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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,

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

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In this Issue
=============

* Trump Signs New Executive Orders on Policing & “Sanctuary” Cities –
sweeping actions on law enforcement and immigration enforcement.

* LULAC’s Response – National President Roman Palomares speaks out on the
impact to immigrant communities.

* Policy Updates – Economic, health, tech/AI, and immigration developments
(from job growth to AI regulation and immigration bills).

* Local Spotlight – LULAC councils in action: protests against mass
deportations, a scholarship pageant in Massachusetts, cultural events in
Washington State,
and more.

* Get Involved – Learn how you can support LULAC’s mission and our
community.

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National News:
==============


Executive Orders on Law Enforcement & Immigration:
--------------------------------------------------

President Donald Trump signed two new executive orders on April 28 aimed at crime
and immigration. The first, titled “ Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law
Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens [ [link removed] ] ,”
directs the Attorney General to bolster legal protections for police officers and
to hold local officials accountable if they “obstruct” law enforcement. It frames
aggressive policing as necessary to public safety, criticizing “race- and
sex-based ‘equity’ policies” that, in the administration’s view, hinder crime-
fighting. The second order, “ Protecting American Communities from Criminal
Aliens, [ [link removed] ] ”
targets so-called sanctuary cities – it orders a public list of state and local
jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and
seeks to strip those areas of federal funds. In effect, this threatens
immigrant-friendly cities and counties with budget cuts if they don’t assist in
deportations.


Impact and Reaction:
--------------------

These directives have sparked fear and outrage in Latino and immigrant
communities. Advocates warn the law enforcement order could embolden heavy-handed
policing and undermine years of progress on police reform and accountability. By
discouraging “equity” efforts, it may disproportionately harm communities of
color. The sanctuary cities order [ [link removed] ] ,
meanwhile, escalates a showdown with pro-immigrant cities – and it came just days
after a federal judge ruled the administration cannot withhold funds from
sanctuary jurisdictions, setting the stage for a legal battle. Community leaders
predict the crackdown will erode trust between immigrant neighborhoods and
police, making people afraid to report crimes or use public services. Local and
state officials across the country, including some Republicans, have pushed back,
defending the right of their police and courts to prioritize public safety over
immigration enforcement.


LULAC Responds:
---------------

LULAC National President and Chairman Roman Palomares strongly condemned the
executive actions as extreme and harmful. “Throughout our country, people young
and old are joining hands…standing for the millions of undocumented immigrants
who are now being threatened with unfair mass deportations,” Palomares said. He
praised the “spontaneous show of solidarity, courage, and unity” among Americans
protesting these policies and vowed that LULAC will fight any measures that
“criminalize our communities and undermine trust in law enforcement.” Palomares
urged “fair-minded Americans to join with us” in defending immigrant families and
the Constitution. LULAC is mobilizing its councils nationwide – from marches in
the streets to legal challenges in the courts – to oppose these orders and
protect the civil rights of Latino and immigrant residents.

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Policy News: Key Issue Updates (Economic, Health, Tech, Immigration)
====================================================================


Economic Empowerment:
---------------------

The latest economic data is a mixed bag for our community. April’s jobs report
showed a solid 177,000 jobs added and an overall 4.2% unemployment rate (holding
steady near historic lows). However, Latinos continue to face higher unemployment
(5.2%)
[ [link removed] ] than
the national average, and many still struggle with low wages and rising costs. A
brewing trade war is adding pressure – President Trump’s new tariffs (10% to 50%
on imports from dozens of countries) have economists warning of price hikes. The
average American family could pay $4,700 more a year due to these tariffs,
effectively an “invisible tax” hitting working households. LULAC is advocating
for inclusive economic policies – from job training to small business support –
to ensure Latino workers and entrepreneurs aren’t left behind.


