NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Statement on the First Republican Presidential Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
August 24, 2023

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149 

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF), issued the following statement in response to the first Republican presidential debate:  

“Last night’s debate reaffirmed what we already know: Republicans are too extreme to lead. Rather than propose any actual solutions the country saw GOP candidates continue to wield dangerous, anti-immigrant rhetoric to distract and divide us. Their scapegoating is tired, toxic, and out of touch with the majority of American voters, who recognize that immigrants enrich our communities, contribute to our economy, and are a strength to our nation.” 

Read IJF’s analysis about why GOP candidates are too extreme to lead.  

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NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Statement on Ron DeSantis’ Campaign for President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
May 24, 2023

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149 

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF), issued the following statement in response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plans to run for President in 2024: 

“Even in the most virulent, anti-immigrant presidential primary field in modern American history, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stands out as one of the most extreme candidates. As a congressman, DeSantis supported a range of harsh, failed policies, which he has continued as governor. The recent anti-immigrant legislation he championed in Florida is cruel, regressive, and contrary to the values Americans hold dear. Florida SB 1718 casts a broad net, targeting families, workers, and other everyday people, as well as people who travel there. The repercussions of his policies are extremely negative and alarming. 

“Now, DeSantis is trying to bring his extremist plans to a national stage, in a losing strategy that a strong majority of Americans have rejected time and time again. Most voters recognize what is true: immigrants are a strength to our nation. We value freedom, safety, and self-determination – all of which would be immediately under attack should DeSantis reach the White House. Everyone living America, no matter where we were born, should have the freedom to thrive. Instead, Ron DeSantis’ authoritarian vision for America would make us less safe and less free.” 

Read IJF’s analysis about Ron DeSantis’ history of extreme anti-immigrant policies here.  

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New Poll Shows Battleground State Voters Want Candidates to Deliver Pro-Immigrant Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 31, 2022 

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149 

Majority of Likely 2022 Battleground Voters Support Pro-Immigrant Policies, Including Fair Access to Asylum and a Pathway to Citizenship for Dreamers

WASHINGTON — The NILC Immigrant Justice Fund today released the results of a new poll that shows likely voters in Georgia, Nevada, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania — key battleground states this election cycle — broadly support and want lawmakers to prioritize enacting a variety of pro-immigrant policies. Ahead of midterm elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress, the results also show Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate narrowly lead Republican candidates in 4 out of 5 battleground states polled. 

The poll shows a majority of independent voters support a range of pro-immigrant policies, including establishing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, restoring fair and humane access to asylum, and providing permanent protections for immigrant youth and DACA recipients.  

Bri Gillis, vice president of political strategy at the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: “The results show that voters headed to the ballot box overwhelmingly want to elect candidates who support pro-immigrant policies. Democrats must seize on this opportunity to energize voters by making forward progress on real solutions that will impact millions of immigrants, their loved ones, and our communities. 

“Ahead of the midterms, this is a pivotal time for candidates to embrace pro-immigrant policy solutions and reject divisive anti-immigrant rhetoric. The data is clear. Being pro-immigrant is good for the country and it’s good politics.” 

Visit this link to view the poll results:  

The poll, conducted by Hart Research Associates, surveyed likely voters across the political spectrum. Topline results from the poll’s questions on policies include: 

• 74% said they would more likely support a candidate who favors providing a pathway to citizenship to Dreamers. 

• 73% support a pathway to citizenship if certain requirements are met, including background checks, for undocumented immigrants. 

