NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Launches Congressional Immigration Scorecard, Will Score and Oppose Supplemental Funding Agreement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
February 6, 2024

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, NILC - IJF, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149

WASHINGTON – The NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF) today announced the launch of its congressional scorecard, which will measure and grade policymakers on their support for issues affecting low-income immigrants and their loved ones. IJF will kick off this effort by scoring opposition to the Supplemental Funding Bill – which includes a range of dangerous anti-immigrant provisions in exchange for temporary foreign aid. The scorecard will be made publicly available later this year. 

“As voters and political donors get ready to make their voices heard in 2024, it’s more important than ever that they can rely on objective information to separate pro-immigrant champions from politicians backing proposals that harm our communities – including the Supplemental Funding bill Congress is currently debating,” said Bri Gillis, vice president of political strategy at the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund. “Immigrants are a strength to our nation and a growing political constituency. Together, we can build a future where our nation's immigration policies reflect the values of compassion, fairness, and freedom." 

The scorecard will consider a congressmember’s votes and co-sponsorships of immigration-related issues and evaluate each candidate's commitment to fair and just immigration policies. It will serve as a crucial tool for voters and political donors who share these values, allowing them to identify candidates who are not just pro-immigrant in rhetoric but in their legislative actions and advocacy. 

IJF encourages voters to engage with the scorecard, join the conversation, and hold their elected officials accountable. IJF will release an interim report on congressional ratings in the summer of 2024, and a report at the conclusion of the 118th Congress. 

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Immigrant Advocates, Senator Merkley, Warn Against Return to Trump Extremism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 19, 2023 

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, NILC - IJF, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149 
Chanea Davis, CASA in Action, cdavis@casainaction.org, 301-717-449

WASHINGTON –The National Immigration Law Center Immigrant Justice Fund and immigrant leaders from CASA in Action joined Senator Jeff Merkley on a press call to emphasize how a return to Trump-era extremism would be not only out of alignment with most American voters, but also disastrous for immigrant communities and our country as a whole.

The Immigrant Justice Fund unveiled its research outlining the policies Trump has vowed to pursue if re-elected, which represent the most extreme anti-immigrant agenda in modern history. See the full report here.

Kica Matos, President of the Immigrant Justice Fund, said, “During Donald Trump’s time in office, we saw immigrant children in cages, communities living in constant fear, and abject cruelty at our southern border. If reelected, he has vowed not only to reinstate every cruelty he enacted in office, but also pursue new policies that would harm millions of people. Immigrants help build America. We contribute to the economy, pay taxes, work essential jobs, and move the country forward. We need to do everything in our power to make sure Donald Trump never steps foot in the White House again.” 

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) recounted being the first member of Congress to witness Trump's child separation policy at the border in 2018, and said, "It's just hard to believe the United States, land of Lady Liberty holding up her torch to the storm-tossed people of the world, was in the business of directly injuring children as a policy strategy. But we were in that business under Trump — and he had no qualms about it. In fact, in May of this year, at the CNN town hall, he defended this policy and implied that he would reinstate it. We believe in compassion, not cruelty, and we must never let the darkest days of Trump once again come to the Oval Office." 

Lydia Walther-Rodriguez, Chief of Organizing and Leadership for CASA in Action, said, “CASA in Action seeks to give a voice to CASA in Action members and all immigrants who have been deeply affected by the hateful rhetoric caused by Donald Trump’s presidency. Immigrants were constantly shamed and dehumanized. Even now, long after his presidency, immigrants are left to deal with the consequences of teaching such inflammatory rhetoric. CASA in Action denounces all hate speech, policies, and implications that are associated with Trump running for office ever again. We will continue to work for immigrant communities, holding policy makers accountable for this dangerous rhetoric that holds great consequence. CASA in Action will continue to endorse policy makers that advance the priorities and facilitation of greater engagement of voters of all communities.”

Jonthan Rhodes, CASA in Action member, said, “I’ve been told to go back to my country, and all sorts of racial slurs because Donald Trump - a president of the United States - said these racial slurs so the public felt comfortable saying these hateful things too. Immigrants are the ones who built this country, immigrants are the backbone of this country. Imagine what this country would have been, and would be, without immigrants."

