Chelsea Collaborative Visits DC

Fifteen members and staff of the Chelsea Collaborative participated in the First National Senate Hearings on Immigration Reform in Washington, DC, this February.

“It was amazing,” says Yessenia Alfaro, Director of Organizing, Social and Economics Department. “It was exciting because we met with congressmen, the Chief of Staff, and Senator Elizabeth Warren.”

At American University, the delegation took part in the National Alliance of Latino American and Caribbean Communities forum, “Lifting Latino Voices,” where they discussed the topic of undocumented families living in the US, professional workers’ rights, and putting an end to the extensive deportations that split apart families.

Representing the Latin America community in DC was important because the Chelsea Collaborative was able to advocate for Latin Americans in Capitol Hill. They gave voices to the majority of residents living in Chelsea.

“It is important for us to make an impact and be heard,” asserts Alfaro.

The climax of the trip was the statements made by Chelsea Collaborative members to Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Capuano and his staff. Alfaro felt as though they understood and were sympathetic to the struggles of immigrant families.

“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,” were highlights for Alfaro, in addition to visiting the State House.

The Chelsea Collaborative will be hosting the Chelsea Latino Immigrant Committee’s annual retreat on March 15 at 10am. There will be a community presentation and analysis of the immigration system, its laws and how they impact families.

“They will incorporate the different resolutions that are being proposed from the Democratic Party and Republican.”

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