursuit of the American Dream. Our immigration system must hold true to these principles.”

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Mitti Hicks

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

Comments

One Response to “Union Leader Jaime Contreras Condemns New DHS Deportation Plan”

  1. On February 22, 2017 at 9:23 am responded with... #

    Is he here legally? Than he has nothing to worry about.
    If he is here ILLEGALLY…..then GET OUT!

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