Author Archives: Juan Gastelum

NILC Urges Senate to Confirm Julie Su as Department of Labor Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2023

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458

NILC Urges Senate to Confirm Julie Su as Department of Labor Secretary

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, incoming president of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee moving forward with the nomination of Julie Su for Secretary of Labor:

“Deputy Secretary Julie Su has long been a champion and ally for the rights of all workers, regardless of immigration status. Her track record of advancing the rights of low-wage workers and enforcing labor laws makes workplaces safer and better for everyone.

“The daughter of immigrants, she embodies the promise of this nation and her decades of experience make her uniquely qualified to lead the Department of Labor. Now that the HELP Committee has advanced her nomination, we urge the full Senate to vote to confirm her as secretary without delay.”

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National Immigrant Rights Leader Kica Matos to Serve as President of NILC and IJF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2023

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279

National Immigrant Rights Leader Kica Matos to Serve as President of NILC and IJF

WASHINGTON — The Boards of Directors for the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF) today announced the appointment of Kica Matos as the organizations’ president. Matos, who joined NILC and IJF as executive vice president of programs and strategy in January 2023, brings over two decades of experience as an organizer and leader in the immigrant rights and social justice movements and as a litigator in state and federal court. She will step into the role in May.

Angela Banks, chair of the NILC board of directors, said: “Kica is a visionary leader who has fought for the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones throughout her career. With her background in grassroots organizing and extensive experience at the most senior levels of large, impactful social justice organizations, she is the right person to advance NILC’s mission.”

Allen Erenbaum, chair of the IJF board of directors, said: “Given the current political environment and potential for building political power for immigrant communities, Kica’s leadership, knowledge, and skills make her the best person to continue advancing the goals of the IJF. We are excited for her to lead the IJF to even greater impact.”

Kica Matos, incoming president of NILC and IJF, said: “I am honored to be appointed president of NILC and IJF and to lead the organizations at a pivotal time not only in the immigrant rights movement, but in the history of our nation. Immigrants are vital to our country yet are too often the targets of politically motivated attacks and systemic injustices. For the last two decades, I have dedicated my career to fighting for justice for low-income immigrants at the local and national level. With the amazing staff at NILC and IJF, I will continue to fight for the rights of immigrant communities and help build a nation where all of us, regardless of how much money we have, what we look like, or where we were born, have the freedom to thrive.”

To advance NILC’s mission, Matos will play a pivotal role in leveraging the strategies outlined in NILC’s Strategic Framework for Transformational Change, which includes building power to achieve progressive legal and policy reforms, strengthening and expanding the movement for immigrant justice, and advancing narrative and culture change.

Before joining NILC and IJF, Matos was vice president of initiatives at the Vera Institute of Justice and held the role of director of Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice at the Center for Community Change. Additionally, she served as deputy mayor in the city of New Haven, where she oversaw community programs and launched new initiatives including prisoner re-entry and youth and immigrant integration.

Matos began her career as a community organizer and human rights advocate, including as research director of the Capital Punishment Project at the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. She went on to become an Assistant Federal Defender in Philadelphia, where she represented death row inmates in state and federal courts. In 2002, Matos became the first woman to serve as executive director of JUNTA, New Haven’s oldest Latino advocacy organization.

Matos has a bachelor’s degree from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, a master’s from the New School, and a juris doctorate from Cornell Law School. She was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Albertus Magnus College in 2017 and the University of New Haven in 2019. Matos was inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of fame in 2021. She was born in Puerto Rico and lives in Connecticut.

Matos takes the helm of the organization from Sara K. Gould, interim executive director of NILC and IJF. Gould served as board chair of NILC and IJF before becoming interim executive director, stepping in to lead the organizations following the departure of long-time executive director, Marielena Hincapié, and will remain with the organization during the transition to permanent leadership.

Angela Banks, chair of the NILC board of directors, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sara for her steadfast leadership as interim executive director of NILC over the past six months, and for her commitment to the mission of the organization, to the staff, and to advancing the rights of low-income immigrants in our nation.”