• 71% believe that refugees should be able to legally request asylum – this includes 88% of Democrats, 71% of Independents/unaffiliated voters, and 54% of Republicans   

Additional toplines include:  

• Democratic candidates for Senate narrowly lead Republican candidates in 4 out of 5 battleground states we polled 

• 47% of total voters polled said that they lean more toward the Democratic candidate, compared to 45% who lean Republican  

• Our poll shows Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona with a 4-point lead over Republican candidate Blake Masters (47% to 43%) 

• Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada has a 1-point lead over Republican candidate Adam Laxalt (47% to 46%) 

• Georgia Sen. Rafael Warnock has a 3-point lead over Republican challenger Hershel Walker (48% to 45%) 

• Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman leads over Republican candidate Mehmet Oz 46% to 44% 

• In Wisconsin, Mandela Barnes trails behind Ron Johnson by 2 points (46% to 48%) 

• 65% of voters polled would be more likely to vote for a candidate who favors allowing people to legally request asylum at the southern border, compared to 27% who’d prefer a candidate who opposes access to asylum at the southern border.  

• 92% of Democrats and 52% of Republicans prefer a candidate who favors a pathway to citizenship for immigrant youth. 

• Voters took note when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently sent asylum seekers to Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, D.C., with nearly 9 in 10 voters (88%) reporting they heard about these actions. But, by a 29-point margin, they viewed this as “mainly a stunt by the governors (57%)” rather than a genuine effort to improve the asylum system (28%). 

To view the poll results, visit this link. Crosstabs are available here. 

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NILC IJF Welcomes Interim Executive Director and Announces Promotions to New Vice President Roles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 19, 2022 

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149

WASHINGTON — The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF) today welcomed Sara K. Gould as the new interim executive director of both organizations, with Marielena Hincapié set to depart in November. The organizations also announced the recent promotions of Will Dempster to vice president of strategic communications; Lisa Graybill to vice president of law and policy; and Raha Wala to vice president of strategic partnerships and advocacy. 

Gould recently served as chair of the Board of Directors for NILC and IJF and a member of the NILC Board Executive Committee. She will oversee NILC and IJF until a permanent President is hired.  

Marielena Hincapié, outgoing executive director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: “I am proud to have led NILC and IJF for over 14 years and advanced immigrant justice for over two decades with a stellar team, and I feel grateful that I can pass the baton to Sara and our leaderful organization. Sara’s unwavering commitment to the mission and the organizations will enable the continuity of NILC and IJF’s work.”  

Angela Banks, NILC’s board chair, added: “Sara is a trusted leader who is uniquely qualified to serve as interim executive director, given her knowledge of our strategic framework, our boards, and our current operations. I am also confident that the recent promotions to NILC’s new vice president roles will allow the organization to continue to grow in size and impact at a critical moment in our country. NILC is full of inspiring leaders, and it is well-prepared to continue to lead the movement for justice for low-income immigrants.” 

Sara K. Gould, new interim executive director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: “I am honored to serve as Interim Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund. For decades NILC has been a national leader in litigation, policy and advocacy for immigrants’ rights. More recently, the IJF has begun the work of building power for immigrants as a key political constituency. I look forward to advancing our missions alongside the talented and committed staff who work tirelessly on behalf of low-income immigrants and their families.” 

Gould has dedicated her career to advancing racial, gender, and economic justice. In addition to serving on the NILC board for the last 10 years and the IJF board for five years, Gould is an experienced executive, leader and strategist. She previously was president and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, where she served in various programmatic and executive roles over 25 years. She also previously worked for Caring Across Generations as associate director, where she advocated for caregivers, older adults, and people with disabilities, focusing on those from vulnerable communities. Gould was also a senior fellow in social justice philanthropy at The Atlantic Philanthropies, co-founded and co-directed the Steinem Initiative at Smith College, and is a past board member of Community Change, the Proteus Fund and the Proteus Action League.  

Gould holds a B.A. from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Harvard University. She is the recipient of both the Changing the Face of Philanthropy Award from the Women’s Funding Network and the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century Award from Women’s eNews. 

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NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Welcomes New Board Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 14, 2022

CONTACT
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149

WASHINGTON – The National Immigration Law Center Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF) today announced the addition of Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, to the organization’s board of directors. 

