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A message from League of United Latin American Citizens



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View as web page:

[link removed]



Dear LULAC Members,

Now more than ever, staying informed is empowering. Despite the challenges our
Latino community faces, we continue to make strides together. From national
policies to local victories, let’s celebrate our resilience and stay engaged in
the fight for our rights.

This newsletter is your resource to stay engaged, empowered, and inspired.
Juntos, seguimos adelante – together, we move forward.

Thank you for being part of the LULAC familia and for all you do to advance our
cause.

¡Adelante!

LULAC National

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In this Issue:
==============

* National News: Trump’s new immigration orders, top immigration headlines, and
the
DHS rollout of REAL ID (with insight from LULAC National President Roman
Palomares).

* Policy News: Updates on Latino economic empowerment, health & wellness
(including
Medicaid and mental health), technology & AI policy, and immigration
reform efforts in
Congress.

* Local News: Highlights of LULAC councils in action – from Cinco de Mayo
community
events and cultural celebrations to youth engagement and advocacy rallies
across the
country.

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National News:
==============


Trump Administration Intensifies Immigration Crackdown:
-------------------------------------------------------

President Trump has issued new executive orders targeting undocumented immigrants
as part
of an aggressive enforcement agenda. Most recently, on April 28 he signed an
executive order [ [link removed] ]
directing the Attorney General and DHS to identify and penalize “sanctuary”
cities that limit
cooperation with ICE. This could put major cities at risk of losing federal
funding if they’re
deemed non-compliant. These actions come on the heels of a series of hardline
measures in the
administration’s first 100 days – including a national emergency declaration at
the border, [ [link removed] ]
deployment of 10,000 troops, and an unprecedented goal of deporting one million [ [link removed] ]
immigrants annually [ [link removed] ] .
The White House credits these moves for driving border crossings
to historic lows, but immigrant communities and LULAC warn of severe humanitarian
impacts.


Enforcement Controversies Dominate Immigration Headlines:
---------------------------------------------------------

This week brought stark reminders of the human toll and legal battles spurred by
ramped-up enforcement. In one incident, three U.S. citizen children were deported
to Honduras alongside their undocumented mothers [ [link removed] ] ,
after the families attended routine ICE check-ins. Among them was a 4-year-old
boy battling cancer who was removed without his medication. A federal judge
voiced “strong suspicion that the government just deported a U.S. citizen with no
meaningful process,” underscoring concerns about due process violations.

Meanwhile, a federal court in Texas struck down a Trump administration policy
targeting Venezuelan refugees [ [link removed] ]
as unlawful. The administration had attempted to use a 1798 wartime law (the
Alien Enemies Act) to expedite deportations of Venezuelans, but Judge Fernando
Rodriguez ruled that this overstepped legal authority. “We welcome this decision
as a victory for families and all those who believe seeking refuge from violence
is not a crime,” said LULAC National President Roman Palomares. LULAC was a
plaintiff in the case and hailed the ruling for upholding due process and
America’s humanitarian values.


REAL ID Rollout Begins – What It Means for Immigrants:
------------------------------------------------------

This week marked the long-awaited implementation of DHS’s REAL ID requirements
for air travel and federal facility access (the official enforcement deadline was
May 7, 2025). As of now, adults must present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license
or another acceptable ID (like a passport) to board domestic flights [ [link removed] ] .
The transition comes nearly 20 years after Congress passed the REAL ID Act, and
about 20% of U.S. travelers still lack a compliant ID. Homeland Security has so
far taken a soft approach to enforcement, partly because regulations allow a
gradual phase-in through 2027.

However, LULAC is raising concerns about the potential impact on undocumented and
other immigrant communities. Many states still do not permit undocumented
residents to obtain REAL ID licenses, meaning those individuals could effectively
be barred from flying domestically or entering certain federal buildings. “As
REAL ID enforcement takes effect, we must ensure it doesn’t become a new barrier
for our immigrant communities,” warns LULAC President Roman Palomares. “Security
is important, but we can’t let this rollout marginalize people who live, work,
and raise families here. No one should be grounded from seeing their family or
accessing services simply because of their immigration status,” said Palomares in
a statement about the new rules. He and LULAC emphasize the need for flexibility
(such as accepting alternative IDs) so that REAL ID implementation doesn’t
unfairly punish law-abiding immigrants. DHS officials, for their part, insist the
policy is about safety, not immigration status – but comments from some in the
administration (such as a suggestion that “ illegal aliens should not be allowed
to fly…unless self-deporting” [ [link removed] ] )
have done little to ease community concerns.

