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The U.S. has a long history of exploitative labor practices that target the most vulnerable in our society — including children. And now we’re seeing a troubling new trend. Over the last two years alone, more than a dozen states have either introduced or enacted policies to undo child labor protections. The latest example comes out of Florida, where a pair of newly-enacted laws go beyond loosening labor protections for teenagers — they also perpetuate systems designed to exploit vulnerable populations for cheap labor, driven by greed and racial capitalism.

In an election year when immigration is the top issue in the minds of many voters, these policies exacerbate xenophobic, anti-immigrant, and racist sentiments that further dehumanize and criminalize immigrant and refugee communities while also expanding state powers to detain, deport, and terrorize undocumented individuals. To respond to this moment, organizations are leveraging different strategies–from litigation to organizing–to prevent the implementation of  these policies and create a more welcoming country for all.

A 2021 poll from the Cato Institute shows 72 percent of respondents consider immigration to be good for the nation. Yet, many people continue to have complicated and conflicting opinions on the issue, often based on a lack of understanding of how the immigration system operates and exacerbated by disinformation campaigns. Research helps identify what inspires people to act, while cultural interventions and organizing affect perceptions and how we relate to one another. In this webinar, we will explore the strategies and tactics organizations are deploying to move hearts and minds in support of immigration.