A Day Without an Immigrant

Dear SEIU 503 family,

We’re writing to you as members of SEIU 503 and as leaders of our Immigration Committee, but also as people who care deeply about our coworkers, our families, and our communities. Tomorrow, Thursday, December 18, our coalition partners at PCUN are calling for the first Day Without an Immigrant—a moment to stand up together as immigrant workers and allies in the face of escalating attacks from the federal government.

Across the country and here in Oregon, people are being targeted, detained, and separated from their families simply because of their names, their accents, or the color of their skin. ICE’s actions are spreading fear in our workplaces and communities, and no one should have to live with that kind of uncertainty just to go to work and care for their families.

A Day Without an Immigrant is about visibility, dignity, and solidarity. It’s a reminder that immigrants are at the heart of our union and our state. Nearly one in five workers in the U.S. is an immigrant, and in every industry—from homecare and farm work to state service and education—our labor keeps Oregon running. When immigrant workers are attacked, it hurts all of us—and when we show up together, we are powerful.

Tomorrow, Thursday, rallies will take place across Oregon in recognition of A Day Without an Immigrant. We invite you to take a break, bring a coworker, and join a rally near you to stand in solidarity with immigrant workers and their families.

This is just the beginning. A Day Without an Immigrant monthly actions will continue through April 1, and SEIU 503 will continue standing shoulder to shoulder with immigrant workers every step of the way. Together, we can reject fear and cruelty—and affirm the dignity, safety, and freedom every worker deserves.

With gratitude and solidarity,

Ibrahim Coulibaly
Civil Rights Investigator, BOLI
SEIU 503 Immigration Committee Leader

Nancy Flores Lopez
Homecare Worker
SEIU 503 Immigration Committee Leader