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A message from League of United Latin American Citizens



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View as web page:

[link removed]



Dear LULAC Members,

In a time of rapid change, staying informed is more important than ever. Each
week, LULAC will bring you the latest news and policy developments that impact
the Latino community—from economic opportunities and healthcare access to
technology, immigration, and civil rights.

While we continue to face serious challenges, we also see powerful moments of
progress, resilience, and unity. Across the country, Latinos are leading,
innovating, and advocating for a more just and inclusive future.

This newsletter is your resource to stay engaged, empowered, and inspired.
Juntos, seguimos adelante – together, we move forward.

Thank you for being part of the LULAC familia and for all you do to advance our
cause.

¡Adelante!

LULAC National

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Top Headlines
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* LULAC Sues to Protect Voting Rights: LULAC filed a lawsuit [ [link removed] ]
against a Trump executive order requiring proof of citizenship to vote,
calling it a threat to democracy.

* Dallas Immigration Mega March: Thousands marched in Dallas [ [link removed] ]
, TX, [ [link removed] ]
rallying for immigration reform amid heightened enforcement by the Trump
administration.

* Immigration Policy Watch: The Trump administration moves to revoke legal
status for 500,000 migrants, [ [link removed] ]
intensifying community concerns.

* Local LULAC Leadership: Councils nationwide host inspiring events—from
professional networking nights in Ohio [ [link removed] ]
to community rallies in Texas—showcasing Latino empowerment and service.

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National News
=============

LULAC Lawsuit Defends Voting Rights: This week, LULAC took historic legal action
to safeguard voting rights. On March 31, LULAC filed a federal lawsuit
[ [link removed] ] challenging
a new executive order signed by President Trump. The order would require proof of
citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and impose tight deadlines
on mail-in ballots. LULAC argues these changes bypass the Election Assistance
Commission and could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters – including
veterans, students, seniors, and many Latino citizens. In fact, an estimated 21
million Americans lack the additional documents that Trump’s rule would demand.
LULAC National President Roman Palomares stressed that “the right to vote is not
a partisan issue…it is the foundation of our republic”.

Thousands Rally in Dallas “Mega Marcha”: On March 30, LULAC organized a “Mega
Marcha” in Dallas, Texas to demand humane immigration reform. [ [link removed] ]
Thousands of people – families, students, workers, and allies – marched from the
Cathedral Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Dallas City Hall, where a rally
capped the event. The peaceful protest echoed a famous 2006 march and aimed to
show broad support for bipartisan solutions on immigration. Marchers and speakers
highlighted the human cost of aggressive enforcement: “We march for the mothers
afraid to drop their kids at school…for the fathers working two jobs yet living
in fear”, said LULAC National President Roman Palomares. Notable attendees
included Congressman Al Green (D-TX), who called the movement “national in scope”
and urged unity against policies sowing fear. Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam
Bazaldua insisted leaders must stop using fear as a political tool and pass fair,
humane, and just immigration reform.

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Policy News
===========


Economic Empowerment
--------------------

Latinos are powering America’s economy – and pushing for policies that recognize
that strength. New research reveals over 5 million Latino-owned businesses now
generate about $800 billion in annual revenue, growing 44% in the past 5 years [ [link removed] ] .
Without this entrepreneurial boom, the total number of U.S. businesses would have
declined, especially during the pandemic. Latino firms also recovered faster
post-pandemic, with 84% now profitable (vs. 80% of white-owned firms). Despite
these gains, systemic barriers like limited access to capital persist, prompting
calls for more inclusive lending and investment programs.

On Capitol Hill, Latino leaders are urging Congress to prioritize the economy
over enforcement-only immigration policies. At a March 25 press conference,
Hispanic Federation President Frankie Miranda described how Trump administration
actions – like mass deportation plans and canceling community grants – “have
harmed the Latino community rather than addressing economic concerns”. Issues
like inflation and housing costs were top Latino voter concerns in 2024, but
instead families face the “revocation of legal status for hundreds of thousands
of immigrants…with work permits”, a move that will hurt “not only the Latino
community but the economy overall”.

