Dear LULAC Members,

Now more than ever, staying informed is empowering. Despite the challenges our Latino community faces, we continue to make strides together. From national policies to local victories, let’s celebrate our resilience and stay engaged in the fight for our rights.

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

In this Issue

Immigration Crackdown: New executive actions target undocumented immigrants, sparking outcry.
Senator Intervenes: A wrongful deportation case in Maryland draws a visit from Sen. Van Hollen.
Health Alert in Texas: Measles outbreak spreads, prompting calls for vaccination (even from unlikely voices).
Birthright Citizenship Battle: Supreme Court to hear a pivotal case on May 15 – LULAC responds with resolve.
Harvard in the Crosshairs: Trump administration challenges Harvard’s nonprofit status.

National News:

Executive Orders Target Immigrants:

President Trump intensified his hardline immigration agenda with new executive actions this week. A controversial immigrant “registration” rule quietly took effect on April 11, requiring undocumented immigrants to register with the government or face criminal consequences (FAQ: The Trump Immigration Registration Requirement - NILC). Advocates warn this policy is essentially a trap designed to make vulnerable families “come forward” only to face detention or deportation (FAQ: The Trump Immigration Registration Requirement - NILC). And on April 15, Trump signed a memorandum to strip “illegal aliens” of any access to Social Security benefits, directing agencies to enforce eligibility verification and stop payments to those not authorized (Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Prevents Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits – The White House).

Sen. Van Hollen Fights Wrongful Deportation:

In an emotional case that made national headlines, Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia – who had legal protection against deportation – was mistakenly detained by ICE and deported to El Salvador last month (Immigration Case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia Explained - TikTok). The 32-year-old, now imprisoned in a notorious Salvadoran facility, faces the very dangers that U.S. officials once acknowledged he’d likely endure if sent back (U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday that Kilmar ...). This week Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Garcia. Though local authorities initially denied the senator access to visit him (Senator Chris Van Hollen said authorities in El Salvador denied him ...), Van Hollen confirmed that Kilmar is alive and is pressing for his release. In a dramatic turn, the U.S. Supreme Court intervened in the case – issuing a ruling to help bring Garcia back home (Supreme Court Ruling on Wrongfully Deported Maryland Man - TikTok). LULAC applauds Sen. Van Hollen and all who are standing up in this case, which highlights the human cost of immigration enforcement errors.

Measles Outbreak Spurs Action:

A measles outbreak centered in West Texas has infected hundreds and raised alarm nationwide. Nearly 500 Texans (mostly unvaccinated children in one rural county) have fallen ill, and the outbreak has spread to 22 states (School-age child dies in Texas measles outbreak; health chief Kennedy visits family | Reuters). Tragically, two young children have died. President Trump, speaking about the worsening situation, warned that if the outbreak continues to grow his administration will “have to take action very strongly” (School-age child dies in Texas measles outbreak; health chief Kennedy visits family | Reuters). In an ironic twist, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, visited the affected area and publicly urged families to vaccinate: “The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine,” he posted, noting 642 cases nationwide so far (499 in Texas) (School-age child dies in Texas measles outbreak; health chief Kennedy visits family | Reuters). Even Republican lawmakers voiced concern. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) – a physician by training – emphatically stated on social media that “Everyone should be vaccinated.” (School-age child dies in Texas measles outbreak; health chief Kennedy visits family | Reuters). Bottom line: Public health leaders are urging our communities to protect themselves with the proven MMR vaccine, especially as this preventable disease hits Latino families in Texas hard.

Birthright Citizenship Faces Supreme Court Test:

A major legal showdown is looming that could impact hundreds of thousands of Latino children. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on May 15 on President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship – the constitutional guarantee that almost everyone born on U.S. soil is automatically an American citizen (Justices will hear arguments on Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship - SCOTUSblog). The Trump administration is appealing lower court orders that blocked it from enforcing a controversial executive order which seeks to deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants (Justices will hear arguments on Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship - SCOTUSblog). This challenges the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, a post-Civil War principle upheld since an 1898 Supreme Court ruling that “all children born here” (regardless of their parents’ status) are citizens by birth (Justices will hear arguments on Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship - SCOTUSblog). LULAC and civil rights allies have condemned the move to undermine a core American value. “The 14th Amendment is crystal clear – if you are born in the United States, you are an American,” said LULAC National President Roman Palomares. “Stripping innocent children of citizenship betrays our Constitution and our values. LULAC will fight this with everything we’ve got to ensure the promise of America remains alive for all our families,” Palomares asserted.

Harvard’s Tax Status Under Fire:

In an unprecedented step, the Trump administration has taken aim at Harvard University – one of the nation’s premier institutions – by urging the IRS to revoke Harvard’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. President Trump this week accused Harvard of pushing “political, ideological” agendas and said the wealthy university should be taxed as a political entity (IRS reportedly weighs revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status | Harvard University | The Guardian). According to news reports, the White House even asked the IRS’s chief counsel to strip Harvard’s tax-exempt status (IRS reportedly weighs revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status | Harvard University | The Guardian). Critics across the political spectrum blasted this as an abuse of power (it is illegal for a president to direct IRS actions (IRS reportedly weighs revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status | Harvard University | The Guardian) against an entity). An IRS investigation of Harvard is reportedly underway, though officials claim it was initiated independently of Trump’s comments. LULAC will be monitoring closely, mindful that many Latino students and researchers could be affected by any punitive measures against our universities.

