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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
Top Headlines
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 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. 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.
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. 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) 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 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. 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 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. 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.
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!
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.
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 to support this important work.
Support Our Mission: Consider making a donation to LULAC 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. |
