Dear Friends, The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) mourns the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva, who died on March 13, 2025, at the age of 76. A tireless advocate for immigrant rights, Indigenous peoples, and the environment, Grijalva's legacy is one of deep compassion and unwavering commitment to justice. Throughout his distinguished career in the U.S. House of Representatives, Grijalva stood at the forefront of the fight for the rights of immigrants, often challenging harmful policies that sought to criminalize and dehumanize immigrant communities. A proud son of Mexican immigrants, he worked tirelessly to ensure that immigrants, regardless of their status, were treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. His leadership was instrumental in pushing for comprehensive immigration reform that sought to reunite families, protect workers, and offer pathways to citizenship. Grijalva’s advocacy extended beyond immigrant rights, as he became an unflinching ally of Indigenous peoples. He worked hand-in-hand with Native communities to protect sacred lands, secure tribal sovereignty, and address the ongoing legacies of colonialism and displacement. His deep respect for Indigenous cultures and traditions guided his work in Congress, ensuring that the voices of Native peoples were amplified in national policy discussions. An environmental champion, Grijalva’s efforts to safeguard public lands, combat climate change, and protect biodiversity were foundational to his time in Congress. As chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, he led initiatives that defended national monuments, public lands, and endangered species from corporate exploitation. His environmental vision was rooted in a belief that a healthy planet is inseparable from the health and well-being of communities, including immigrants and Indigenous peoples. "Congressman Grijalva’s passing is a profound loss not only to the immigrant, Indigenous, and environmental communities, and all of those fighting for social justice," said Isabel Garcia, a longtime colleague of Raul Grijalva and NNIRR’s board member. "He was a voice for those who have been excluded, exploited and displaced. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the movements he inspired." Grijalva’s dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity will continue to guide the work of NNIRR and countless others in the fight for immigrant and refugee rights. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and honor his memory by committing to carry forward his vision of a more just, compassionate and humane borderland. ### |