Diana Pliego, DACA recipient and federal advocacy strategist at the National Immigration Law Center, said, “Donald Trump and other Republican extremists have tried to take DACA away for years and have pledged to do the same again if re-elected. As we continue to fight for permanent protections, what we need are leaders who prioritize solutions, not ones who scapegoat immigrants and play games with our lives. Our communities deserve to live free from the fear that we could lose the lives we’ve built in the place we call home.”

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The NILC Immigrant Justice Fund aims to encourage full participation of low-income immigrants in the democratic process and to advance smart, effective, fair immigration policy. Like the millions of voters who denounced Trumpism in 2020, most Americans want candidates that truly represent their views, and we’re working to elect more people to office who will pass commonsense improvements to our immigration system, particularly a pathway to citizenship. 

By mobilizing Black and brown voters, CASA in Action, and its 125,000+ members, play a powerful role in electing progressive change leaders who can produce the justice our members seek. CASA in Action endorses candidates that advance its membership’s priorities and facilitates greater engagement of Latinos and voters of color in elections. 

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NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Statement on the First Republican Presidential Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
August 24, 2023

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149 

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF), issued the following statement in response to the first Republican presidential debate:  

“Last night’s debate reaffirmed what we already know: Republicans are too extreme to lead. Rather than propose any actual solutions the country saw GOP candidates continue to wield dangerous, anti-immigrant rhetoric to distract and divide us. Their scapegoating is tired, toxic, and out of touch with the majority of American voters, who recognize that immigrants enrich our communities, contribute to our economy, and are a strength to our nation.” 

Read IJF’s analysis about why GOP candidates are too extreme to lead.  

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NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Statement on Ron DeSantis’ Campaign for President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
May 24, 2023

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149 

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF), issued the following statement in response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plans to run for President in 2024: 

“Even in the most virulent, anti-immigrant presidential primary field in modern American history, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stands out as one of the most extreme candidates. As a congressman, DeSantis supported a range of harsh, failed policies, which he has continued as governor. The recent anti-immigrant legislation he championed in Florida is cruel, regressive, and contrary to the values Americans hold dear. Florida SB 1718 casts a broad net, targeting families, workers, and other everyday people, as well as people who travel there. The repercussions of his policies are extremely negative and alarming. 

“Now, DeSantis is trying to bring his extremist plans to a national stage, in a losing strategy that a strong majority of Americans have rejected time and time again. Most voters recognize what is true: immigrants are a strength to our nation. We value freedom, safety, and self-determination – all of which would be immediately under attack should DeSantis reach the White House. Everyone living America, no matter where we were born, should have the freedom to thrive. Instead, Ron DeSantis’ authoritarian vision for America would make us less safe and less free.” 

Read IJF’s analysis about Ron DeSantis’ history of extreme anti-immigrant policies here.  

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New Poll Shows Battleground State Voters Want Candidates to Deliver Pro-Immigrant Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 31, 2022 

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149 

Majority of Likely 2022 Battleground Voters Support Pro-Immigrant Policies, Including Fair Access to Asylum and a Pathway to Citizenship for Dreamers

WASHINGTON — The NILC Immigrant Justice Fund today released the results of a new poll that shows likely voters in Georgia, Nevada, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania — key battleground states this election cycle — broadly support and want lawmakers to prioritize enacting a variety of pro-immigrant policies. Ahead of midterm elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress, the results also show Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate narrowly lead Republican candidates in 4 out of 5 battleground states polled. 

The poll shows a majority of independent voters support a range of pro-immigrant policies, including establishing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, restoring fair and humane access to asylum, and providing permanent protections for immigrant youth and DACA recipients.  

Bri Gillis, vice president of political strategy at the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: “The results show that voters headed to the ballot box overwhelmingly want to elect candidates who support pro-immigrant policies. Democrats must seize on this opportunity to energize voters by making forward progress on real solutions that will impact millions of immigrants, their loved ones, and our communities. 

“Ahead of the midterms, this is a pivotal time for candidates to embrace pro-immigrant policy solutions and reject divisive anti-immigrant rhetoric. The data is clear. Being pro-immigrant is good for the country and it’s good politics.” 

Visit this link to view the poll results:  

The poll, conducted by Hart Research Associates, surveyed likely voters across the political spectrum. Topline results from the poll’s questions on policies include: 

• 74% said they would more likely support a candidate who favors providing a pathway to citizenship to Dreamers. 