Allen Erenbaum, chair of the IJF board of directors, said: “Sara’s leadership helped the IJF prepare for our permanent president while ensuring the success of the important work ahead building political power for immigrant communities. The IJF is indebted to Sara for her leadership and unwavering commitment.”

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NILC Statement on Expansion of Health Care Access for DACA Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2023

CONTACT
Juan Gastelum, [email protected], 213-375-3149

NILC Statement on Expansion of Health Care Access for DACA Recipients

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, executive vice president of programs and strategy at the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration’s announcement that it will be issuing a proposed rule to lift Affordable Care Act restrictions and expand Medicaid eligibility – in states that have opted to cover lawfully present children and pregnant people without a waiting period – for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):

“As the pandemic made clear, the health of our communities depends on all of us having access to quality care. The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid are a lifeline to so many people, but DACA recipients have been unjustly excluded for over a decade. We commend the Biden administration for moving to rectify this years-long injustice so that more DACA recipients can access the care they need.

“NILC and our partners have called on administrations to resolve this harmful injustice since DACA first went into effect. We celebrate this victory alongside all those whose tireless advocacy made it possible.

“This move comes as many DACA recipients experience harmful mental and physical health effects from living through continuous, politically motivated attacks on the program. Even as we celebrate this victory, we will continue to advocate for Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship that provides DACA recipients and immigrant youth the peace and stability we all need to thrive.”

For more information on DACA recipients and access to health care, view our most recent data report: Tracking DACA Recipients’ Access to Health Care

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NILC Solidifies Executive Leadership Team with New Executive Vice President of Programs and Strategy and Executive Vice President of Operations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2023

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458

NILC Solidifies Executive Leadership Team with New Executive Vice President of Programs and Strategy and Executive Vice President of Operations

WASHINGTON — The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF) today announced that Kica Matos has joined as executive vice president of programs and strategy, and Tasha Harris as executive vice president of operations. Matos and Harris join NILC and IJF’s executive leadership team, which plays a crucial role in advancing NILC’s mission.

Before joining NILC and IJF, Matos served as vice president of initiatives at the Vera Institute of Justice. She previously held the role of director of Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice at the Center for Community Change. Additionally, she served as deputy mayor in the city of New Haven, where she oversaw the city’s community programs and launched new initiatives including prisoner re-entry, youth and immigrant integration.

Kica Matos, executive vice president of programs and strategy, said: “I am proud to join an organization that for decades has fought for the rights of immigrants, who make up the fabric of communities across America, yet continue to confront injustices that shock the conscience. There are so many critical issues that NILC is working on that I am excited to support, whether in the courts, standing next to our allies in the labor and civil rights movements, or joining community leaders in grassroots battles at the local, state, and federal levels. Together we will protect workers’ rights, fight beside immigrant youth, and champion new laws so that we all have the freedom to thrive.”

Prior to her arrival at NILC and IJF, Harris was vice president of operations at NeighborWorks America, where she guided enterprise-level project management, executive engagement, and cross-departmental projects for seven years.

Tasha Harris, executive vice president of operations, said: “I am excited to join NILC at a pivotal time in its journey and use my expertise in operations, human resources, and finance to help drive meaningful change for immigrants and their loved ones. I look forward to working with this team to advance justice and equity and achieve impact for our communities.”

Sara K. Gould, interim executive director of NILC and IJF, said: “With the additions of Kica Matos and Tasha Harris, our organizations have gained two deeply experienced advocates who will drive forward NILC’s mission to advance the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their family members. Together with others on the executive leadership team, they will serve important roles in helping NILC and the IJF achieve the transformational change that is needed to meet this moment in history.”

Harris holds a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a master’s in public affairs from Princeton University.

Matos and Harris join NILC and IJF’s executive leadership team that includes Victoria R. Ballesteros, executive vice president of strategic communications and narrative, and Peter Wilderotter, interim executive vice president of development, with Sara K. Gould serving as interim executive director.

