Washington Rally Demands Biden Extend Work Permits to Migrants
Advocates Rally in Washington, Urging Biden for Labor Protections
Biden : In a powerful display of unity, hundreds of people convened in Washington on Tuesday for the Here to Work Day of Action march, organized by a coalition of migrant advocacy groups.
The focus of the gathering was a plea to President Joe Biden to extend labour protections to undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
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The event, attended by more than 3,000 people according to Lydia Walther-Rodríguez, one of the march organizers, aimed to bring attention to the need for work permits for the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals.
The Here to Work Coalition, gaining momentum since February 2023 has garnered support from over 300 businesses, bipartisan governors, and members of Congress. Their collective plea is for the Biden administration to expand work permits for immigrants who have been contributing to the U.S. economy for years.
The key message from advocates is that the president has the authority to take action by expanding humanitarian parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). These policies would provide temporary relief, allowing qualified individuals to stay and work in the country.
U.S. Congressman Jesus “Chuy” García, addressing the protesters, emphasized the importance of President Biden delivering for immigrants, stating, “We must all be heard.”
Amidst a reported U.S. labour shortage, Stephanie Ferguson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlighted the “unprecedented challenges” in finding enough workers to fill job openings. With 9.6 million job openings and only 6.4 million unemployed workers, the gap persists, creating a pressing need for a comprehensive solution.
Catalina Bueno, a Mexican immigrant with over 30 years in the U.S., shared her story, expressing hope that a work permit and TPS could provide a path to legal status. Her sentiments reflect the struggles of many who have built their lives in the U.S. and seek recognition of their contributions.
While the Biden administration recently extended TPS for certain countries, advocates are calling for new designations, including campaigns for Mauritania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These protections offer migrants from unsafe countries the ability to live and work in the U.S. temporarily.
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