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

Public health advocates are highlighting persistent disparities in healthcare
access for Latinos. A recent analysis shows 17.9% of Hispanic Americans under 65
are uninsured [ [link removed] ] ,
over 2.5 times the uninsured rate of White Americans. This gap, driven by high
insurance costs and Medicaid gaps, means many Latino families delay care or pay
out-of-pocket for medical needs. In positive news, community organizations are
stepping up – at last weekend’s LULAC California State Convention, volunteers
hosted a free health fair in Los Angeles offering screenings and wellness
resources to hundreds of attendees. And across the country, more states
(including some with large Latino populations) are expanding Medicaid postpartum
coverage and mental health services. LULAC continues to push for affordable
healthcare for all, supporting policies to lower prescription costs and expand
coverage options so that no Latino family is left without care.


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

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword for our
community. On one hand, AI holds promise in fields like education and healthcare
– on the other, Latinos are voicing strong concerns about job displacement and
bias. A new national poll found 68% of Latino voters agree there is a pressing
need for stricter AI regulations and oversight [ [link removed] ] .
Nearly the same proportion fear that AI will “take jobs away” from ordinary
people. Policymakers are taking notice: by early 2025, U.S. lawmakers had
introduced 781 AI-related bills at the state and federal levels – more than all
of last year. These proposals range from curbing deepfake abuses to requiring
transparency when AI is used in hiring or insurance decisions. However, the
administration’s approach has emphasized innovation over regulation. President
Trump invited tech executives to invest in AI development and even revoked a
Biden-era order on responsible AI use in January. He later issued his own
directive promoting AI “free from ideological bias” and focused on economic
competitiveness. LULAC and other Latino leaders are urging a balanced approach –
embrace tech advancement but put guardrails in place to prevent discrimination
and protect workers. We’ll be watching Congress’s moves on AI (and ensuring
Latino voices are heard in the debate).


Immigration Reform:
-------------------

Immigration policy remains front and center. Alongside the executive actions (see
National News above), there’s movement in Congress. A bipartisan duo from Florida
introduced the Venezuelan Adjustment Act [ [link removed]. ]
(H.R. 1348/S. 382) to create a path to permanent residency for an estimated
400,000 Venezuelans who fled turmoil and are already living and working in the
U.S.. This bill would allow eligible Venezuelan refugees to apply for green
cards, reflecting growing recognition of the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, hardline legislators are pushing in the opposite direction: Sen.
Lindsey Graham and Rep. Brian Babin introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of
2025
[ [link removed] ] to
end the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship for U.S.-born children of
non-citizens. That controversial proposal – which immigrant advocates call
unconstitutional – hasn’t advanced, but it mirrors President Trump’s call to
restrict birthright citizenship. On the legal front, LULAC and immigrant rights
groups are celebrating a recent court victory blocking parts of Trump’s
anti-immigrant agenda [ [link removed] ] .
Just last week, a federal judge barred enforcement of an order that sought to
withhold funds from “sanctuary” cities. And in a separate case, LULAC joined the
ACLU and others in suing to stop Trump’s attempt to revoke birthright
citizenship, arguing it “violates the Constitution’s dictates and longstanding
Supreme Court precedent”. The fight for comprehensive immigration reform –
balancing security with humanity – continues in the halls of Congress and the
courts. LULAC’s stance remains clear: we support policies that keep families
together, provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers and law-abiding immigrants,
and ensure that America welcomes those who seek a better life.

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LULAC Member Highlight
======================

LULAC Member Spotlight: Dylan Moran

We are thrilled to celebrate Dylan Moran, a distinguished member of LULAC Council
4266, who will begin his Ph.D. program in organic chemistry at UC Berkeley this
fall. Dylan is the proud grandson of two of LULAC’s past National Presidents,
Margaret and Oscar Moran, and he continues their legacy of excellence and
commitment to education with great distinction.

Dylan’s academic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He is a
recipient of the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s
most competitive honors for future scientists. He was also awarded the
Distinguished Research Award from the College of Sciences at the University of
Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)—a recognition of his dedication to scientific
discovery and academic excellence.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dain and Nancy Moran, proud
parents and fellow members of Council 4266. Their unwavering support and guidance
have helped shape Dylan into the outstanding scholar and leader he is today.
Their example as a LULAC family underscores the power of community, education,
and perseverance.

