For Immediate Release:

May 1st, 2020 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Erik Villalobos, evillalobos@ndlon.org

On May Day, From Coast to Coast, TPS Essential Workers On The Frontlines Of The Covid-19 Pandemic led Caravans to ask Elected Officials “What About Us?”

Nationwide— On Friday May 1st, International Workers’ Day, hundreds of TPS workers from San Francisco, Las Vegas and Washington DC led caravans to uplift the stories of undocumented and TPS workers who are on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic.From home healthcare, food processors, grocery stores, manufacturing and other essential jobs, more than 130,000 TPS beneficiaries are exposing themselves to the risk of infection. Members drove  through construction job sites, hospitals, day laborer centers, and congressional offices. Dozens of vehicles decorated with messages of solidarity to essential workers, and demands for congress to act now to protect our immigrant communities and pass a permanent residency for all TPS beneficiaries.

The National TPS Alliance issued the following statements:

“We want to uplift the voices of the 130,000 TPS holders who are on the frontlines, who are currently working putting their own & families life at risk, while fighting against this COVID-19 pandemic” –– Elsy Flores, TPS holder plaintiff in Ramos v. Nielsen Case, Washington D.C

“We are here to say to the decision makers and also, the governor of our state of Nevada that we are essential, our families are essential! We are in no need to be seen as if we do not exist, we need permanent solutions  — Miguel Barahona, TPS Holder, Las Vegas, NV

“Immigrant labor is accepted in this country, but immigrant humanity is denied by systematic exclusion. We ask ‘Y Nosotros Que?’ ‘What About Us?’ So today, on International Workers Day, we want to ask Nancy Pelosi to take action in seeking permanent solutions for TPS Families . –– Claudia Lainez, TPS holder, Regional Organizer for the National TPS Alliance, San Francisco, CA

May Day is a day to honor workers, and today, it is clear that TPS workers – day laborers, janitors, and every aspect of food service industries – are all essential parts of our economy, of our communities. While millions are safe at home, we are out, we keep this country running.

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS:                               

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1reJNJ60n5G0LwGQ95a4tKdgrhFcnGd31   

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