Latino Coalition Launches Nationwide Outreach & Assistance Campaign to Help Immigrants Apply for Deferred Action Programs
February 12, 2015
Contact:
Paloma Zuleta
202-812-4477
Washington, D.C.—The League of United Latin American Citizens, the Hispanic Federation, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) are launching a new Latino coalition to provide direct assistance to the estimated 5.2 million immigrants who are eligible to apply for President Obama’s announced expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and creation of the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program. Coalition leaders will incorporate members, councils, chapters, affiliates, regional offices and independent groups into an unprecedented effort designed to maximize the number of immigrants who can successfully apply to these programs.
The campaign will outreach to more than 2 million Latino immigrants through a nationwide public relations campaign and provide one-on-one assistance to over 150,000 applicants for President Obama’s deferred action programs through a new bilingual toll free hotline and in-person assistance at more than 40 immigrant integration centers. The effort will encompass a national and local media campaign which will include informational public service announcements designed to reach Spanish speaking families. An interactive website will provide critical information to common questions and refer visitors where to locate appropriate resources. In order to ensure that smaller communities are also well informed, the coalition will spearhead targeted rural events.
“As a result of President Obama’s Executive Orders, the country stands to benefit tremendously on many fronts,” said Brent Wilkes, LULAC National Executive Director. “Individuals will have the appropriate documentation to work, travel and live freely without the threat of deportation. Further it is well documented that this type of immigration reform will result in a positive impact on the economy.”
In June of 2012, President Obama announced an expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for youth who came to the United States as children. In November of 2014, President Obama announced the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program. Under DAPA, 3.7 million undocumented immigrant parents may request deferred action from deportation and obtain employment authorization. In addition, with the expansion of DACA, approximately 5.2 million undocumented immigrants are potentially eligible to renew their deferred action status. Both programs offer a tremendous opportunity for undocumented people to come out of the shadows and contribute to a country they call home.
“LULAC is proud to be able to provide critical resources which will inform and assist individuals looking to apply for the programs,” continued Wilkes. “The President has done what he can and until Congress decides to finally do something on immigration reform, LULAC will do its part to ensure that Latinos are taking the opportunity to live without fear of deportation.”
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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.