Statements

The National Domestic Workers Alliance applauds President Obama’s leadership, taking the first, critical step in addressing long-standing problems in our immigration system. This important Executive Action will provide the opportunity for millions of undocumented immigrants who are already part of our families and communities, to come out of the shadows into the full light of our economy and democracy. This includes hundreds of thousands of undocumented domestic workers, who provide critical care, support and services to growing numbers of American working families every day.

Nannies, housekeepers and caregivers are already a critical part of our families and communities; they want nothing more than to be fully recognized as contributing members of our society. This action on the part of the President creates the first sign of relief and hope, an opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of what it means to be an American, without fear of deportation and separation from their families.

Today the Department of Labor took an important first step in creating a sustainable and caring economy that works for both homecare workers and consumers. By confirming its commitment to extend basic labor protections to home care workers, 2 million people - most of whom are immigrant women and women of color - will now be able to access minimum wage and overtime pay after 75 years of exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act.

“These new regulations are a historic step forward toward a future in which our families and communities can be supported by a strong and stable care workforce, ” said Ai-Jen Poo, Director of National Domestic Workers Alliance and Co-Director of Caring Across Generations.

The National Domestic Workers Alliance stands with the community of Ferguson, Missouri and all communities impacted by police violence and criminalization. Black lives matter, our children’s lives matter, and we all have the right to live in communities free of fear, harassment, and violence. Black mothers and fathers have the right to see their children grow up and thrive.

Our hearts are hurting for the mothers across the country who have lost their children and the mothers that live in fear that their children will be hurt or killed at the hands of police or vigilante violence. We are deeply moved by the courage and dignity with which these mothers have sought justice, and the love and support they have shown one another. Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon’s mother sent a letter to Mike Brown’s mother, "I hate that you and your family must join this exclusive yet growing group of parents and relatives who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence," she writes in the letter published in Time magazine. "But Michael is much more than a police/gun violence case; Michael is your son."