Yesterday, Senators Lindsey Graham and Dick Durbin reintroduced the Dream Act, legislation that would provide a roadmap to citizenship for nearly 2 million undocumented people. This is a key step toward ensuring that our country remains inclusive and welcoming. It’s also a testament to the power of immigrant youth and allies who have fought for decades for meaningful legislation that protects our communities.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people like us have experienced disproportionately high rates of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, not to mention suffering COVID-related job losses and the economic crisis. Now, we’re also being left behind in the vaccination efforts. Early data shows that white Americans are being vaccinated at rates of up to three times higher than Black Americans. Our leaders must step up to address this, because this inequality can’t stand any longer.
Earlier this week, Georgia State Senators introduced nine voter suppression bills. These bills would have wide-ranging consequences that make it harder for #PeopleLikeUs to vote, including eliminating no-excuse absentee voting, revoking automatic registration, preventing volunteer groups from registering people to vote by mail, and taking away ballot drop boxes, just to name a few of the many impacts. If passed, this legislation would overwhelmingly hurt New American and BIPOC communities; taking away our right to vote and reversing the progress we have made in Georgia toward a more representative democracy.
We can’t let this happen. Make your voice heard and tell Georgia State Senators to oppose these discriminatory bills!
It has been a busy start of the year at New American Leaders, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Over the past couple weeks, we had our first training of the year, Ready to Lead Midwest, and we also kicked off our NAL Fellowship!
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the 2021 New American Fellows! These bold, fierce, and visionary New Americans are the next candidates getting ready to shake up the status quo!
If you’re feeling inspired by these incredible leaders, then check out our next training! Our National Women’s Training will be hosted virtually on March 12-13 and 19-20 for female-identifying individuals only. At the end of this training, you’ll know how to share your story, connect with voters in the field, fundraise, and embrace your New American heritage to become a successful candidate. We’re super excited for it, and we hope you are, too.
