Washington, DC- As the nation approaches its 250^th anniversary, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)introduced a resolution to reaffirm Congress' role in upholding the principles of equality, dignity, and justice for all, including immigrant communities.

As the Trump administration has targeted the immigrant community through mass detentions and deportations, the resolution commits Congress to pursuing policies that safeguard immigrants' rights, broaden economic opportunity, and build humane, equitable pathways to full inclusion.

"The 250th anniversary of our country presents us with an opportunity to reflect on our enduring - BUT NOT YET FULFILLED - commitment to the principles of liberty and justice for everyone, regardless of legal status, origin, nationality, religion, or economic condition. It is an opportunity to prove that we recognize the contribution of immigrant communities, and affirm that they are seen, heard, and valued," said Congresswoman Ramirez. "As Members of Congress, we are called to challenge and transform systems that deny our communities' dignity and justice. That's why I am proud to join Senator Markey and a coalition of organizations to introduce a resolution calling on Congress to ensure justice and dignity for immigrant communities."

"The United States draws its strength from unity and inclusion, not from fear and division," said Senator Markey. "This resolution rejects hateful policies that terrorize our immigrant neighbors and calls on the Senate to invest in inclusion, celebrate the contributions of immigrants, and honor our nation's human rights commitments. A just, equitable future requires fostering belonging for all who call our nation home."

Specifically, the Resolution calls on Congress to:

1. Mark the nation's upcoming 250^th anniversary by celebrating the contributions of immigrant communities and reaffirming the universal principles of equality, dignity, and justice;
2. Expand and strengthen critical programs that help individuals overcome barriers to full civic, social, and economic participation, including language access programs, workforce and employment assistance, legal support, and naturalization services;
3. Collaborate with community-based groups, non-profit organizations, faith institutions, labor and business partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the existence of culturally responsive, accessible, and effective integration services; and
4. Urge federal, state, and local governments to increase investments that advance opportunity, strengthen communities, and uphold the nation's commitments to equity and inclusion.

The resolution is cosponsored in the House by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Juan Vargas (CA-52). In the Senate, it has the support of Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The resolution is endorsed by the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, Asian Law Alliance, Services Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN), HANA Center, Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants, National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), Building Skills Partnership (BSP), OneAmerica, the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (HICA), Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Promise Arizona, Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition, the Legal Clinic Hawaii, Arizona Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AZ AANHPI) for Equity, Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, Hawai'i Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Just Neighbors, the Workers Circle, Immigrants Rising, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project - Maine, African Communities Together, Haitian Bridge Alliance, Welcoming America, Quixote Center, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Refugee Advocacy Lab, Refugees International, Muslim Advocates, Rainbow Railroad, Latino Policy Forum, Borderlands Resource Initiative, Just Detention International, California Community Foundation, Vision Y Compromiso, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Lawyers for Good Government, Voices for Utah Children, Central American Resource Center - CARECEN of Northern California, Elena's Light, Freedom Network USA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC, Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM), Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, and Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef), Casa Dupage Workers Center/ Immigrant Solidarity DuPage.

"As we mark 250 years of this Nation's founding, we renew our commitment to an America rooted in interdependence and belonging. We applaud the leadership of Senator Markey and Representative Delia Ramirez for introducing this resolution, which reaffirms Congress' commitment to building a future where immigrant communities can participate fully in civic, economic, and social life, one where all Americans thrive," said Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans. "We believe in a future where immigrant communities are not just welcomed, but truly included. Where the American Dream is not out of reach, but a reality we build together. On this momentous occasion for our nation, we renew and strengthen our commitment to building a multiracial, multiethnic, and inclusive democracy that works for all of us - and that is inclusive of immigrant and refugee communities."

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