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NILC Statement on the Murder of Tyre Nichols

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2023

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458

NILC Statement on the Murder of Tyre Nichols

WASHINGTON — Sara K. Gould, interim executive director of the National Immigration Law Center and Immigrant Justice Fund, issued the following statement in response to the murder of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers:

“Tyre Nichols’ gruesome murder at the hands of Memphis police is another painful reminder of the urgent need to dismantle the structures upholding white supremacist violence. We mourn the loss of Tyre’s life – one full of love, joy, and purpose. We join the calls for justice for his family and community, as we continue to stand in solidarity with Black leaders demanding accountability, an end to police violence, and reinvestment in communities.”

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NILC Statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s Guidance Regarding Workers Asserting their Rights in the Workplace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2023

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458

NILC Statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s Guidance Regarding Workers Asserting their Rights in the Workplace

WASHINGTON — Raha Wala, vice president of strategic partnerships and advocacy, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s announcement that clarifies the process by which workers asserting their rights against abusive employers can access temporary immigration protections, including work authorization and protection from deportation:

“The Department of Homeland Security’s guidance protecting immigrant workers is key to furthering President Biden’s historic commitment to support worker empowerment. This momentous victory is the result of years of activism from workers and advocates and will be critical to supporting collective organizing and making worksites across the country safer and more equitable for everyone.

“All working people, regardless of immigration status, deserve to work in a safe environment, with a living wage, and the ability to speak up about labor violations without fear of retaliation. Providing temporary protections to immigrant workers that allow them to organize and safely fight back against injustices in the workplace will bolster all workers’ rights. We will continue working collaboratively with the Biden administration to create more just and inclusive protections for all working people, including immigrants, so that everyone can do their jobs safely and with dignity.”

While DHS has previously made these protections available to some workers, this newly released policy guidance clarifies and streamlines the process by which workers involved in labor disputes can seek temporary immigration protections from DHS. NILC’s statement on the corresponding Department of Labor guidance released in July is available here.

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NILC Welcomes Interim Executive Director and Announces Promotions to New Vice President Roles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2022

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279

NILC Welcomes Interim Executive Director and Announces Promotions to New Vice President Roles

WASHINGTON — The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF) today welcomed Sara K. Gould as the new interim executive director of both organizations, with Marielena Hincapié set to depart in November. The organizations also announced the recent promotions of Will Dempster to vice president of strategic communications; Lisa Graybill to vice president of law and policy; and Raha Wala to vice president of strategic partnerships and advocacy.

Gould recently served as chair of the Board of Directors for NILC and IJF and a member of the NILC Board Executive Committee. She will oversee NILC and IJF until a permanent President is hired.

Marielena Hincapié, outgoing executive director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: I am proud to have led NILC and IJF for over 14 years and advanced immigrant justice for over two decades with a stellar team, and I feel grateful that I can pass the baton to Sara and our leaderful organization. Sara’s unwavering commitment to the mission and the organizations will enable the continuity of NILC and IJF’s work.”

Angela Banks, NILC’s board chair, added: “Sara is a trusted leader who is uniquely qualified to serve as interim executive director, given her knowledge of our strategic framework, our boards, and our current operations. I am also confident that the recent promotions to NILC’s new vice president roles will allow the organization to continue to grow in size and impact at a critical moment in our country. NILC is full of inspiring leaders, and it is well-prepared to continue to lead the movement for justice for low-income immigrants.”

Sara K. Gould, new interim executive director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, said: “I am honored to serve as Interim Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund. For decades NILC has been a national leader in litigation, policy and advocacy for immigrants’ rights. More recently, the IJF has begun the work of building power for immigrants as a key political constituency. I look forward to advancing our missions alongside the talented and committed staff who work tirelessly on behalf of low-income immigrants and their families.”

Gould has dedicated her career to advancing racial, gender, and economic justice. In addition to serving on the NILC board for the last 10 years and the IJF board for five years, Gould is an experienced executive, leader and strategist. She previously was president and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, where she served in various programmatic and executive roles over 25 years. She also previously worked for Caring Across Generations as associate director, where she advocated for caregivers, older adults, and people with disabilities, focusing on those from vulnerable communities. Gould was also a senior fellow in social justice philanthropy at The Atlantic Philanthropies, co-founded and co-directed the Steinem Initiative at Smith College, and is a past board member of Community Change, the Proteus Fund and the Proteus Action League.