Meanwhile, in Texas, a state policy debate highlights how well-intentioned ideas
can overlook on-the-ground realities. The Texas Senate passed a bill (SB 379) [ [link removed] ]
to ban SNAP food assistance users from buying soda, chips, or candy. Supporters
say it encourages healthier diets – “items like soda and candy don’t just lack
nutrition, they’re bad for you,” argued the bill’s sponsor. But community
advocates point out an obvious challenge: in “food desert” neighborhoods (often
Black and Latino areas), healthier options are few and far between. Over 3.3
million Texans rely on SNAP, including many Latinos. Lawmakers are now
considering these equity concerns as the bill heads to the Texas House. The
broader takeaway: true economic empowerment means pairing policy changes with
community investment, so that well-meaning reforms (like nutrition incentives)
actually work for the people on the ground.


Health & Wellness
-----------------

Access to Care: More Latinos have health insurance than ever before, thanks in
part to the Affordable Care Act, but most Latino adults still lack adequate
coverage. Hispanics account for almost half of America’s uninsured [ [link removed] ]
despite being about 19% of the population. Advocates continue to push for
solutions like expanding Medicaid eligibility regardless of immigration status
and enrolling DACA recipients in ACA plans. In fact, a new federal rule took
effect Nov 2024 allowing DACA “Dreamers” to buy ACA Marketplace insurance, a
change expected to cover 100,000 people. States like Colorado, Illinois, and
California are also innovating with programs (e.g. Colorado’s OmniSalud) to
provide low-income undocumented residents with coverage. These efforts aim to
close the gap where federal programs fall short. Community health groups note the
pandemic spurred some of these changes, proving that public health is strongest
when everyone can get care regardless of status.

Disease Disparities: Long-standing disparities persist. For example, Latino
adults face disproportionate rates of diabetes and hypertension, often linked to
economic inequalities. And a recent analysis found that while overall U.S. HIV
infection rates dropped 23% over the last decade, progress has been slower for
Latinos. [ [link removed] ]
In fact, Latinos now make up 33% of new HIV infections among gay/bisexual men –
the largest share of any group, even though Latinos are 19% of the population.
This trend is especially worrying in parts of the Southeast. Health officials
acknowledge systemic factors like language barriers, stigma, and lack of tailored
outreach. Latino health advocates are even urging the federal government to
declare a public health emergency to direct more resources at this HIV disparity.
Their rallying cry: “Our invisibility is no longer tolerable.”


Technology & AI
---------------

Ensuring Latinos thrive in the future economy is a key policy priority,
especially in technology and AI fields where our community is underrepresented.
Today, Latinos are about 20% of the U.S. workforce but hold only 8% of STEM jobs.
Bridging this gap is crucial as industries evolve.

The good news: Major investments are underway to boost Latino digital skills and
representation. This week, the Hispanic Federation announced a new $1 million
grant from Google.org [ [link removed] ]
to expand its Latino Digital Accelerator program. This workforce initiative
partners with local organizations nationwide to train Latinos in digital skills
and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Policymakers are also eyeing the rise of AI. There’s growing bipartisan interest
in diversifying the AI workforce and addressing algorithmic biases that can harm
communities of color. LULAC is monitoring federal efforts to ensure Latinos have
a seat at the table – whether it’s advocating for STEM education funding,
participating in AI ethics panels, or supporting bills that promote broadband
access in Latino communities (a critical foundation for tech jobs).


Immigration Reform
------------------

Legal Status Rollback: The Trump administration is moving to revoke legal status
for over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These
individuals came to the U.S. under a 2022 Biden program that allowed them to stay
for two years with U.S. sponsors. Now a new federal notice orders them to leave
by April 24 unless they win case-by-case approval to remain. [ [link removed] ]
Advocates are outraged, noting these migrants followed the rules and now face
trauma and legal limbo. This policy shift disproportionately affects Latinos and
has drawn comparisons to the termination of DACA protections (which LULAC also
strongly opposes). Legal groups are exploring challenges, and some members of
Congress have spoken out, but time is short. LULAC’s Immigration Committee is
mobilizing resources to assist impacted families and urging the administration to
reconsider or provide alternate relief.

Enforcement Surge: President Trump has made immigration enforcement a top
priority since returning to office. ICE arrests have spiked nationwide, and
hardline measures are being cheered by allies. In his early March address to
Congress, Trump even celebrated a sharp decline in border crossings – though
critics note this has come at the cost of humanitarian principles. For instance,
multiple DHS oversight offices were eliminated last week, including civil rights
and detention ombudsman units. Over 100 staff were laid off in what officials
call a “streamlining,” but advocates warn it “blocks scrutiny of harsh tactics”
previously kept in check. Policies like “Remain in Mexico” are being revived
without the watchdogs that reported abuses. LULAC has condemned these actions,
with President Palomares calling them part of a “divisive strategy of fear over
unity”. We’re working alongside partners (including faith groups and legal
coalitions) to monitor civil rights in immigration enforcement and to press
Congress for oversight hearings.

