***For Immediate Release***
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Contact: Omaid Zabih
Strategy Senior Director, Nebraska Appleseed
O: (402) 438-8853 ext 128
C: (605) 310-4060
ozabih@neappleseed.org
Nebraskans Continue to Share Stories, Support for Positive Immigration Laws
Delivery of banners with statewide messages to Nebraska delegation
LINCOLN — Today, Nebraskans delivered large, colorful banners to offices of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation with personal stories, photos, messages, and support for positive immigration laws that would create stability for local families and communities.
“For many years, we have seen strong, statewide community support for Congress to pass positive immigration laws that would create a way for longtime community members to apply for residency and citizenship,” said Darcy Tromanhauser, Nebraska Appleseed’s Immigrants & Communities Program Director. “Civic, business, and faith leaders and organizations across the state say it’s time for full inclusion of immigrant Nebraskans who have been part of and contributing to local communities for decades.”
As part of a nationwide “Relay Across America” of stories and support for positive immigration laws, Nebraskans have been sharing stories and messages about what long overdue updates to our immigration laws would mean for local communities – family members, friends, co-workers, employers, and neighbors. The relay connects communities across the country in calling on Congress to pass positive immigration laws, which are also an important part of COVID recovery.
This is a year with several important opportunities for Congress to pass positive bills such as the Dream & Promise Act, the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act, the U.S. Citizenship Act, and others.
“It has been more than 35 years since Congress meaningfully updated our immigration laws, causing unnecessary harm to local families and communities,” said Vanessa Martinez, Organizing Manager for Nebraska Appleseed’s Immigrants & Communities Program. “Because of outdated laws, many immigrant Nebraskans and whole communities live with uncertainty and are separated from family members.”
From Scottsbluff to South Sioux City, immigrant Nebraskans are lights in our families and communities. Messages on the banner included:
- “My parents are immigrants and have served the community of Nebraska for over 25 years.”
- “I am a proud immigrant daughter. I’ve seen my parents sacrifice everything…They are the backbone of a country that needs them.”
- “Our family was formed through migration, we are better together!”
- “We need positive immigration laws to help keep families together so kids don’t grow up without their parents.”
- “I want to live in a community where people don’t have to fear they will be torn from their family.”
- “Immigrants are the lights in our communities because their sacrifices and hard work make our lives better.”
- “Immigrants help our communities thrive.”
- “It’s time for full inclusion of longtime community members and family members.”
Banners were delivered today to Senator Sasse and Representative Fortenberry’s Lincoln offices. Banner delivery will continue tomorrow at Senator Fischer’s Lincoln office at 1:15pm, with additional deliveries to Representatives Bacon and Smith in the coming weeks.
View local Nebraska video stories in this stories gallery, where additional videos will continue to be added. Find photos of the banners showing Nebraskans’ lights of support on Nebraska Appleseed’s Facebook page.
Messages of support from community members across the state have been collected by Nebraska Appleseed and statewide community partners, including Empowering Families (Scottsbluff), SOMOSgi (Grand Island), Centro Hispano (Columbus), Unity in Action (South Sioux City), and many others.
###