On the first of May, Milwaukee Common Council leadership and members will hit the streets in the annual May Day, A Day Without Immigrants and Workers march. This event, a rallying cry for immigrant solidarity and worker's rights, will see the largest coalition of Council members marching since its 2006 start. The group stands unified in their message of support for immigrant communities, the halt of draconian cuts to essential services, and a push for inclusive policy changes.
Joining the march will be Common Council President José G. Pérez, alongside Alderpersons JoCasta Zamarripa, Marina Dimitrijevic, Andrea M. Pratt, Alex Brower, Robert J. Bauman, DiAndre Jackson, Larresa Taylor, Sharlen Moore, and Russell W. Stamper, II. As the Council gears up to visibly demonstrate their commitment, Pérez, noted as the first Latino to helm the Council, has vowed to, “show the economic strength and unity of our community, and we will march for those who have been forced to live in the shadows. We can and must do better to support these residents who are vital parts of our shared society,” according to a release from the Council.
This collective action seeks to loudly voice opposition to the separation of immigrant families and the criminalization of immigrant workers. It stands against the eroding fiscal support for the working class, spotlighting threats to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and education funding. And in the march, a demand for the restoration of driver's licenses for all underscores a call to fundamentally reshape the fabric of immigration policy and sanctuary support in Milwaukee.
