ATLANTA, GA — Black, Latine, immigrant and indigenous organization CASA, alongside its members, families, allies, and community organizations, will gather in Atlanta and across the nation to honor the invaluable contributions of immigrant essential workers. Following the tragic loss of six Latin American construction workers in Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse a month ago, these essential workers and their allies are rallying to urge President Biden to take decisive action in providing immigration relief to essential workers and other long-settled immigrants who have become integral members of our nation. The call is clear: President Biden must grant work permits through Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This International Workers Day event serves as both a tribute to the sacrifices made by essential workers and a resounding call for justice and fair treatment.

WHAT:  Essential Worker’s Vigil, Community Know Your Rights Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, May 4th, 2024, 12:00 PM – 12:40 PM

WHERE: CASA office, 2302 Parklake Drive NE, Suite 510, Atlanta, GA 30345

WHO: CASA, Women Watch Afrika, Community EsTr(El/La)

WHY: These organizations collectively urge President Biden to use his executive powers to dismantle a system of unnecessarily harsh immigration enforcement, which has disproportionately targeted the criminalization and detention of immigrants and asylum seekers. They demand the designation and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), deferred enforcement departure (DED), and the issuance of work permits for all essential workers.

Media RSVP:

For press inquiries or to RSVP, please contact Carliana Harris at [email protected] or 240-701-2777.

Interview opportunities with impacted CASA members and organizational representatives will be accommodated upon request.

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The vigil takes place as immigrants are touted as the country’s economic engine, with the economy roaring because of their labor power. About 50 percent of the labor market’s tremendous growth came from immigrant workers between January 2023 and January 2024, according to the Economic Policy Institute. The immigrant labor force closed the labor force gap created by the pandemic, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Groups will demand respect and dignity in the form of work permits and the safety they provide.

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With over 155,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. www.wearecasa.org