Educators again call on President Biden and Congress transform immigration system

WASHINGTON — The National Education Association and its more than three million members are coming together with organizations and activists from across the country for a week of action focused on kids, youth and educators affected by the nation’s failed immigration system. On the heels of the 9^th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), NEA launched a virtual Educator Day of Action on Wednesday, June 16 by calling on allies to join in reiterating its call to protect aspiring Americans and provide a path to citizenship for the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants – immigrants who call the U.S. home, including an estimated 15,000 educators.

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle:

“Most of us—regardless of our race, gender identity, or ZIP Code—understand that our families and our schools, our communities, and our nation are stronger and healthier when we come together to face shared challenges and develop collective solutions. Immigrant families move to America seeking a better life, bringing with them the courage and tenacity that enhance those concepts.

“The bills pending before Congress are necessary steps towards transforming America’s failed immigration system into one that is more humane, functional, and centered in racial justice, and respects all people, regardless of race, religion, or birthplace.

“These legislative proposals would ensure a path towards citizenship for undocumented immigrants and much-needed protections for DACA recipients – including an estimated 15,000 educators who have continued to provide and sustain student learning during the pandemic.

“That we stand on the verge of this important point in our history is a testament to the educators who mobilized like never before during the elections and the advocates, families, allies, and voters who came together to demand the future we deserve, a future that works for all who call this country home – without exceptions.

“All of us – students, educators and our communities – will greatly benefit from swift passage of important and critical legislation to provide a path to citizenship for aspiring Americans. Our communities cannot continue to wait. Our students and educators cannot continue to wait. We are demanding an America where We the People includes all of us. We urge the Biden administration and Congress to move with urgency on this critical issue.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. Learn more at www.nea.org.