Issued March 18, 2021
WASHINGTON—SEIU International Executive Vice President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement in response to the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House of Representatives:
“It’s an exciting moment for SEIU to witness bold action taken on the American Dream and Promise Act by the House of Representatives. The bill will transform the lives of many SEIU members with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) including Arcadio Mejia, a nurse assistant who’s been working nonstop to help take care of patients with Covid-19. Aracadio came to the U.S. from El Salvador more than 20 years ago and has made California his home. He has earned protection from deportation and deserves a pathway to citizenship.
“The legislation will also benefit our members with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) like Monica Torres, an In-Home Supportive Services provider and essential worker with three U.S. citizen kids. She takes pride in the care she provides to her clients and if this legislation passes, she can finally plan for her future and watch her children grow without the fear of one day being separated from them.
“The American people are eager for solutions to our dysfunctional and inhumane immigration system, one that provides a roadmap to citizenship for these and other workers and their families and to make the other urgent changes necessary to make our immigration system work for all of us. House passage of the American Dream and Promise Act as well as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act is an essential first step towards that needed transformational change.
“It’s time for all workers, no matter our race, where we live, or country of origin are respected, protected, paid a living wage and have a right to unionize. We urge the Senate to move on these bills as quickly and comprehensively as possible.”