New American Economy and National Partners Launch iMarch for Immigration to Highlight Economic Contributions of Immigrants, Call for Action on Dreamers

NEW YORK, New York — Today, New American Economy is launching iMarch for Immigration in partnership with more than twenty national organizations, including faith groups like the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Evangelical Association, tech companies like IBM and Pinterest, Hispanic groups like VotoLatino and the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, and more than 100 local partners. The national day of action brings together business leaders, faith groups, tech entrepreneurs, farmers, and elected officials from both sides of the aisle to take meaningful action reforming the American immigration system, starting with a solution for Dreamers.

“There’s a growing chorus with a simple message for Congress – step up and fix our broken immigration system, starting with a fix for Dreamers,” said John Feinblatt, President of New American Economy. “Today, in DC and across the country, you’ll hear from leaders of every political stripe who agree it’s not only the right thing, but also the economically smart thing for America to do.”

“Dreamers are our doctors, teachers, family members, and friends — they are lifting up our communities and our economy,” said Maria Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino. “They are the immigrants the Administration claims it wants: they speak English, have passed extensive background checks, and contribute billions to the economy. Congress must act before the holidays to provide Dreamers with the permanent legislative solution they deserve.”

“With events in all 50 states, one of the many great aspects to the #iMarch is that it provides ample opportunities for people of all goodwill to participate. It calls on us as Catholics to show that we love our neighbor in a time when they need our support,” said Bill Canny, Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “We have been fortunate to partner with the New American Economy for past events and are looking forward to a great #iMarch and the ability to increase awareness of, and welcome to, Dreamers, the newcomer and those seeking a better life.”

“Members of Congress should not go home for Christmas until they have passed legislation granting permanent protection to Dreamers,” said Galen Carey, Vice President of Government Relations for the National Association of Evangelicals.  No one wants these hard working young people to lose their jobs or, worse, be deported to countries they don’t even know.  Congress should stop dragging its feet and do the right thing now.”

“We believe that all persons are made in the image of God and are therefore endowed with dignity and created for a purpose; and so we support these ambitious, driven, intelligent people who want to pursue an education and fulfill their purpose,” said Shapri D. LoMaglio, Vice President for Government and External Relations of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. “Christian colleges, churches, our communities and our country benefit from the skills, talents, and gifts of Dreamers. Congress should act quickly to affirm their dignity by giving them legal certainty and a permanent place in our society.”

“There is an urgent need to deal with this legislatively right now. There are bills in play that Congress can use to legalize the Dreamer population before the end of the year. It is time for them to act,” said Jerry Taylor, President of the Niskanen Center.

The iMarch campaign includes online and offline events in all 50 states with faith leaders, business leaders, conservatives, veterans, Dreamers, Hispanic leaders, and leaders across the political spectrum; participation from Republican and Democratic Senators and Congressmen; the release of a new immigration story map with stories from all 435 congressional districts; and the release of updated data on the economic contributions of immigrants and the DACA population for all 50 states.

You can view iMarch activity online at iMarch.us, which will be updated

throughout the day with highlights from industries and perspectives across the country.

As part of the effort, NAE published a comprehensive breakdown of the contributions immigrants make in all 50 states, a report with UnidosUS on the economic power of the Hispanic population in the United States, as well as a detailed look into the effects of the DACA-eligible population on the national and state economies.

For more information on the iMarch Campaign visit iMarch.us.