Activists March On White House For Immigration Reform

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Thousands of workers, labor allies and community activists marched through the streets of downtown DC Friday beating drums, blowing whistles, and chanting “Together, united we’ll never be defeated.” Demanding that Congress pass comprehensive immigration reform, the Employee Free Choice Act and universal healthcare, the lively contingent of demonstrators – including the National Capitol Immigration Coalition, SEIU 32BJ, UNITE HERE and DC Jobs with Justice - marched down 14th Street from Malcolm X Park to the White House despite the oppressive humidity and blistering afternoon sun. “We will do whatever it takes to get our voices heard,” one supporter told Union City, “we want everyone to know that we are in this fight together and we won’t quit until we are treated with respect.” The demonstrators filled Lafayette Park to capacity as Jaime Contreras (below), Capital Area District Director of SEIU 32BJ - and a member of the Metropolitan Washington Council's Executive Board - gave a rousing speech along with fellow labor activist and leader Daniel Duncan, President of the Northern Virginia Area Labor Federation (NoVa ALF). “Immigrant workers are not only part of the rich social and cultural fabric of our country,” said Contreras, “but they are also adding over $700 billion every year to our economy and full recognition of their contributions will only aid our economic recovery.” He added, “The labor movement is united and committed to comprehensive immigration reform that respects the civil liberties of all hardworking men and women.” Duncan - who spoke on behalf of both the NoVa ALF and the Metropolitan Washington Council - said “On behalf of 35,000 workers in Northern Virginia and 150,000 workers in DC, we stand united as a house of immigration reform. Just as labor stands together, all of America must come together to end injustice created by deceitful employers looking to exploit those seeking only to take care of their families; what we need is comprehensive immigration reform, the Employee Free Choice Act and universal health care for all workers.”
– report/photo by Adam Wright