This February, fifteen members and staff from the Chelsea Collaborative traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the First National Senate Hearings on Immigration Reform.
According to Yessenia Alfaro, Director of Organizing, Social and Economics Department, “It was amazing,” “It was exciting because we met with congressmen, the Chief of Staff, and Senator Elizabeth Warren.”
The delegation attended a forum at American University hosted by the National Alliance of Latino American and Caribbean Communities, “Lifting Latino Voices,” where attendees addressed undocumented families in the US, the rights of professional workers, and efforts to stop the widespread deportations that separate families.
The Chelsea Collaborative’s presence in DC as representatives of the Latin American community proved significant. The organization was able to speak on behalf of Latin Americans during Capitol Hill advocacy efforts and amplify the voices of Chelsea’s majority resident population.
Alfaro notes that “It is important for us to make an impact and be heard,”
The trip’s most significant moment came when Chelsea Collaborative members presented their concerns to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Capuano, and his staff. Alfaro believed they demonstrated understanding and compassion regarding the challenges faced by immigrant families.
Visits to the State House and “The welcoming of the new office with Senator Warren, allowing us to give testimonials, and having her say she is in support of fixing the immigration system,” stood out as memorable experiences for Alfaro.
On March 15 at 10am, the Chelsea Collaborative will hold the Chelsea Latino Immigrant Committee’s annual retreat. The event will feature community presentations and an examination of the immigration system, including its laws and their effects on families.
“They will incorporate the different resolutions that are being proposed from the Democratic Party and Republican.”