The League of United Latin American Citizens is the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country.
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LULAC


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

  • 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.

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,” 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,” 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, 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.

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%) 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, 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. 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 (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 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. 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.

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!

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. 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 (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!

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.

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). 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