Public Policy

MALDEF Marks Anniversary of DACA By Urging U.S. Senate to Pass the Dream and Promise Act

Jun 18, 2019 | , ,

LOS ANGELES – Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) issued the following statement today, marking the seventh anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an initiative that allows undocumented youth to live, study and work in the U.S. MALDEF urges the U.S. Senate to adopt the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019. The measure would provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and is crucial to the future of our nation:

MALDEF Statement on Passing of California Latino Activist and Advocate Nativo Lopez  

May 20, 2019 | , ,

LOS ANGELES – Please attribute the following statement marking the passing of Nativo Lopez, an outspoken activist who established the Santa Ana chapter of Hermandad Mexicana National and spoke out on behalf of immigrants’ rights, to Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of  MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund):

MALDEF Responds to Rebuke of Trump’s Emergency Border Declaration

Mar 14, 2019 | , ,

LOS ANGELES – Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) issued the statement below in response to a bipartisan Senate vote today rejecting Donald J. Trump’s unlawful emergency declaration at the Southwestern border. A similar resolution passed the House of Representatives last month.

MALDEF Statement in Support of the Dream and Promise Act

Mar 13, 2019 | , , ,

Washington, D.C. – Lawmakers have introduced HR 6 – the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 – a bill that would provide a humane and sensible path to legalization for immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and currently have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, (DACA), as well as those granted Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) and Temporary Protected Status, (TPS) because of civil war or natural disasters in their home countries.

Districting Plan Proposed by School District in San Diego County Perpetuates Voting Rights Violations, MALDEF Warns

Feb 4, 2019 | , , ,

LOS ANGELES – A districting plan under consideration by an elementary school district in northern San Diego County must be rejected because it does not ensure Latinos a sufficient opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in the next election, MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) warned in a letter sent to district officials today.

MALDEF STATEMENT ON PASSING OF SOUTHWEST VOTER REGISTRATION EDUCATION PROJECT PRESIDENT ANTONIO GONZALEZ

Nov 12, 2018 | , ,

LOS ANGELES  – Antonio Gonzalez, president of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) and the William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI), died on November 11 after battling cancer. As the head of both organizations for 24 years, he worked tirelessly to mobilize Latino voters, promote civic participation and improve the lives of immigrants living in the United States. Please attribute the following statement on Antonio’s passing to Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund):

MALDEF STATEMENT ON PASSING OF ESTEEMED LATINO CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE AND DEMOGRAPHY EXPERT LEO ESTRADA

Nov 7, 2018 | , ,

LOS ANGELES – Leo Estrada, associate professor emeritus of urban planning at UCLA and a fierce advocate for voting rights, civil rights, and political representation for Latinos, died on Nov. 3 after a lengthy illness. Please attribute the following statement on Professor Estrada’s passing to Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund):