Honoring Immigrant Workers: “We are with you. Today. And Always.»

During the press conference. Photo CASA

In the aftermath of the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, our community came together to support the families of the victims of this horrific accident. 

As CASA worked closely with municipal leaders of Baltimore County and Baltimore City to seek answers and services for the families, we were able to direct financial support, thanks to you all, to the families of those affected. Read more about CASA’s efforts to honor the victims and directly support the families.

A moment of prayer. Photo CASA.

Following the tragedy, construction workers came together at CASA’s Baltimore Worker Center in a powerful display of solidarity to pay tribute to the families affected by the horrific Key Bridge collapse. More than 50 construction workers donned hard hats and reflective vests and held white tulips as they walked single file into CASA’s Baltimore worker center. Their fists were high in the air, solemnly chanting, “We are with you. Today. And Always. Right here. Right now. Always.”

The workers gathered to honor the six Key Bridge construction workers and to also urge President Biden to honor the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of our nation’s workers by providing substantial relief: work permits through avenues like temporary protected status. Call President Biden and ask for work permits for essential immigrant workers to honor the families affected by the Key Bridge tragedy here.

The six helmets symbolize the six latino immigrant workers who fell to their deaths while working on Baltimore’s doomed Francis Scott Key Bridge. Photo CASA.

I as CASA’s executive director also met with President Biden in the wake of the Key Bridge tragedy that killed six immigrant workers in Baltimore. My message to President Biden was, “Mr. President, thank you for honoring these immigrants and talking to the families. Please continue to help immigrants.”

Read CASA’s Executive Director’s Statement after his Meeting with President Biden Here

Latino workers are 8% of our construction workforce and suffer over 26% of the deaths, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Many industries cannot function without immigrant workers. They work in physical, demanding, and sometimes dangerous work. The deaths of the workers on the bridge illustrate that essential construction workers are vulnerable to sudden accidents and deaths. So, by extending work permits, we would honor the labor of workers who are building up this country.

Their fists were high in the air, solemnly chanting, “We are with you. Today. And Always. Right here. Right now. Always.” Photo CASA.

Today and always CASA will honor them and their sacrifices by continuing the critical fight for immigrant and worker’s rights.

Thank you for your support of CASA and the fight for immigrant justice!

In solidarity,

Gustavo Torres,

Executive Director, CASA

 

 

 

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