National Day Laborer Organizing Network Reacts to Mayorkas Confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security

Los Angeles, CA – Pablo Alvarado, Co-Executive Director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network released the following statement in reaction to Alejandro Mayorkas’ new role as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:

“The Department of Homeland Security should not exist, so it feels wrong to congratulate its new leader, but we join in wishing Secretary Mayorkas success in his new role presiding over a Department which has come to symbolize fear, failure of government, and the polarized erosion of US democracy. ICE and CBP in particular are rogue law enforcement agencies which have exploited outdated, racist, and unjust immigration laws for craven self-preservation even as they have inflicted pain and suffering, delegitimize law enforcement, and undermined the rule of law. For eight years, the Obama Administration begged for more time as it struggled to create a coherent immigration policy. This time, we will not wait. We expect Secretary Mayorkas to take immediate steps that ensure all employees either follow new priorities or face immediate termination. The Secretary has his work cut out for him, but we are encouraged by the fact that he is familiar with the considerable untapped statutory authority in existing law that President Biden can— and must— use to protect all residents in the US, including its immigrant and refugee populations. We pledge to work together on necessary reforms that will reverse criminalization, end the racist devaluation of immigrant life, and bring work authorization and freedom of movement to all undocumented immigrants in the US as soon as is physically possible.”

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NDLON improves the lives of day laborers, migrants and low-wage workers. We build leadership and power among those facing injustice so they can challenge inequality and expand labor, civil and political rights for all.