Press Release: Coalition urges Oregon legislators to invest in Immigrant Justice Package

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2025
Contact: Morgan Dewey, press@oregonfoodbank.org, 801-712-7969

Coalition urges Oregon legislators to invest in Immigrant Justice Package

These calls come amid increasing federal hostility towards Oregonian immigrants and refugees

Salem, Ore. — In response to increasingly aggressive federal attacks on immigrant communities — including threats to food assistance, new asylum restrictions and deportations — nearly 100 directly impacted Oregonians and advocates, including Representative Muñoz, gathered at the Oregon State Capitol today urging Oregon’s legislative leaders to pass the full 2025 Immigrant Justice Package.

"Immigrant Oregonians are our family, friends and neighbors — essential to our state, communities and economy,” said Lesly Muñoz (D-Woodburn). "But outdated policies still harm families and kids. Too many go hungry without food assistance. Farmworkers face deadly heat waves and wildfire conditions. Parents navigate complex legal systems alone and Indigenous language speakers struggle to access healthcare, education and justice.”

This suite of five urgently needed policies provides basic human rights for immigrant Oregonians and their children, ensuring that all families, regardless of immigration status, have access to protections like food, housing, disaster relief and legal representation.

“SEIU 503 stands in unwavering solidarity with immigrants and refugees — and we’re calling on Oregon legislators to act. Our state thrives when everyone can live with dignity, contribute their talents and access the resources they need to succeed — no matter where they’re from,” said Johnny Earl, SEIU 503 President. “As part of the Fair Shot coalition, we call on lawmakers to pass the full Immigrant Justice Package.”

The 2025 Immigrant Justice Package includes:

• Universal Representation (Budget Request): Ensures due process by providing legal representation to immigrants facing deportation or seeking to adjust their status. In its first two years, this successful program helped over 12,000 Oregonians maintain stability for their families and employers.

• Farmworker Disaster Relief Fund (HB 3193): Provides disaster relief to essential agricultural workers during extreme weather events, ensuring they don't have to choose between safety and feeding their families.

• Home Fund (Budget Request): Provides emergency rent assistance through trusted community organizations to prevent eviction and homelessness.

• Indigenous Language Justice (HB 2976): Ensures 50,000 Indigenous language speakers can access qualified interpreters for critical services.

• Food for All Oregonians (SB 611): Makes critical food assistance available to young kids ages 0-6. Children cannot succeed, play, nor thrive without access to nourishing foods. Moreover, every dollar invested results in $1.50 in economic activity, supporting workers, farmers and the 3,484 Oregon retailers that accept SNAP.

“Whether born here or seeking a new start, Oregonians share the same hopes: to care for our families and strengthen our communities,” said Andrea Williams, Oregon Food Bank President. “As the great-granddaughter of immigrants and a mother of two, I know what’s at stake. When families are targeted by federal policies, Oregon must be a place of safety. Lawmakers must pass the Immigrant Justice Package without delay.”

Immigrant Oregonians represent a significant economic force in the state, with 1 in 8 workers being an immigrant. These workers play vital roles in Oregon's key industries, comprising 61.9% of agricultural laborers, 44.3% of building cleaning and maintenance workers, 24.8% of cooks, 14.1% of construction workers and 16.7% of health aides. (2022-23 American Community Survey Census)

“When resources are limited, working families feel it most deeply, including immigrant Oregonians,” said Isa Peña, Director of Strategy at Innovation Law Lab. “We can make sure Oregon's kids have enough to eat, families remain housed and agricultural workers get support during emergencies. Funding the package is the best way to protect our most vulnerable neighbors."

Oregonians who are undocumented contribute over $353 million annually in state and local taxes. Additionally, approximately 1 in 15 Oregon children live with a family member who is undocumented.

“Legislators have a responsibility to act when federal policies threaten Oregonians,” said Senator Wlnsvey Campos, Oregon Senate District 18. “These proposals meet the urgency of the moment — ensuring that immigrant families, including kids, can stay housed, safe and nourished. I’m proud to support the Immigrant Justice Package and call on my colleagues to join in passing these essential protections.”

“This is a defining moment for Oregon,” added Martha Verduzco-Ortega, Director of Immigrant Help Centers, Hood River Latino Network. “The question is simple: will we support the families who help our state thrive or will we allow federal cruelty to go unchecked?”

For media inquiries, contact Morgan Dewey: press@oregonfoodbank.org, 801-712-7969

PHOTO CAPTION A: Rep. Lesly Muñoz (D-Woodburn) speaks alongside advocates and families at the Capitol rally in support of the Immigrant Justice Package. (Courtesy of Oregon Food Bank)

PHOTO CAPTION B: A young child wearing a “Food for All Oregonians” shirt with family and advocates on the Capitol steps — part of a powerful call for lawmakers to pass the Immigrant Justice Package. (Courtesy of Oregon Food Bank)

PHOTO CAPTION C: Kids, families, advocates and community leaders — including Representative Lesly Muñoz — gather on the Capitol steps to rally in support of the Immigrant Justice Package. (Courtesy of Oregon Food Bank)

PHOTO CAPTION D: Advocates gather ahead of the rally to create signs and share stories, including one reading “Oregon is Home.” (Courtesy of Oregon Food Bank)

B-roll can be found at the link here. (Courtesy of Oregon Food Bank) Additional photos and b-roll footage are available upon request.

Access a recording of the live stream at FoodForAllOR.org/IJPlivestream.

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ABOUT THE IMMIGRANT JUSTICE PACKAGE

The 2025 Immigrant Justice Package offers proven, cost-effective solutions. It ensures immigrant communities have access to legal representation, disaster relief, housing stability, language support, and food assistance — basic rights that help families stay together and succeed. These community-led programs provide essential support to farmworkers, caregivers, and others who are the backbone of Oregon’s economy. By addressing crises like hunger, eviction, and deportation, the Package ensures stability and dignity for all. By passing the 2025 Immigrant Justice Package, we can build a stronger, more resilient state for all Oregonians and push back against the harmful actions of the federal government. Learn more.