On Wednesday, local Latino lawmakers urged President Joe Biden to extend work permits for undocumented immigrants who have been working and paying taxes in the United States for years, aligning their stance with business leaders who see immigration as beneficial to the economy and for the upcoming presidential election.
The latest advocacy effort, spearheaded by elected officials in pivotal swing states like Nevada and Arizona, recognizes the crucial importance of the Latino vote in these areas.
Local Groups Advocating for Long-Term Immigrants
During a press conference at Milwaukee's City Hall, legislators from Latino-majority states such as Arizona and Nevada, along with representatives from Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Utah, are primarily targeting two groups of immigrants as potential recipients of work permits: individuals enrolled in the DACA (Dreamers) program and those who have been employed in the country for an extended period, even without permits.
Furthermore, legislators like Angela Romero, a Democratic State Senator from Utah, have voiced concerns that immigrants, regardless of their authorization to work in the US, are being exploited by certain politicians to bolster anti-immigration rhetoric for electoral gain. Romero represents the Dreamers, those immigrants who were brought to the US as children and diligently pursued the American dream yet are still unable to work due to their immigration status.
Immigrant Workers Could Help The American Economy
Those who spoke on Wednesday emphasized how immigrant workers could address thousands of job vacancies nationwide in Milwaukee. Darryl Morin, president of Forward Latino, highlighted the immigrant community as the primary source of motivated and skilled individuals ready to enter the workforce and emphasized the importance of allowing immigrants who have been in the US for an extended period, possess a strong work ethic, are innovative, entrepreneurial, and can pass rigorous background checks, stating that these individuals are essential for maintaining and growing Wisconsin's economy and fostering prosperity for all.
Supporters argue that granting more permits to immigrants could boost annual tax revenue by $13.8 billion. Milwaukee Common Council President Jose Perez emphasized that for every 100 job vacancies, there are 54 individuals ready to contribute, advocating for their permanent inclusion in the workforce while building the economy at the same time.
Bargaining Latino Votes
During a presidential election year, Latino leaders believe that the Biden Administration's inaction on this issue could influence the Latino vote in November. Luis Velasquez of Voces de La Frontera Action expressed concern that a core promise would remain unfulfilled without this executive action, and it would be challenging to mobilize support for Biden in a state with a narrow margin of victory. Velasquez stressed that they cannot afford to have any regrets after Election Day and that they need to make sure that the executive action for mixed immigration status families, spouses, children, and essential workers by the Biden administration is a top-most priority.
