Press Releases

Los Angeles, CA – Yesterday, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) hosted an immigration roundtable discussion at the headquarters of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) to address issues facing Los Angeles’ immigrant communities.

Joined by leaders from ten local immigrant rights and advocacy organizations, Congressman Gomez’s roundtable touched on several topics, including the Trump administration’s policies on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and families who were separated due to President Trump’s zero-tolerance policies.

“I’m thankful to have had such a diverse range of voices join me during our immigration roundtable,” said Congressman Gomez. “Together, we exchanged ideas and strategized on how we can continue to push for permanent legislative solutions for DREAMers, address oppressive workplace immigration enforcement policies, reunite separated families, and respond to the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on our immigrant communities. The road ahead will be difficult, but the strength and determination of the organizations who joined us for this important discussion leave no doubt that Los Angeles is up to the task of protecting immigrant families and pursuing humane immigration reform.”

“When public policy harms immigrants, it harms all communities across the country,” said Marielena Hincapié, Executive Director of NILC. “I’m grateful to Congressman Jimmy Gomez for taking the opportunity to meet with our partner organizations at the National Immigration Law Center to hear the multiple concerns of Angelenos and discuss the way forward for fair and just policies that protect immigrants and make our country stronger for everyone.”

"Our meeting with Congressman Gomez was fruitful,” said Joseph Villela, Director of Policy for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). “We stand hand in hand with his office, ready to work on a strategy to hold the Trump administration accountable for its ongoing attacks on both undocumented and legal migrants. We appreciate the ongoing commitment from Congressman Gomez to represent the interest of his diverse constituency and we look forward to a collaborative effort ahead.”

“The Trump Administration’s recent decisions to terminate Temporary Protected Status for numerous countries puts 300,000 individuals at risk of deportation, including 55,000 Californians who have resided here lawfully for at least two decades,” said Daniel Sharp, Legal Director of CARECEN (Central American Resource Center). “Their plight has gone largely unnoticed amidst the Administration’s ongoing attacks on DACA holders, unaccompanied children and asylum seekers. Yesterday, we began a productive conversation with Congressman Gomez to raise awareness and work towards a permanent legislative fix for these integral members of our community.”

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in a thoughtful discussion of immigrant rights and immigrant dignity,” said Hector Villagra, Executive Director of the ACLU of Southern California. “We are all engaged in a terrible fight against the dehumanizing and demonizing policies this administration is advancing. It was important to gather with people who are clear about what we are fighting for.”

Congressman Gomez’s immigration roundtable was attended by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA, Miguel Contreras Foundation, Korean Resource Center, Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), ACLU of Southern California, Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF), California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Mayor Eric Garcetti's Office of Immigrant Affairs, National Immigration Law Center, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, USC Gould School of Law, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Koreatown Immigrant Workers Association (KIWA), El Rescate, West Lake North Neighborhood Council, and Clínica Romero.

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