As a proud immigrant, longtime activist, and someone who has lived through a prison sentence as well as time in immigration detention, I’ve seen firsthand the cruelty of U.S. policies that tear families apart. Immigrants often face double the punishment as U.S.-born citizens — solely because of their immigration status — and risk permanent family separation through deportations. While Governor Newsom vowed to “Trump proof” the state in order to protect Californians from Trump’s destructive agenda, he must now take concrete action to make that protection real for directly impacted people like myself so that we are not torn from our beloved communities. With the unique executive power of his office, Governor Newsom can pardon people who have already served their time and are at risk of deportation because of their history. In these perilous times, we must hold our leaders accountable and push them to prioritize our needs — the needs of the people. Together, we can show Governor Newsom the people demand action. Together, we can show him that we stand united against Trump’s dehumanizing, anti-immigrant policies. But we must show up in numbers. There is too much at stake.
That’s why I’m asking for your solidarity. |
