Congressman Jimmy Gomez Hosts Immigration Roundtable in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) hosted an immigration roundtable discussion at the Alma Family and Youth Services Center to address issues facing immigrant communities in Los Angeles and across the country.
From local officials representing the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to national faith and advocacy groups, Congressman Gomez convened a diverse group of stakeholders to examine immigration topics, including the Trump administration’s policies on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the status of families separated at the southern border, and the ongoing negotiations on government funding for border security.
“I deeply appreciate the commitment and support of those who joined us for today’s immigration roundtable,” said Congressman Gomez. “In the wake of President Trump’s ongoing attacks on immigrant communities – and the historic government shutdown that ensued as a result – it was vital to bring these groups together at a forum where we can chart a course forward in our fight for humane immigration policies rooted in our shared values — justice, tolerance, and compassion. The ideas presented by leaders at today’s roundtable sends a clear message to the White House that our city will continue to recognize the dignity of immigrants and live up to the principles that have defined our country for generations.”
“Congressman Gomez’s continued advocacy for the most vulnerable among us gives us hope in these very troubling times,” said Diego H. Rodrigues, Chief Operating Officer of Alma Family Services. “He has demonstrated vital leadership in creating this opportunity for critical collaboration between service providers, legal aid organizations, advocates and community leaders in support our immigrant population. We look forward to further working with Congressman Gomez to raise awareness of policies, tangible resources available, and needed, towards promoting healthy, safe, inclusive and strong communities.”
“CHIRLA appreciates the opportunity to engage with Congressman Jimmy Gomez to discuss our legislative priorities, such as passing a DREAM/TPS bill that would provide a permanent solution for those in limbo,” said Isabel J. Sanchez, National Policy Advocate for Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). “Through his role on committee, our expectation is that he can bring forth our immigrant community's concerns and that he be able to increase accountability on the Department of Homeland Security, specifically the policies and the practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol, and of other departments that carry out enforcement tactics that hurt our immigrant communities. We look forward to future dialogues with the Congressman."
“Immigrants are a vibrant and essential part of our community, and Rep. Gomez’s roundtable is an important opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate the meaningful roles they inhabit in our society,” said Eli Veitzer, President and CEO of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles. “Working together, we can protect immigrants of all ages – from children at the border to seniors long-settled here – and ensure that all residents of California are valued, protected and receive the services they need.”
Congressman Gomez’s immigration roundtable was attended by:
Alma Family Services
AltaMed Health Services
American Jewish Committee (AJC)
Asociación de Salvadoreños en Los Ángeles (ASOSAL)
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles
Central American Resource Center – Los Angeles (CARECEN-LA)
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking
El Rescate
Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles - Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
Homeboy Industries
Immigrant Defenders Law Center
Jewish Family Service of LA
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
Mi Familia Vota
Miguel Contreras Foundation
National Lawyers Guild Los Angeles
Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF)
Women Infants and Children (WIC) Program — Los Angeles