Policy News:

Our community’s progress relies not just on resisting harmful actions, but also on advancing positive policy changes. Here are key updates from the past week in economic empowerment, health and wellness, technology and AI, and immigration reform:

Health & Wellness:

April is National Minority Health Month – traditionally a time to focus on closing health disparities – but advocates noted a troubling silence from Washington. Unlike past years, federal agencies have provided virtually no official recognition of Minority Health Month in 2025 (Blog Post: National minority health month has been erased. The need for it hasn’t. | Blue Shield of California Foundation). (By contrast, campaigns in previous years helped spotlight issues like diabetes, cancer, and infant mortality in our communities.) Health leaders warn that “erasing” this observance makes it harder to rally support for solutions to minority health gaps (Blog Post: National minority health month has been erased. The need for it hasn’t. | Blue Shield of California Foundation).

Immigration Reform:

While enforcement dominates headlines, there are hopeful moves on the immigration reform front. In Congress, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers reintroduced the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025, aiming to finally provide a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers – undocumented young people brought here as children – as well as for TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders (House lawmakers introduce citizenship bill for Dreamers) (House lawmakers introduce citizenship bill for Dreamers). “Dreamers are American in every way but on paper,” said Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) in support of the bill, which would grant conditional residency and eventually citizenship to eligible Dreamers (House lawmakers introduce citizenship bill for Dreamers). The bill faces challenges ahead, but it has Republican co-sponsors (like Rep. María Elvira Salazar of Florida) and broad public support. In fact, a new national survey found that 68% of U.S. voters back legislation to let Dreamers earn legal status (Dreamers gain overwhelming voter support as DACA debate reignites immigration reform). LULAC continues to advocate not only for the Dream Act, but also for broader reforms – from modernizing our visa system to humane border policies – so that immigration is orderly, fair, and reflective of America’s values.

Local News: LULAC in Action

Despite the national challenges, LULAC councils across the country are busy making a positive impact in their communities. Here are a few inspiring highlights from April 11–17:

Dallas, TX (Council #102): LULAC volunteers in Dallas hit the ground running with their monthly “Chorizo & Menudo” community canvass event. Last weekend, dozens of volunteers – joined by local leaders – spent their Saturday morning knocking on hundreds of doors in Latino neighborhoods, sharing information on voting, city services, and COVID-19 resources (Chad West | Thanks to LULAC Council 102 for having me at Chorizo ...). Dallas City Councilmember Chad West gave a shout-out to LULAC Council 102 for the successful turnout, noting that over 300 households were reached in a single day. 💪 This kind of grassroots outreach is boosting civic participation and ensuring our voices are heard at the local level.
Nacogdoches, TX: The young leaders of the Stephen F. Austin State University LULAC chapter (Council #22351) rolled up their sleeves for “The Big Event,” a campus-wide day of service on April 15. The LULAC students teamed up to clean up a local park and plant community gardens as part of this annual initiative. “We had an amazing time giving back to our community,” the chapter wrote, reflecting on the day’s work (News Flash • Easter Eggstravaganza - Taos, NM). From painting playground equipment to picking up litter, these college LULACeros demonstrated servant leadership and earned the gratitude of local residents who saw the improvements. We love to see our youth councils living the LULAC values through volunteerism!
Laredo, TX (Council #22386): In South Texas, Webb County LULAC Council 22386 shone a spotlight on an exemplary local nonprofit. The council presented its 2025 Orgullo Latino Legacy Award to Nourish Laredo, a group dedicated to fighting hunger in the community (Nourish | Thank you to Webb County LULAC Council #22386 for ...). The award was given at a special luncheon where LULAC members thanked Nourish Laredo’s team for their service. And it’s well-deserved – just this week, the Nourish Laredo volunteers assembled 120 care packages of healthy snacks and donated dozens of bags of food to the Children’s Advocacy Center for families in need (Nourish | Thank you to Webb County LULAC Council #22386 for ...)】. ¡Felicidades! By honoring and partnering with organizations like this, LULAC councils amplify the good and strengthen community bonds.

Know of a great local LULAC project in your area? Let us know – we want to highlight our councils’ work!

LULAC Legacy: Did You Know?

US Senator Dennis Chavez joined Albuquerque LULAC in 1934; he became the principal advocate for the Latino cause and LULAC’s agenda in Congress during his tenure there.

Upcoming Events: Join Us!

LULAC has many exciting events on the horizon. Here are a few key dates you won’t want to miss:

2025 California State Convention – April 25–26, 2025, in Universal City, CA (2025 California State Convention). Join LULAC members from across California to discuss policy, elect leaders, and celebrate our achievements. (Register now if you haven’t – it’s open to all members, and a great way to get involved!).
2025 LULAC Florida Convention – May 17, 2025, in Tampa, FL (LULAC Events). A full day of workshops and panels on Latino issues, plus keynote speeches from community leaders. Florida members are gearing up for an energizing convening – all are welcome!
2025 LULAC National Convention & Exposition – August 6–9, 2025, in Long Beach, CA (LULAC Events). This is the big one – our annual national conference, with thousands of attendees expected. The theme is “Empowering the Next Generation.” Come experience four days of policy discussions, leadership training, community service, and celebration of Latino culture. (Plus, a fabulous expo hall showcasing organizations that serve our community.) Save the date – more information to come, but start planning your trip now!

For a full list of upcoming events and how to register, visit the LULAC Events page. We hope to see you at one of these gatherings – everyone is invited to participate and strengthen the LULAC movement!

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 newsletter and for being an engaged member of nuestra comunidad. Together, we are facing challenges with courage and creating opportunities for Latinos across the country.

Adelante!
LULAC National