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Policy News:
============


Economic Empowerment:
---------------------

In Houston, a plan to overhaul the city’s minority-owned business contracting
program recently sparked intense debate. A new disparity study – commissioned
amid a lawsuit aiming to dismantle the program – found that Hispanic-, Asian-,
and women-owned businesses no longer face disparities in certain contracting
categories. City officials initially proposed removing those groups from parts of
the Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program and shifting them
into a race-neutral small-business category. LULAC blasted the idea as a step
backward, questioning the study’s low 2% response rate and warning that it could
erase decades of hard-won progress. The controversy put Houston at the center of
a broader conversation about how to uphold equity in public contracting while
navigating legal challenges.

LULAC’s advocacy proved pivotal in this showdown. LULAC emerged as a leading
voice urging the city to reconsider, cautioning that yielding to legal threats
would set a dangerous national precedent. Roman Palomares and Juan Proaño argued
that excluding minority firms from opportunities would undermine Houston’s proud
legacy of diversity and send the wrong signal to other cities. LULAC’s firm
pressure – alongside pushback from other minority business advocates – helped
convince Houston’s leaders to reverse course [ [link removed] ] .
In a 12–3 vote, the City Council opted to keep the MWBE program intact while
formally accepting the disparity study’s findings. This compromise preserved
inclusive contracting goals and averted a rollback of minority business
participation. Houston’s decision, achieved with LULAC’s steadfast support, is
being hailed as a victory for opportunity and a hopeful example for communities
nationwide facing similar tests of their minority business programs.


Health & Wellness:
------------------

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and new reports underline critical health
gaps for Latinos. In one California county, officials reported a 48% rise in
suicide rates among Latino residents [ [link removed] ] ,
pointing to growing mental health needs. Nationwide, Latino communities continue
to struggle with healthcare access – an issue that could be exacerbated by policy
changes under debate. Proposals in Congress to impose Medicaid work requirements
have alarmed advocates, with a study estimating that over 2 million Latinos
(including 2.3 million people in California alone) could lose Medicaid coverage
if such rules take effect. LULAC is closely monitoring these developments. We
support efforts to expand culturally competent mental health services and are
pushing back against any cuts that would deprive families of medical care. On the
bright side, 88% of Latinos now have health insurance, thanks in part to ACA
expansions, but many still delay care due to cost – indicating more work is
needed to achieve true health equity.


Technology & AI:
----------------

From state capitals to Capitol Hill, policymakers are grappling with how to
harness artificial intelligence while preventing bias. At least 45 states have
introduced AI-related legislation in 2025, with many bills focusing on regulating
“high-risk” AI systems and preventing algorithmic discrimination [ [link removed] ] .
Just recently, Virginia enacted a law addressing AI bias in critical sectors, and
Texas lawmakers introduced the Responsible AI Governance Act to promote oversight
and even create a sandbox for AI testing. Federally, a bipartisan group of
senators unveiled the TEST AI Act to improve evaluation of AI algorithms for
fairness and transparency. Civil rights organizations, including LULAC, are
weighing in to ensure that AI and tech policies protect our communities. There is
tremendous opportunity in emerging tech – from expanding broadband access to
using AI for education – but we must be vigilant. As the National Hispanic Media
Coalition noted, AI must be developed and used in ways that amplify Latino voices
and guard against harmful biases that could disproportionately impact people of
color. LULAC supports ethical AI efforts and digital inclusion initiatives so
that Latinos are not left behind in the tech economy.


Immigration Reform:
-------------------

While enforcement dominates headlines, the push for comprehensive immigration
reform is not dead. A bipartisan coalition in the House reintroduced the DIGNIDAD
(Dignity) Act, a sweeping proposal that pairs strict border security measures
with a potential path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who meet
certain criteria. The bill – championed by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and
allies – would provide a form of relief for Dreamers, TPS holders, and others
after paying fines and meeting background checks. At the same time, hardline
legislation is also advancing: the House Judiciary Committee approved a separate
measure that would represent the largest expansion of immigration detention in
U.S. history, authorizing funds to detain up to 100,000 people at a time and
imposing hefty fees on immigration applications
[ [link removed] ] (including
a $1,000 fee per asylum claim). Observers warn that these fees would create “significant
barriers” for vulnerable immigrants seeking asylum or legal status. LULAC
continues to advocate for sensible immigration reform that balances security with
humanity. We are urging Congress to consider solutions like the DREAM Act and
farmworker visas, and to reject extremist provisions that undermine due process
or put legalization further out of reach. The coming weeks will be critical as
budget and immigration debates converge on Capitol Hill.

