For Immediate Release: June 4, 2019
Contact on behalf of IUPAT: John Doherty (617) 592-2230 or jdoherty@iupat.org
HANOVER, MD— Statement by Ken Rigmaiden, General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, on House passage of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019. It would provide protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Dreamers who came to America as children, those with Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure recipients.
“Tonight the House of Representatives recognized that law-abiding, tax-paying, hard-working immigrants deserve a shot at achieving the American Dream outside the shadows of marginalization and without the fear of deportation. By passing The American Dream and Promise Act, Dreamers and immigrants facing political upheaval or natural disasters in their home countries would be able to stay in the United States permanently and continue their lives with their families and communities. The legislation will greatly strengthen an economy reliant on skilled workers and allow companies, contractors and industries to continue using the well-trained labor force they count on for jobs well done.
“By passing HR 6, the House showed America that it has a moral conscience and wants to do the right thing for thousands of law-abiding immigrants who are vital members of our economy, our unions, and our communities. We call on the Senate to follow suit and get this bill to the president’s desk for his signature.”
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THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES (IUPAT)
Represents a growing community of over 120,000 active and retired craftspeople in the United States and Canada. IUPAT membership extends far beyond the workplace.
Recognized as one of the most active unions in the labor movement, IUPAT members help shape their communities in many ways: through an abiding commitment to service, by fighting passionately for workers’ rights that benefit all working families, and through effective worker education and mobilization.
Learn more at www.IUPAT.org
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