For Immediate Release: April 22, 2021
Baltimore City Council introduces resolution in support for immigrant reform as part of nationwide effort to secure pathway to citizenship
BALTIMORE, MD – Immigrants pass the ceremonial torch in Baltimore as the March to Victory: Relay Across America kicks off in Maryland on April 26. The Relay Across America is part of a nationwide effort to demand a roadmap to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants. Immigrant rights organization, CASA, and the Baltimore City Council convene a press conference to introduce a resolution in support for immigration reform. The resolution will lay out demands for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants – one in seven Maryland residents is an immigrant.
The Relay Across America torch passes through nearly 30 states until May 1, the major immigrant national day of action. The relay unites communities throughout the nation in calling for a humane immigration system that protects the 11 millions undocumented immigrants, including essential workers, DACA and TPS holders, and those who don’t currently have a pathway to citizenship.
WHO: Baltimore City Councilmembers, CASA, Impacted immigrant CASA members, NAACP
- Zeke Cohen, Baltimore City Councilmember District 1
- Odette Ramos, Baltimore City Councilmember District 14
- Kobi Little, President, Baltimore NAACP
- Doris López, essential worker and CASA Member
- Ismenia Bolivar, Venezuela asylum applicant, potentially will benefit from HR6 and TPS, CASA Member
- Chris Mukendi, essential worker and college student, CASA Member
WHAT: Press conference and ceremonial torch passing
WHEN: Monday, April 26, 2021 – 10:30 AM ET
WHERE: Baltimore City Hall, 100 Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Watch the press conference live streamed at www.facebook.com/CASAforall at 10:30 AM
RSVP: For more information on the actions, please contact Jenna DeFosse
VISUALS: Letter signs that spell out “IMMIGRANTS ARE ESSENTIAL,” the torch symbol that has traveled across America from the west coast to the east coast to be passed off from event to event, banners, and homemade signs.
MORE: The Relay Across America will consist of community-led efforts, made up of in-person and virtual events, and will begin in Washington March 17th, with subsequent events planned in nearly 30 states through May 1. The relay aims to unite communities throughout the nation in calling for a humane immigration system that protects the 11 millions undocumented immigrants, including essential workers, DACA and TPS holders, and those who don’t currently have a pathway to citizenship. As the nation continues to battle the ongoing pandemic, inclusive COVID recovery for all is necessary to ensure we all get through the crisis.
WHY: Many undocumented immigrant families have risked their lives and safety as essential workers, but continue to be deportable. We are disappointed that Democratic controlled congress has failed to deliver on relief for immigrant families and we are calling on them to take bold action and pass citizenship for ALL.
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With over 110,000 members across the states of Maryland, Virginia, and South Central Pennsylvania, CASA is the largest member-based Latino and immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall