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Local News: LULAC Councils Making a Difference
==============================================

Our LULAC councils nationwide have been busy leading and uplifting their
communities. Here are a few highlights from this past week showcasing community
leadership, innovation, advocacy, and youth engagement at the local level:

Temple, Texas – Spicing Up Cinco de Mayo for a Cause: LULAC Council #4971 in
Temple teamed up with a local chef to host the 2nd Annual Central Texas Salsa &
Hot Sauce Festival over Cinco de Mayo weekend. The event brought out families for
a day of fiery flavors and fun – all for a good cause. Proceeds supported
scholarships for local students, underscoring LULAC’s commitment to education. “It’s
a fun way to celebrate our culture and give back at the same time,” said Rita Jo
Guerra, a Temple LULAC member, as attendees sampled spicy salsas. (Source:
KCEN-TV [ [link removed] ] )

Vancouver, Washington – LULAC Empowers Youth (¡Feliz Día del Niño!): In the
Pacific Northwest, the Southwest WA LULAC Council joined forces with a local
folklórico dance group to host a Día del Niño(Children’s Day) celebration on
April 29 [ [link removed] ] . Over 40 students and
their families enjoyed an evening of cultural dances, games, and resources for
youth and parents. The council-sponsored event – held in partnership with
Vancouver Ballet Folklórico – aimed to honor children and inspire youth
leadership. It was a joyous example of how LULAC councils are engaging Latino
youth. (The Vancouver council’s next youth-focused event will be a college
readiness workshop this summer.)

Racine, Wisconsin – Standing Up for Voters and Students: LULAC members in Racine
demonstrated true grassroots advocacy this week [ [link removed] ] .
On May 5, Racine LULAC partnered with local educators for a rally at Monument
Square, then marched to the office of U.S. Congressman Brian Steil to deliver
hundreds of constituent comment forms. This action – part of a weekly civic
engagement effort – allowed residents to voice concerns on issues ranging from
immigration to education funding. By joining this coalition, LULAC’s Wisconsin
councils are ensuring Latino voices are heard by elected officials. “We’re here
to hold our leaders accountable and fight for our students and families,” one
LULAC member said during the march. The demonstration highlighted LULAC’s role in
advocating for democracy and justice at the local level.

Know of a great local LULAC project in your area? Let us know – we want to
highlight our councils’ work! [ [link removed] ]

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LULAC Legacy: Did You Know?
===========================

14th president - elected at the 1942 convention held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Served 8 months before being drafter into World War II.

Ben, the son of Dr. Eligio Osuna and Aurelia Martinez Osuna, was born in
Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 12, 1908. His father died in 1916 making it
necessary for his eight children to work for their livelihood, which they did
with determined effort. Ben attended the Albuquerque public schools and in 1930
graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In
1934, he received his LLB from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and began
the practice of law the same year in Albuquerque. From 1936 to 1940, he served as
the elected Probate Judge of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. In 1941, his term
limitation having expired and having no elective office, he became an active
rather than an active "passive" member of LULAC. From 1941 to 1942, he served as
the elected president of LULAC council 34.

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Upcoming Events: Join Us!
=========================

LULAC has many exciting events on the horizon. Here are a few key dates you won’t
want to miss:

* 2025 LULAC Florida Convention – May 17, 2025, in Tampa, FL ( LULAC Events [ [link removed] ] ).
A full day of workshops and panels on Latino issues, plus keynote speeches
from community leaders. Florida members are gearing up for an energizing
convening – all are welcome!

* 2025 LULAC National Convention & Exposition – August 6–9, 2025, in Long
Beach, CA ( LULAC Events [ [link removed] ] ).
This is the big one – our annual national conference, with thousands of
attendees expected. The theme is “Empowering the Next Generation.” Come
experience four days of policy discussions, leadership training, community
service, and celebration of Latino culture. (Plus, a fabulous expo hall
showcasing organizations that serve our community.) Save the date – more
information to come, but start planning your trip now!

For a full list of upcoming events and how to register, visit the LULAC Events
page [ [link removed] ] . We hope to see you at one of these
gatherings – everyone is invited to participate and strengthen the LULAC
movement!

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Stay Engaged:
=============

Join LULAC or Renew Your Membership: Our strength is our members! If you’re not
yet a LULAC member or need to renew, join us today to support this important
work.

Support Our Mission: Consider making a donation to LULAC to fuel our civil rights
campaigns, youth programs, and more. Every dollar helps empower Latinos across
the country.

Spread the Word: Forward this newsletter to friends and family who care about our
community’s future. Encourage them to follow LULAC on social media for daily
updates.

Thank you for reading this week’s newsletter and for being an engaged member of
nuestra comunidad. Together, we are facing challenges with courage and creating
opportunities for Latinos across the country.

Adelante!
LULAC National















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