A press conference with a panel of experts and activists will take place on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 12:30 pm on the South steps of the Utah State Capitol.
Years of courage and persistence pay off in huge step forward for immigration reform.
November 20, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today, millions of immigrant families, including thousands of Utah families, will be celebrating the historic breakthrough on immigration that will provide the opportunity for many to remain in the U.S. and continue to contribute to the social and economic fabric of our country.
A press conference with a panel of experts and activists will take place on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 12:30 pm on the South steps of the Utah State Capitol. Implications of President Obama’s executive order on immigration will be discussed as well as the past and current efforts of Utah groups who advocate for immigrant rights and immigration reform. President Obama’s executive order means that nearly half of the undocumented immigrants living in the United States will no longer fear deportation. Up to 100,000 members of Utah’s immigrant population could be affected by the upcoming announcement. Fear should also dwindle as new reforms begin to reign in over-zealous enforcement agencies.
“This is a major victory for the immigrant community in Utah and for the hundreds of Utahns who stood up and were unafraid. It is a long overdue step toward justice,” said Luis Garza, Executive Director of Comunidades Unidas/Communities United. The Utah immigrant rights movement has worked tirelessly for many years to advocate for immigration reform. As this action is not permanent, these groups will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship.
“This year, I will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving and the holidays with my family without fear that our broken immigration system will tear us apart,” said Maria Berenice Cruz, a Utah mother of three U.S. citizen children, who would benefit from this executive order. Utah Families will celebrate this historic event at Centro Civico Mexicano (155 S 600 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101) on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 6 pm in a community town-hall meeting.
Today, America is living up to its promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today, millions of families will now be able to pursue the American Dream.
Supporting organizations/individuals include: Comunidades Unidas – Enriching Utah Coalition – American Civil Liberties Union – Salt Lake Dream Team – Lutheran Social Services of Utah – The Inclusion Center – Utah Coalition of La Raza (UCLR) – Mark Alvarez – Tony Yapias
