CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Undocumented immigrants and their advocates are calling for immigration reform with a sense of urgency amid anti-immigrant rhetoric from the Republican presidential candidate.
With former President Donald Trump spreading false rumors and threatening mass deportation if re-elected, immigrants and their supporters told WBBM that they are raising their voices while they can to the more sympathetic Biden administration.
Their request: that the administration act now in prioritizing comprehensive immigration reform, which is something that has received bipartisan support among federal lawmakers.
Part of this would include work permits for undocumented immigrants, many of whom have lived and worked in the country for decades, paying taxes and even raising generations of family.
“Eleven million workers waiting here in the United States 20, 30, 10 years for immigration reform,” said Elvia, who only gave WBBM her first name. “It’s time … for a work permit for all workers.”
Immigrant advocate Mercedes Martinez said undocumented immigrants have given “their blood, sweat and tears” to the United States.
“They have a right to take their place at the table,” Martinez said.
She added: “Some of them fought for this country. They bled for this country. They worked night and day for this country. They worked to put the food on their table. They are the backbone of this country.”
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