“The NILC Immigrant Justice Fund board is vital in setting the strategic direction of the organization. The addition of Lisa Sherman Luna will advance our ongoing efforts to expand political power, particularly at the state and local level, that is necessary to achieve transformational and lasting changes for our communities.” said Marielena Hincapié, IJF executive director. “Lisa’s experience working with directly impacted communities in Tennessee and driving impactful campaigns will be vital to advance the IJF’s mission of building a 21st century immigration system where all people, regardless of immigration status, have the freedom to thrive.”

“I am honored to join the board of the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund,” said Sherman Luna. “For years, NILC and IJF have supported state-based groups in building political power and defending the rights of immigrants at both the state and local levels. Immigrants and our loved ones are a powerful constituency, and we must be represented by progressive champions who will work with us to build a humane and equitable immigration system. I look forward to supporting the IJF in this important work.”

In 2001, Sherman Luna’s family made the difficult decision to move to Nashville from their home in Guatemala when she was a teenager. The move was prompted by her parents' concerns for their safety after experiencing several violent incidents. It was this experience that shaped her commitment to fighting for an immigration system where all people can access safety, opportunity, and belonging. She joined the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) in October 2015 and served as policy director for nearly five years before stepping into the role of executive director in 2020. Sherman Luna is also the executive director of TIRRC's political arm, TIRRC Votes.

Sherman Luna has developed a track record of success in winning policy victories through research and analysis, strategic communications, lobbying, and working with colleagues across programs to develop and mobilize community leaders to lead campaigns. Under her leadership at TIRRC, the organization has passed its first pro-immigrant law in the state legislature, secured its first major state and local government grant to expand services to immigrant communities, and ended a rent-a-bed agreement with ICE and a local jail. Over the years, she’s built respect and trust with partners, lobbyists, and elected officials across political aisles.

Sherman Luna also represents TIRRC on the executive committee of the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) and the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM).

Prior to joining TIRRC, Sherman Luna advocated on behalf of children in armed conflict at the United Nation Security Council and was a researcher at Amnesty International on human rights violations in West Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Conflict, Security, and Development from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and is fluent in Spanish and English.

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NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Endorses Pro-Immigrant Champions Senator Alex Padilla and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal in First Endorsements Ahead of 2022 Midterm Elections

Endorsement program represents beginning of NILC-IJF's seven-figure investment in messaging research and advertising to help elect more candidates who support pro-immigrant policies at the federal level 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 7, 2022 

CONTACT 
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149

WASHINGTON — The NILC Immigrant Justice Fund today announced the launch of its candidate endorsement program along with its first endorsed candidates, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.

With its new endorsement program, NILC Immigrant Justice Fund will support candidates who commit to advancing pro-immigrant policies, including a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants who make up the fabric of communities across the United States. The endorsement program includes a six-figure digital ad campaign and a $1 million investment in voter polling, messaging and research.

Bri Gillis, political director of the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: “We are proud to endorse Senator Alex Padilla and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal – two steadfast champions for immigrant communities who have exercised bold leadership in the fight for pro-immigrant policies in Congress. Through our endorsements in the 2022 cycle, we look forward to working with candidates who are committed to building a fair, 21st-century immigration system and who recognize that immigrants are a strength to our nation.”

Senator Alex Padilla said: “As the proud son of Mexican immigrants, I know the contributions immigrants make to our nation, and why we must fight for a vision of America that welcomes immigrants with dignity and humanity. It’s past time for Congress to fix our broken immigration system and fully recognize the essential contribution of immigrants to our country. I am honored to receive the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund’s endorsement, and I look forward to continue working together to advance our shared commitment to passing bold, meaningful immigration reform that meets the urgency of this moment.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said: “I'm incredibly proud to receive the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund's endorsement and to work alongside them to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform. I immigrated to this country when I was just 16 years old, sent by my parents so I’d have opportunities to thrive and a life that would not have otherwise been possible otherwise—the same dreams that have drawn countless immigrants to this country and led to our nation’s growth and success. That is why, as an activist and in Congress, I have never stopped fighting for just and humane immigration policy reform that welcomes and integrates immigrants into our communities. This is about who we are as a country and I will continue to use every opportunity to lead our efforts in Congress."

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