NORTH CAROLINA — On Tuesday, April 30, North Carolina’s elected officials, business representatives, and advocacy groups, including American Families United and the bipartisan American Business Immigration Coalition, united to urge President Biden to expand work authorization for long-term immigrants. Fayetteville Council Member Mario Benavente emphasized the vital contributions of immigrants to families, communities, and workplaces, calling for respect and the dignity of work permits. Carrboro Council Member Eliazar Posada echoed the sentiment, highlighting immigrants’ integral role in building strong communities and advocating for extending work permits to long-term contributors. Wallace Mayor Pro-Tem Francisco Rivas-Diaz shared his family’s immigration journey, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to address family separation and bolster the economy. Jenni, a U.S. citizen spouse of an undocumented immigrant, appealed for action to reunite families and relieve the anguish of separation. Manolo Betancur, a small business owner and immigrant from Colombia, urged President Biden to recognize immigrants’ contributions and grant work permits. Lorena Patterson, president of the North Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the economic benefits of extending work permits, citing the significant contributions of undocumented immigrants to the state. Cesar Remis, board chair of the North Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, underscored the economic potential of targeted immigration policies and urged policymakers to enact reforms. Yahel Flores, Carolinas State Director with American Business Immigration Coalition, stressed the importance of granting work permits to immigrants, highlighting their contributions to taxes and the workforce. The collective call emphasized the urgency and necessity of immigration reform for the prosperity of North Carolina and the nation as a whole.
