Resistance Roundup 05/03: Take action and build solidarity!

Keep Faith

A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research reinforces what we’ve known: immigrants are crucial in fortifying both our democracy and economy.?

Research found how immigrants in the U.S. can enhance wages and job prospects for native-born workers. A 1% increase in college-educated immigrants in an area can result in a 7.4% wage hike for U.S.-born college graduates in that same area. This study underscores how immigrants' abilities complement those of native-born workers, ultimately boosting overall productivity and wages.

Stay Woke

In an important win for First Amendment rights, the Supreme Court ruled on a lawsuit involving Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson. The Court clarified that Mckesson cannot be held accountable for injuries caused by an unidentified protester during a demonstration he organized.?

This ruling underscores the nature of First Amendment protections for protest organizers, highlighting that imposing liability on them for the actions of others could hinder their ability to exercise their right to free speech.

Take Action

It’s critical to remember that everyone, regardless of their status, has the right to free speech and assembly under the Constitution.?

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has compiled a list of 10 things you can do to protect yourself and others, understand your options, and know your rights if you plan to participate in a demonstration.

NAL News & Updates

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! ?? What better way to celebrate the month than becoming the leader your community needs??Commit to making a difference and apply to our Ready to Lead? AAPI Training today ! Here are some important deadlines to note:

• Tuesday, June 6 Info Session at 3pm ET / 6pm?PST. RSVP here .
• Monday, June 17 Priority Deadline at 11:59pm ET / 8:59pm PST
• Monday, July 1 Final Application Deadline at 11:59pm ET / 8:59 PST

We are a month away from our 10th annual New American Hero Awards !?

On June 27th, join us as we celebrate Michigan State Senator & Assistant Majority Leader Darrin Camilleri, California’s Jefferson Elementary School District Trustee Manūfou Liaiga-Anoa’i, and Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro for their steadfast dedication to advancing immigrant and working-class communities across the country.?

Reserve your tickets today — we can’t wait to see you in Washington, D.C.!

#NALpistasDidThat

Here are some pretty awesome things our alumni?have done recently:

• Arizona State Representative Analise Oritz?(Ready to Lead? Southwest 2021) co-sponsored three bills that were just signed into law: HB 2297 addresses the state’s housing affordability and homelessness crises by making it easier to transition abandoned strip malls and businesses complexes into housing; HB 2040 and HB 2194 will save residents money when purchasing event tickets by cracking down on bad actors who price-gouge.
• Colorado State Representative Iman Jodeh (Elected Officials Network & Training Panelist) was joined by political activist Angela Davis as the two voiced their support for University of Colorado students calling for liberation and the end of apartheid.
• Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang’s (Ready to Lead? Michigan 2011) proposed State Resolution 110 was successfully adopted. The resolution designates April 21- 27 as Black April Memorial Week, which recognizes both the tragedy of the Vietnam War and the strength of the Vietnamese diaspora community who have laid down roots in the United States.
• New York City Councilmembers Alexa Aviles (Ready to Lead? National Women’s Training 2019) and Shahana Hanif (Ready to Run? 2019, Ready to Win? 2019) attended the solidarity encampment at Columbia University and reaffirmed their support for students fighting for freedom and equal rights in the face of hostile university administrators and armed police battalions.
• Ann Arbor Public School Board Member Rima Mohammad (Ready to Lead? AAPI Women 2024) launches her campaign to run for Michigan State Representative in House District 33!

Know someone who should be included in this list? Let us know! We're so proud of our NAL family for taking action to create a stronger, more inclusive democracy and would love to give everyone a shoutout!