Lauren Lantry (202) 548-6599 lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Sierra Club is supporting International Workers’ Day protests to make clear that a broad, diverse movement stands united in resisting Trump’s attacks on immigrant families and our communities. The Sierra Club is a national partner of this nationwide day of action, led by immigrant workers, and is encouraging employers not to retaliate against workers who participate.
Today the Sierra Club -- in partnership with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and the Center for Popular Democracy -- is also releasing a briefing paper that documents how trade deals like NAFTA have contributed to the economic and environmental instability that forces many immigrants to leave home. The paper asserts that no one should be forced from home -- whether by unfair trade, climate change, or deportation -- and calls for a moratorium on deportations and a new, progressive approach to trade.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“The struggles to protect our communities and our environment cannot be separated. The communities most threatened by Trump’s presidency -- workers, immigrants, communities of color, women, and LGBTQ communities -- are also most vulnerable to toxic pollution and climate change. On this historic May 1st, immigrant workers are leading the way in resisting Trump’s hateful pledges to deport millions and build a destructive border wall.
“No matter one’s race, gender, income, or immigration status, everyone has the right to clean air and water, a safe working environment, and a healthy climate to live in. No one should be forced to leave their family and home, whether due to deportation, climate change, or unfair trade deals. Corporate trade deals like NAFTA have contributed to the economic and environmental instability that has forced many immigrants to leave home. We need new approaches to immigration and trade that keep communities and families intact and that support, not destroy, livelihoods.
"The Sierra Club continues to stand in solidarity with immigrants, communities of color, Muslims, women, workers, and all those threatened under a Trump administration. Now it is more important than ever to show that our diverse movement is united for justice."
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.7 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.