Finally President Obama made his announcement on immigration. LUPE members and their families gathered at our San Juan office to watch the announcement together.
It is estimated that the president's plan will extend protection from deportation to 4 to 5 million undocumented Americans.
The possibility of protection from deportation is huge for our members.
Betty (last name withheld to protect privacy) told us, “It would be a blessing the simple fact of being able to be here and see my children grow up. Despite having lived here for 17 years, I have never lost hope, thank God and with His help.”
But we know that this action is only part of the solution. Many of the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants will be left out.
Considering that 6 to 7 million immigrants won't qualify, Angela told us, “How sad to be one of those who don't qualify and be here years, who knows how many more years, without seeing my family.”
This is a bittersweet victory. We watched the announcement alongside some who will qualify and some who won't. Eyes filled with tears of joy and tears of pain. Regardless of who qualifies, all remain united in the understanding that la lucha sigue. We will recommit ourselves to the struggle for immigration reform that brings protections to all 11 million undocumented Americans.
We ended the night chanting Todos unidos por 11 millones (all united for 11 million) and Obama, esucha, seguimos en la lucha (Obama, listen, we continue in the struggle).
Posted on November 21, 2014 at 9:03 am
