Caribbean immigrants join march for pathway to US citizenship

CARIBBEAN AND other immigrant New Yorkers marched from Manhattan to Brooklyn on Thursday demanding a pathway to US citizenship.

The 11-mile march was organised by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), Center for Popular Democracy, Make the Road New York, New Immigrant Community Empowerment and allies.

Starting at 110th Street in Harlem and ending at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, the marchers reminded Democrats in Washington, D.C. of their campaign promises to deliver legalisation for 11 million immigrant Americans, which comprise a significant number of Caribbean nationals.

“We marched today because we refuse to stay silent while Democrats refuse to seize the first real opportunity for comprehensive immigration reform in decades,” Murad Awawdeh, NYIC’s executive director, told the CMC.

“From President Joe Biden to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, our national leaders promised they would deliver for immigrant Americans. They offered heartfelt praise for the sacrifices our communities made on the frontlines of a global pandemic, but have failed to provide immigrants with the real protection and opportunity of a roadmap to citizenship. We can’t afford their excuses, because it will be our families who will bear the brunt of their limited imaginations,” he added.

Yaritza Mendez, co-director of organising at Make the Road New York, said communities have fought tooth and nail for decades for a pathway to citizenship, “and that is what we deserve”.

DELIVER ON THE PROMISE

“Immigrants are integral to our country and should not constantly fear being separated from their loved ones,” Mendez said. “Temporary work permits fall short of meeting the needs of our loved ones and neighbours. We urgently call on the Democratic leadership to deliver on their promise and ensure the ‘Build Back Better’ package includes a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants.”

The rally and march came after the news that the current ‘Build Back Better’ package in Washington only includes a parole plan, which would grant temporary and time-limited immigration and work benefits to immigrants brought to America as children; Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, such as Haitians and farmworkers; but without any path to a green card and eventual citizenship.

Over the past few weeks, NYIC has launched a video ad; immigrant New Yorkers held an evening vigil in front of Schumer’s Brooklyn home; a rally in front of his Manhattan office; a four-day #NoSleepTilCitizenship sleep-out in front of the senator’s Brooklyn home; and rallied in Long Island, New York, to keep up the pressure for a pathway to citizenship to be included in the final budget reconciliation package.