{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-hosts-discussion-immigrant-workforce-development-outdoor", "Rep. Gabe Vasquez Hosts Discussion on Immigrant Workforce Development, Outdoor Equity", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LAS CRUCES, N.M. \u2013 On Thursday, October 17, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) hosted a roundtable discussion with local immigration and advocacy organizations to address workforce challenges facing immigrant communities. The conversation highlighted the essential role immigrant workers play in New Mexico\u2019s economy, particularly in industries like health care, agriculture, education and energy. The event featured leaders from the Center for Civic Policy, The Semilla Project, OL\u00c9 and Organized Power in Numbers.\n\n\u201cNew Mexico\u2019s economy depends on immigrant workers, whether it\u2019s the farmworkers in Deming, the health care professionals in Albuquerque, or the teachers shaping the future of our state. If we want New Mexico to thrive, we need policies that reflect the realities of our workforce,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cIn Congress, I am committed to finding common sense solutions to meet the moment and create more opportunities for our communities.\u201d\n\nVasquez emphasized his Strengthening Our Workforce Act, a bill that would create a pathway for immigrants working in essential industries to remain in the U.S. legally. In addition to workforce challenges, the discussion touched on humane immigration policies. Vasquez also spoke about his Humane Accountability Act, which would hold detention centers accountable and ensure that families seeking asylum are treated with dignity.\n\nOutdoor equity was also a prominent theme in the discussion. Vasquez strongly believes that everyone deserves access to the outdoors. Throughout his career in public service, Vasquez has led efforts to protect our lands, water and wildlife. That\u2019s why, before serving in Congress, he created the nation\u2019s first Outdoor Equity Fund, a program that is getting more Latinos outdoors all across New Mexico.\n\n\u201cAfter our enlightening discussion during the \u2018Building Pathways\u2019 event, it\u2019s clear that our collaboration with leaders like Congressman Vasquez and Representative Small is pivotal,\u201d said Jared Berenice Estrada, Advocacy & Programs Director at The Semilla Project. \u201cThis engagement highlights our commitment to integrating outdoor equity with clean energy and workforce development, ensuring that all communities, especially the underrepresented, have access to promising, sustainable career paths. The insights shared today energize our ongoing efforts to advocate for inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.\u201d\n\n\u201cJust a few weeks ago, I finally received my work permit through the Labor Based Deferred Action program (DALE). For the first time, I felt like I had control over my future. I now have the freedom to explore opportunities. I can go to school, start a business, and even join a union,\u201d said Ruben Munoz, DALE work permit recipient. \u201cI can also start a pre-apprenticeship with the New Mexico Building Trades as early as December. Their promise is to train me up so I can fulfill one of these clean energy jobs as a union apprentice and one day, union member. We need more programs like DALE and DACA to give people these opportunities. Everyone should have the right to work, to live without fear, and to contribute to their community.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe already have the workers New Mexico needs, and they are ready to be trained. Our real problem is not a labor shortage problem, it\u2019s a worker authorization shortage problem,\u201d said Janyce Cardenas, Campaign Manager at Organized Power in Numbers. \u201cWe, at Organized Power in Numbers believe the answer is to create more pathways to worker permits and citizenship so that the union good jobs with good pay and benefits that will be created by the clean energy industry are not only providing stability for workers and their families, but also will ensure New Mexico thrives for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThe event was part of Vasquez\u2019s ongoing efforts to engage with local and community leaders on how federal policies impact New Mexico\u2019s diverse communities. He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing immigration reform that strengthens the state\u2019s economy while ensuring fair and humane treatment for all.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-hosts-discussion-immigrant-workforce-development-outdoor"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.9320689607411623, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}