Congresswoman Ramirez to Uplift Immigration Activist Elvira Arellano for SOTU, Presidential Address
Washington, DC—Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) announced that Elvira Arellano, a long-time immigration activist from IL-03, will join her in DC as a guest for this year’s State of the Union address. Congresswoman Ramirez and Elvira Arellano will uplift the stories of immigrants, Dreamers, and mixed-status families who urgently need humane comprehensive immigration reform and executive action.
In 2006, Elvira Arellano sought refuge in a Chicago church after a deportation raid at O’Hare International Airport, where she worked, threatened her livelihood and her family. Adalberto Memorial United Methodist Church Humboldt Park (IL-03) provided her and her son, Saul (a U.S. citizen), shelter for several months while she continued to appeal for her right to remain in the United States as her asylum application was considered. Arrellano’s actions inspired churches and faith-based leaders to start a new national asylum movement to end deportations by providing asylum to immigrants.
“Immigrants belong in the House of the People. They are part of the fabric of our nation, and they eagerly await a message of hope and relief from President Biden. That’s why I have invited immigration activist Elvira Arellano as my guest to the 2024 State of the Union,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “After more than 20 years contributing to our country and organizing as a single mother, Elvira is still fighting her own asylum claim. She represents one of the many immigrants whose broken immigration system has failed. Yet, she still advocates for justice and relief for immigrant families, affordable housing, and defense of our democracy. Her passion, skills, and talents are a gift to our community and represent the spirit of the diverse and courageous people I get to represent in Congress. It is a great privilege to be joined by an immigrant whose story and commitment enrich our district and our nation.”
“It is a great honor to have personally received the call from our Congresswoman Delia Ramirez to be her guest at the State of the Union event, where President Joe Biden will speak. Our Congresswoman Delia Ramirez listens to us and every day is looking for ways to help undocumented families who have been waiting for immigration reform for decades,” said Arellano in Spanish. “Our Congresswoman Delia Ramirez is a committed woman who uplifts our voices to President Biden about the need for work permits for the 11 million undocumented migrants in this country, working and raising our children in the path of God. We, the undocumented, are not alone because we have a warrior, and we will fight with her until we achieve justice for the 11 million undocumented immigrants.”
“Es un gran honor para mí haber recibido personalmente la llamada de nuestra congresista Delia Ramirez para ser su invitada al evento del Estado de la Unión, donde hablará el presidente Joe Biden. Nuestra Congresista Delia Ramirez nos escucha y todos los días está buscando la forma de ayudar a las familias indocumentadas que llevan décadas esperando una reforma migratoria. Nuestra congresista Delia Ramirez es una mujer comprometida que lleva nuestra voz ante el presidente Biden sobre la necesidad de los permisos de trabajo para 11 millones de indocumentados que vivimos en este país trabajando y criando a nuestro hijos en el buen camino de Dios. Los indocumentados no estamos solos porque tenemos a una guerrera y lucharemos con ella hasta lograr justicia para los 11 millones de indocumentados”
Elvira Arellano continues organizing for human rights, immigration reform, and work permits for all, with organizations like La Familia Latina Unida - Sin Fronteras (Latina Family United - Without Borders). She currently lives in Chicago, where she awaits the status of her asylum case. Time magazine listed her in its "People Who Mattered" section in its "Person of the Year" issue in December 2006.
Her son Saul Arellano, impacted by his lived experiences, has dedicated his life to the organizing of communities and public service. He currently serves as a member of the Chicago Police District Council in Illinois, representing District 25. Arellano assumed office on May 2, 2023.
BACKGROUND
The State of the Union will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024. During the speech to a joint session of Congress, President Biden will review the past year's accomplishments and provide Congress and the Nation with a preview of the executive agenda for the coming year.