MADISON – TODAY, May 20th, Voces de la Frontera Action (VDLFA) hosted a press conference (view the livestream here) with GSAFE and Orgullo Latinx of Dane County outside of US Senator Tammy Baldwin’s Madison office to deliver a statewide LGBTQ letter (read here) in support of citizenship for all in the second pandemic reconciliation budget Bill. In response, Senator Baldwin, issued a public statement (read here).
In a letter to Voces, Sen. Baldwin said, “Today, we are at a critical juncture and I believe we must seize the opportunity to get comprehensive immigration reform done, using whatever legislative path we can, including the budget reconciliation process.”
Speakers at Thursday’s press conference highlighted the collective struggle and intersectionality between the immigrant and the LGBTQ+ community.
Gabby Bevanente Hobart, an essential worker and member of the immigrant, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ community said:
“DACA recipients like myself still live in limbo, fearing that if you get caught at the wrong place at the wrong time you could lose it all. This is particularly true for trans immigrants, many who would be left vulnerable to violence in their countries of origin. As a trans immigrant woman, it’s important that Senators champion immigrants rights within the Democratic Party to deliver on an overdue promise.”
Jhonatan Real Merino, member of Orgullo Latinx of Dane County said:
“Senator Baldwin due to your fight against anti-LGBTQ laws, I was able to marry my husband. Due to your work I was able to become a legal permanent resident through marriage. Now as a permanent resident I cannot stop fighting for those who need my voice and privilege that I have received because of you . The same way that you and I have fought to defend LGBTQ rights, I am asking that you stand with us to defend the rights of the undocumented.”
Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director Voces de la Frontera Action said:
“Republicans at the state and federal level have made it clear they are the party of Trump and continue to promote division, discrimination and a culture of violence through their rhetoric and legislative actions like the state anti-transgender bill and taking out driver licenses and tuition equity for immigrants from the state budget on May 6. We have no illusion on a good bipartisan bill coming out of the US Congress. As such, we will continue to pressure the Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress to deliver on a long overdue promise: citizenship for all!”
Speakers:
Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera Action (VDLFA)
Brian Juchems, Executive Director of GSAFE
Gabby Bevanente Hobart, Madison VDLFA member, DACA recipient, and member of the immigrant, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ community
Jhonatan Real Merino, Member of Orgullo Latinx of Dane County
