LUPE members and supporters will show unity in the face of immigrant scapegoating meant to exploit divisions

SAN JUAN, TX – In a display of unity in the face of election year rhetoric scapegoating immigrants, Valley residents of different races and backgrounds will join together at LUPE’s Cesar Chavez Caravan, taking place on Saturday, March 26th, 2022.

LUPE members will hold a caravan and car rally beginning at 9 am at LUPE’s San Juan headquarters and ending at Edinburg Municipal Park for a drive-by rally. RSVP here to join.

What Is At Stake

• It is a major election year. And the vote is a chance for Rio Grande Valley residents to declare our worth and demand those who govern in our name recognize our worth and act in our interest.

• But a small number of vocal politicians are undermining U.S. Democracy by scapegoating immigrants at the border and spreading lies about the strength of the U.S. electoral system. They mischaracterize the humanitarian crisis faced by Haitians, Venezuelans and other immigrants arriving at our doorstep, going as far as calling them an “invasion.”

• Politicians peddling such xenophobic rhetoric and racist conspiracy theories fueled the Big Lie of 2020 while passing a wave of voter suppression legislation, including Texas’s SB1.

Daniel Diaz, Director of Organizing for La Unión del Pueblo Entero, said:

“From Boca Chica Beach to Roma’s historic downtown, Rio Grande Valley residents know our worth. We are worth paychecks that equal the true value of our work, quality schools that prepare our children for the future by teaching the truth of our past, and safe air, water and energy that our families can depend on. We are worth more than doctor’s visits that bankrupt us, streets that flood every time it rains and this current crop of politicians who shame and blame Black and brown Texans and new immigrants for our struggles.

“They point to border communities to shame and blame immigrants and exploit our divisions. All the while they hurt us all by misusing public funds and making cuts to programs and services we all need to thrive.

“But we can take inspiration from the example of LUPE co-founders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta: We are stronger when we are united. And when we unite, we can win what all people need to thrive, whether we’re women or men, young or old, white, Black or brown.

“Please join LUPE at our annual celebration of farmworker leader Cesar Chavez this March 26th. Help us display our unity in the face of immigrant scapegoating meant to divide us.”