Gould holds a B.A. from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Harvard University. She is the recipient of both the Changing the Face of Philanthropy Award from the Women’s Funding Network and the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century Award from Women’s eNews.

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NILC Calls for Immediate Resignation of LA City Council Members Gil Cedillo and Kevin de Leon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2022

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279

NILC Calls for Immediate Resignation of LA City Council Members Gil Cedillo and Kevin de Leon

LOS ANGELES — Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center – a national organization headquartered in Los Angeles that advocates on behalf of low-income immigrants and their loved ones – issued the following statement demanding the immediate resignation of Los Angeles City Council Members Gil Cedillo and Kevin de Leon:

“NILC calls on Los Angeles City Council Members Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo to follow former Council President Nury Martinez and immediately resign from office. We condemn their dehumanizing and racist comments targeting Black, Indigenous, AAPI, Armenian, and LGBTQ+ communities.

“The leaked conversation between these elected officials and former Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera demonstrates pervasive racism in their beliefs and in the execution of their duties. It also reveals a concerted effort to erase Black lives and voices through redistricting rooted in white supremacy.

“Martinez, de Leon, and Cedillo have forfeited their positional power, roles, and responsibilities to the people who elected them. They can no longer credibly represent the people of Los Angeles and our diverse communities.

“Angelenos deserve and demand more from leaders who are elected to represent us. It is only once Martinez, de Leon and Cedillo have taken full responsibility for their actions and are held accountable can the healing in our communities begin. This is especially critical at a time of such deep polarization when race and immigration are constantly used as wedge issues to divide our country. Los Angeles is home to one of the richest multi-cultural communities in the U.S., and this can be a transformational moment for the country.”

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NILC Statement on Fifth Circuit DACA Decision in Texas v. United States

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2022

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279

NILC Statement on Fifth Circuit Decision in Texas v. United States

WASHINGTON — Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

The Fifth Circuit largely upheld a lower court ruling finding the 2012 memo that established DACA unlawful, but it will allow DACA renewals to continue temporarily and has sent the case back to the lower court to consider the Biden administration’s new DACA regulation, which is set to go into effect on October 31.

“While the Fifth Circuit’s troubling decision does not change who can currently apply for or renew DACA, immigrant youth cannot be expected to continue to live with the constant uncertainty wrought by politicized attacks on the policy.

“DACA is a successful and commonsense policy that has transformed lives, improved our economy, and strengthened our nation. It is legally and morally right, but it was always meant to be temporary.

“Today’s decision makes clear that the writing is on the legal wall, and we cannot sit by awaiting another adverse ruling by the lower court, the Fifth Circuit, or ultimately the Supreme Court. This underscores the urgency for Congress to deliver a permanent legislative solution for immigrant youth, who need the permanency and stability of a pathway to citizenship. This is a solution that is widely supported by the public, and Congress must follow through. We urge President Biden to wield his political and legislative prowess to achieve this much-needed legislative victory swiftly.”

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NILC Statement on Biden Administration’s Public Charge Rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2022

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458

NILC Statement on the Biden Administration’s Public Charge Rule

WASHINGTON — Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration’s new public charge rule:

“For several years, the National Immigration Law Center and a broad diverse coalition of allies fought back against Trump’s cruel public charge wealth test that threatened the health, nutrition, and housing of millions of families. The Biden administration’s public charge rule aligns with longstanding principles in immigration law and provides helpful clarifications to pre-existing guidance. This policy is an important step in advancing the Biden administration’s priority of addressing socioeconomic and racial inequities that have been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration to ensure these regulations are implemented and communicated in a way that will promote healthier communities and affirm that all of us – no matter how much money we have, where we were born, or what we look like – have access to the tools and supports we need to thrive.”

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