Washington, D.C. – Today, President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. The inauguration will also mark the historic swearing-in of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first Black and Asian-American vice president of the United States. Nathalie Rayes, president and CEO of Latino Victory Fund, issued the following statement:
“The inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris marks the beginning of an age of resurgence that will restore and strengthen the United States’ democracy. Under the Biden-Harris administration, we’ll have the chance to reclaim the standing of a nation that embraces progress, competence, diversity, and welcomes immigrants. While the path forward is marred by challenges, we’ll find our way because it’s steered by experienced cabinet members and staff who are prepared for the responsibility that comes with public service.
“Seeing the Biden-Harris administration work so earnestly and urgently to make Latino and immigrant issues a priority on day one is truly encouraging. The immigration proposals that they’re sending to Congress are forward-thinking and humane—and a glimpse into the Biden-Harris Latino agenda to help Latino families thrive. Their commitment to the Latino community is also reflected in the cabinet secretary and senior-level staff appointments, ensuring that Latinos have a seat at the table where policy decisions are made. As the first Latino organization to endorse Joe Biden, Latino Victory is immensely proud to see President Biden and Vice President Harris leading the way in our nation’s next chapter, one of prosperity, stability and unity.”
In February 2020, before the Nevada caucuses and the critical South Carolina presidential primary, Latino Victory Fund became the first national Latino organization to endorse then-candidate Joe Biden. The endorsement came on the heels of Biden’s commitment to Latino Victory Fund to introduce legislation for immigration reform in his first week in office that provides a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants and puts a moratorium on deportations for his first 100 days.
Latino voters played a pivotal role in delivering the White House to President Biden and Vice President Harris and were the margin of victory in key congressional races. The Biden-Harris administration and the 117th Congress must advance a long-overdue immigration reform bill that would provide a pathway to citizenship, reunite migrant families separated by the previous administration, and put an end to inhumane immigration policies and enforcement actions.
Latino Victory Fund also praised the Biden-Harris Latino agenda, which reaffirms their commitment and promise to support the Latino community. The plan includes detailed proposals on Latino issues, including Covid-19 relief, health care access, economic recovery and job creation, access to higher education, and housing support, all of which will improve the Latino community’s quality of life and create a robust middle class.
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The Latino Victory Fund is a progressive political action committee with the mission of growing Latino political power by increasing Latino representation at every level of government – from the school board to the Senate to the White House.