Dylan’s journey is a shining example of what is possible when hard work,
determination, and family support come together. We look forward with great
anticipation to the many achievements ahead and know that he will continue to
make his family, his council, and the entire LULAC familia proud.
We celebrate Dylan’s accomplishments and look forward with pride and anticipation
to the incredible contributions he will make in science—and to society—in the
years to come.

¡Felicidades, Dylan—and bravo to the Moran family!

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Local News: LULAC Councils Making an Impact
===========================================

Scholarship Pageant Empowers Youth (Dedham, MA): On May 2, LULAC Council 12113 in
Massachusetts hosted one of its most anticipated annual events – the Sweetheart
Pageant 2025 [ [link removed] ] .
Held in Dedham, MA, this festive gala is far more than a beauty pageant: it’s a
fundraiser and celebration of young Latina leaders. The reigning “Sweethearts” –
accomplished young women chosen for their academic achievement and community
service – came together to crown a new Miss Sweetheart in a night filled with
culture and inspiration. “Nuestro concejo siempre ha puesto la educación en el
centro de nuestra misión,” said Council 12113 Chair González – education is at
the heart of their mission. Through ticket sales and donations, the event raises
vital scholarship funds to help Latino students pursue college. Past scholarship
recipients are now leaders in business, science, government, and education. By
investing in our youth, this local LULAC council is building a brighter future –
one student at a time. ¡Felicidades to the newly crowned Sweetheart and to
Council 12113.

Cultural Unity in the Pacific Northwest: Over in Washington state, the Southwest
WA LULAC Council #47013 [ [link removed] ] (Vancouver, WA)
organized back-to-back community events on April 29 that blended education with
celebration. First was “Noche De Familia” at Clark College – an evening of
workshops and family engagement on campus. Students and parents came together to
talk about college access, financial aid, and how Latino families can navigate
higher education as a team. Later that night, the council hosted a Día del Niño
festival featuring the Vancouver Ballet Folklórico. Dozens of children enjoyed
traditional dances, music, and games in honor of the Day of the Child. These
events drew Latino families from across the Vancouver/Portland area, many of whom
are new LULAC members or first-time participants. Council President Diana Pérez
noted that combining informational forums with cultural celebration is a powerful
way to build trust and unity. “We’re empowering our youth and showcasing our
heritage at the same time,” she said. Kudos to Council #47013 for strengthening
community bonds – and having fun doing it!

Fighting for Fair Contracts (Houston, TX): In Texas, local Latino business owners
are speaking out to protect hard-won gains in city contracting. In Houston,
Hispanic, Black, and Asian entrepreneurs voiced alarm this week over proposed
changes to the city’s minority business program that could jeopardize their
access to municipal contracts. City officials are considering adjustments to the
Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) rules, and diverse
contractors fear the new rules might shrink opportunities for companies like
theirs. “Nuestros negocios necesitan igualdad de oportunidades, no retrocesos,”
one local Hispanic contractor urged – our businesses need equal opportunities,
not steps backward. LULAC’s Houston councils have joined forces with other
advocacy groups to ensure minority contractors have a seat at the table in these
discussions. They point out that Houston’s MWBE program has been crucial for
leveling the playing field, and rolling it back would hurt not only minority
entrepreneurs but the communities they hire and serve. This local debate echoes a
national theme: economic inclusion. We’ll be monitoring the City of Houston’s
decision closely and standing with our minority business community to demand
fairness.

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

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

in 1939 LULAC National President Ezequiel Salinas addressed 100 Texas school
superintendents critiquing racist Texas history books and called for Tejano
inclusion.

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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 LULAC Florida Convention – May 17, 2025, in Tampa, FL ( LULAC Events [ [link removed] ] ).
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 [ [link removed] ] ).
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 [ [link removed] ] . We hope to see you at one of these
gatherings – everyone is invited to participate and strengthen the LULAC
movement!

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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 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















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