Corporations that pit workers against one another to break collective worker power stand to gain the most if the working class is not united in solidarity. Workers, like corporations, must also work to build power--black, white and brown together. The entire workforce suffers when millions of workers are prevented from being able to speak up on the job. Stoking fear in our workplaces only serves to divide workers and increase our exploitation. We need to ensure that all working people have rights on the job and are able to exercise them without fear of retaliation. Enacting meaningful immigration reform is critical to our long-term efforts of lifting labor standards and empowering workers.The labor movement must continue to stand in solidarity with all working people, no matter their immigration status.
There are large numbers of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Dreamers in the United States who are valued members of our union and our labor community. We must pass legislation to provide permanent protections to these valued workers because when TPS holders and Dreamers are at risk, all workers are more vulnerable to employer abuses.
H.R. 6, the Dream and American Promise Act of 2019 will benefit our entire workforce by providing a well-earned path to citizenship for working people who have made positive contributions to society for decades. Recipients of TPS, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and DED (Deferred Enforced Departure) help to build, feed, serve, educate and care for everyone in our nation. They work in every state, and across a wide range of industries. We all will be harmed if vital workers are needlessly stripped of their rights and status. Congress must act now to avoid termination of TPS, DACA and DED protections, which would cause far-reaching damage in worksites and communities.
The only way to reverse the race to the bottom for workers’ wages and standards for working people of all races, religions and immigration status is to stand together and demand an end to policies that put corporate profits over people.
The House of Representative passed H.R. 6 in June 2019, but it is held up on the Senate floor waiting for a vote. The Senate must vote to ensure that undocumented workers have a pathway to citizenship because when all workers have legal status and rights, we all benefit from higher wages, safer workplaces, and a strengthened ability to form or join a union.