• 73% support a pathway to citizenship if certain requirements are met, including background checks, for undocumented immigrants. 

• 71% believe that refugees should be able to legally request asylum – this includes 88% of Democrats, 71% of Independents/unaffiliated voters, and 54% of Republicans   

Additional toplines include:  

• Democratic candidates for Senate narrowly lead Republican candidates in 4 out of 5 battleground states we polled 

• 47% of total voters polled said that they lean more toward the Democratic candidate, compared to 45% who lean Republican  

• Our poll shows Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona with a 4-point lead over Republican candidate Blake Masters (47% to 43%) 

• Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada has a 1-point lead over Republican candidate Adam Laxalt (47% to 46%) 

• Georgia Sen. Rafael Warnock has a 3-point lead over Republican challenger Hershel Walker (48% to 45%) 

• Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman leads over Republican candidate Mehmet Oz 46% to 44% 

• In Wisconsin, Mandela Barnes trails behind Ron Johnson by 2 points (46% to 48%) 

• 65% of voters polled would be more likely to vote for a candidate who favors allowing people to legally request asylum at the southern border, compared to 27% who’d prefer a candidate who opposes access to asylum at the southern border.  

• 92% of Democrats and 52% of Republicans prefer a candidate who favors a pathway to citizenship for immigrant youth. 

• Voters took note when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently sent asylum seekers to Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, D.C., with nearly 9 in 10 voters (88%) reporting they heard about these actions. But, by a 29-point margin, they viewed this as “mainly a stunt by the governors (57%)” rather than a genuine effort to improve the asylum system (28%). 

To view the poll results, visit this link. Crosstabs are available here. 

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NILC IJF Welcomes Interim Executive Director and Announces Promotions to New Vice President Roles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 19, 2022 

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149

WASHINGTON — The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF) today welcomed Sara K. Gould as the new interim executive director of both organizations, with Marielena Hincapié set to depart in November. The organizations also announced the recent promotions of Will Dempster to vice president of strategic communications; Lisa Graybill to vice president of law and policy; and Raha Wala to vice president of strategic partnerships and advocacy. 

Gould recently served as chair of the Board of Directors for NILC and IJF and a member of the NILC Board Executive Committee. She will oversee NILC and IJF until a permanent President is hired.  

Marielena Hincapié, outgoing executive director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: “I am proud to have led NILC and IJF for over 14 years and advanced immigrant justice for over two decades with a stellar team, and I feel grateful that I can pass the baton to Sara and our leaderful organization. Sara’s unwavering commitment to the mission and the organizations will enable the continuity of NILC and IJF’s work.”  

Angela Banks, NILC’s board chair, added: “Sara is a trusted leader who is uniquely qualified to serve as interim executive director, given her knowledge of our strategic framework, our boards, and our current operations. I am also confident that the recent promotions to NILC’s new vice president roles will allow the organization to continue to grow in size and impact at a critical moment in our country. NILC is full of inspiring leaders, and it is well-prepared to continue to lead the movement for justice for low-income immigrants.” 

Sara K. Gould, new interim executive director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: “I am honored to serve as Interim Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund. For decades NILC has been a national leader in litigation, policy and advocacy for immigrants’ rights. More recently, the IJF has begun the work of building power for immigrants as a key political constituency. I look forward to advancing our missions alongside the talented and committed staff who work tirelessly on behalf of low-income immigrants and their families.” 

Gould has dedicated her career to advancing racial, gender, and economic justice. In addition to serving on the NILC board for the last 10 years and the IJF board for five years, Gould is an experienced executive, leader and strategist. She previously was president and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, where she served in various programmatic and executive roles over 25 years. She also previously worked for Caring Across Generations as associate director, where she advocated for caregivers, older adults, and people with disabilities, focusing on those from vulnerable communities. Gould was also a senior fellow in social justice philanthropy at The Atlantic Philanthropies, co-founded and co-directed the Steinem Initiative at Smith College, and is a past board member of Community Change, the Proteus Fund and the Proteus Action League.  

Gould holds a B.A. from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Harvard University. She is the recipient of both the Changing the Face of Philanthropy Award from the Women’s Funding Network and the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century Award from Women’s eNews. 

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