Following Saturday’s massive protest at SeaTac, last night, the Seattle community rallied at Westlake Square to continue demonstratingagainst Trump’s racist and xenophobic Executive Orders on immigration. UAW members joined community leaders such as Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant, MLK County Labor Council Executive Secretary Treasurer Nicole Grant, and thousands of others to protest these orders that seriously restrict and target immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries, and affect UW international students.
Since one EO was issued Friday, there have already been several developments . A federal court in Brooklyn issued a temporary nationwide stay technically blocking the deportation of those with valid visas, green cards, and others impacted by the EO who have arrived in the U.S. and who are citizens of the seven countries. Other courts across the country have also issued temporary stays. Further, the Department of Homeland Security has taken a step back from the broadest interpretation of the EOs to now state that, in general, green card holders will be allowed to enter the U.S. despite the EO.
These are positive signs. However, there are still many reports that DHS is not releasing people, and those holding non-immigrant visas (like student F1s) are still subject to the travel restrictions. There are also reports that people with immigrant and non-immigrant visas are not being allowed to board international flights to the U.S. Please note that this situation is rapidly changing so it is important to stay abreast of current developments.
It is imperative that we continue to mobilize in defense of those targeted by the EOs, and for all immigrants and refugees. While some UAW members are currently being directly affected, we’re also mindful of the precedent being set that could be applied to others in the future.
Please attend our next immigration workshop and planning session this Wednesday, February 1st from 1-3pm to hear updates on the Executive Orders, as well as plans for action around legal and political strategies.
And again, if you or anyone you know is affected by Trump’s immigration EOs, please let us know immediately by emailing intl-solidarity@uaw4121.org. We are working to provide enforcement of work and funding commitments under the union’s collective bargaining agreement, and can help connect you to outside legal support as well assistance from elected officials who are offering their support. If you have questions about your specific situation, it is important to get legal counsel, as this communication is intended to provide general information only.
In Solidarity,
Theresa Aliwarga
Douglas Avella-Castro
Andrea Canini
Anthony Castanza
Ying-Yu Chen
Monica Cortes Viharo
Kristen Garofali
Arshiya Hoseyni Chime
Katya Kolesova
Dylan Mayer
Elizabeth Mills
Chelsea Pagan
David Parsons
Michelle Pham
Shua Sanchez
Viral Shah
Sam Sumpter
Arash Tarkhan
Judy Twedt