Reform Legislation: Amid these crackdowns, there is still a push for
comprehensive immigration reform in Congress – though it’s an uphill battle. A
bipartisan House group is quietly discussing piecemeal reforms (like farmworker
visas or DREAM Act provisions), but no major bill has advanced during this time
window. Latino advocates and LULAC are not giving up. During the Dallas march,
chants of “Sí se puede!” underscored community determination to see humane reform
enacted. LULAC is amplifying those voices in D.C. by meeting with legislators
from both parties. We emphasize that immigration reform is about keeping families
together, recognizing immigrants’ economic contributions, and modernizing an
outdated system. Public opinion is on our side for measures like legal status for
DREAMers and farmworkers – and we remind lawmakers that the Latino community is
watching their actions closely.

Looking ahead, LULAC will continue using every tool – from the courts to the
streets – to advocate for immigration policies that reflect American values of
compassion, justice, and opportunity.

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Inspiring Community Action
==========================

Latino communities from coast to coast are stepping up through LULAC councils.
Each week we will share uplifting stories from LULAC Councils nationwide.

Ohio – Empowering Young Professionals: In Cincinnati, LULAC Council 39000 and the
LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation hosted an Industry Leaders Night on March 20.
This sold-out event brought together 30+ Latino professionals and students for an
evening of mentorship and networking. A panel of distinguished Latino executives
– including leaders from Procter & Gamble and Caruso USA – shared advice on
career advancement and leadership. Local organizer Violeta Mendoza Gomez said the
night “underscored the vital role of creating spaces where we lift each other up”.
By evening’s end, participants left inspired to continue their professional
journeys and to mentor others. Bravo to Council 39000 for building the next
generation of Latino leaders.

From small scholarship banquets to large public rallies, these stories show
LULAC’s heartbeat: local volunteers making a difference every day. No matter the
geography, LULAC councils share a commitment to civil rights, education, and
community service. If you have a local story to feature in a future newsletter,
let us know – we want to highlight our councils’ great work!

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LULAC Legacy: Did You Know?
===========================

Each newsletter, we will highlight a little-known piece of LULAC history that
helped shape our legacy. This week’s LULAC Legacy Fact:

The “Little School of the 400”: In the late 1950s, LULAC launched a
groundbreaking educational program in Texas known as the Little School of the 400.
Its goal was simple yet revolutionary – teach Spanish-speaking preschool children
400 basic English words to prepare them for first grade. At the time, many Latino
children struggled in schools that banned Spanish and offered no bilingual
support. LULAC Councils organized these small “little schools” in church
basements and community centers. The results were dramatic: children who attended
the Little School of the 400 significantly improved their academic performance.
One prominent supporter was then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, who took notice of
the program’s success. When LBJ became President, he scaled it up nationally as
part of his War on Poverty – and it became the model for what we now know as Head
Start. Yes, the federal Head Start program that has prepared millions of
low-income children for school can trace its roots to a visionary LULAC idea!
This is a testament to how LULAC’s innovation in education has had lasting
impact. Nearly 70 years later, LULAC continues that mission through scholarship
programs, robotics clubs, and literacy drives, ensuring the next generation gets
a “head start” on success.

“Education is the great equalizer,” LULAC members said back then, and we hold
that truth just as dear today.

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Stay Engaged:
=============

Join LULAC or Renew Your Membership: Our strength is our members! If you’re not
yet a LULAC member or need to renew, join us today [ [link removed] ]
to support this important work.

Support Our Mission: Consider making a donation to LULAC [ [link removed] ]
to fuel our civil rights campaigns, youth programs, and more. Every dollar helps
empower Latinos across the country.

Spread the Word: Forward this newsletter to friends and family who care about our
community’s future. Encourage them to follow LULAC on social media for daily
updates.

Thank you for reading this week’s policy newsletter. LULAC remains on the
frontlines – in court, in Congress, and in our communities – fighting for Latino
civil rights and opportunity. We hope these updates inform and inspire you.















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