On April 27, the National Coalition for Dignity and Permanent Residency and its allies will meet with congressional representatives and hold a rally to demand permanent residency rights for immigrants. Despite their important role in the U.S. economy, culture and society, undocumented immigrants are subject to abuse and exploitation by unscrupulous employers and others who use the threat of deportation to impose illegally low pay, dangerous working conditions and other abuses. Legal residence for immigrants would improve wages and conditions for all working-class people by granting basic rights to this most exploited sector of the workforce.

Senators from both parties are working on a bipartisan legalization proposal for the immigrant workers who work hard to contribute to the greatness of this country. However, racist groups in Congress are seeking to stop anything that would favor immigrants. For example, the REAL ID Act, sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis), which passed the House in February, would construct the largest wall yet on the Mexican border, make it more difficult for genuine refugees to get asylum, further eliminate due process for immigrants, and impede immigrants from getting driver's licenses. This legislation fails to address root causes, serving only to further criminalize individuals whose work is an essential part of the U.S. economy, thereby suppressing wages in sectors that employ immigrants and making it more difficult for immigrants to obtain humane working and living conditions.

This is a crucial moment to raise our voices and demand recognition of our human rights. Rally on Wednesday, April 27, at 3 p.m., at Upper Senate Park (Constitution Avenue between New Jersey and Delaware). For more information, call 202/544-9355, or send an e-mail.