Immigration - Voto Latino

Voto Latino Foundation  |  En español Translation errors? Let us know!

Menu

Shop Donate

Issues

Immigration

We can create a just and humane immigration system.

Throughout our history and today, immigrants have contributed to the economy, culture, and health of the United States. Without immigrants, our country is weaker, poorer, less innovative, and–honestly–more boring! For many of us, our parents, relatives, and friends may be immigrants. You may even have immigrated yourself. Regardless of where you were born or what your status is we all deserve the rights, respect, and safety due to all Americans.

Look, our immigration system is broken. Fear-mongering, xenophobia, and racism have kept immigrants–documented and undocumented–in a constant state of fear and instability. And when that happens, our country, our people, and our economy suffer.

There are solutions! One way to fix our immigration system is by passing the DREAM and PROMISE Act. The DREAM and PROMISE Act provides a path to citizenship and protections to undocumented people who came to the country as children. It’s the first step in comprehensive, just, and equitable immigration reform.

In 2019, the DREAM and PROMISE Act actually passed in the House of Representatives, but it died in the Senate. The most recent version, called the “American Dream and Promise Act of 2021,” was also passed by the House of Representatives but has not gone up for a Senate vote yet.  Who we elect to represent us all the way down the ballot really matters when it comes to creating a just and humane immigration system.

Fixing our broken immigration system starts with voting. When we vote, we have the power to elect a new president, a new Senate, and a new Congress. We can send a message loud and clear that we want our leaders to fix immigration policy and treat immigrants with the respect, dignity, and safety they are due. Since some immigrants can’t vote, those of us who can have a duty to vote for solutions on behalf of those who can’t.

Resources

What is Public Charge?

“Public charge” is a ground of inadmissibility. In deciding whether to grant some applicants a green card or a visa, an immigration officer must decide whether that person is likely to become dependent on certain government benefits in the future, which would make them a “public charge.” These are considered grounds of inadmissibility, or reasons that a person could be denied a green card, visa or admission into the United States. It is not a test that applies to everyone, not even to all those applying for green cards. Visit the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) for training and technical assistance on public charge. Advisories, toolkits, and other resources are also available on their website.

Green Card Process and Procedures

The United States Citizenship and Immigration administration (USCIS) stopped applying the Public Charge Final Rule to all pending applications and petitions on March 9, 2021. Visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration site to learn more about the current green card processes and procedures surrounding public charge.

Need immigration legal help?

The Immigrant Neighbor Fund, led by Voto Latino Foundation in partnership with Mission Asset Fund and APIA Vote, is an effort to show solidarity between these two communities in times of crisis and help provide needed relief. For more information on immigration legal help visit the Immigration Neighbor Fund site.

Help for People in Detention or Facing Deportation

If you or a family member has been detained or is facing deportation, you may be feeling frightened or overwhelmed. It is important to know that you are not alone and that resources are available to support you. Visit Informed Immigrant for an overview of what to expect if someone is detained or is experiencing a potential deportation, how to locate a loved one if they have been picked up or transferred to ICE and other resources you may need.

Emergency Preparedness for Immigrant Families

Immigrant families at risk face a series of challenges and difficult decisions in preparing for the possibility of being separated from one another. Planning to ensure children (as well as other dependents) and financial assets are taken care of is crucial and preparation can be complex. Visit Clinic Legal for more information on each state’s laws, legal forms and processes.

Do one thing that matters

Watch and share our video about why bills die in the Senate

Watch the video

Need help with your DACA protections?

Voto Latino has partnered with King & Spalding, LLP to establish the UndocuNeighbor Defense Fund to provide legal representation and financial assistance to DREAMERS.

Get assistance

Need additional legal information or help?

Contact the National Immigration Law Center