Dear Member of Congress,
This week in Chicago, ICE agents ripped a beloved child care teacher and mother of two out of her place of work, leaving children and families in fear and confusion. As moms and those who love them, it’s terrifying to see this happening to the caregivers that we trust every day and in our communities.
Immigrants make up more than a quarter of child care workers nationwide, and in many states, nearly half of all early educators. Without them, our child care system would collapse. Our nation should be investing in affordable, accessible child care, not cutting healthcare, education, and SNAP to pay for more funding for separating families, human rights abuses, and terrifying hardworking immigrants. Our nation needs a safe and orderly immigration process that balances compassion and security –NOT cuts to programs that provide the tools and opportunities families need to build good lives, and NOT cruelty.
Children deserve safe, affordable, high-quality care and compassionate learning environments. No caregiver should fear going to work. No child should have to fear that their learning will be interrupted with cruelty. Congress must stop the cuts to healthcare, childcare, SNAP, and stop funding fear, cruelty, and human rights abuses that increase costs for families and exacerbate labor shortages in the care workforce. It’s time to invest in child care, healthcare, and SNAP that strengthen families and communities – and respect immigrant care workers.