Reyes Blum PLLC Attorneys Advocate for Immigrants in Washington, D.C.
In March of this year, two dedicated attorneys from Reyes Blum PLLC, Roberto Blum and Bryan (Russell) Terhune, traveled to Washington, D.C., to actively participate in the National Day of Action (NDA), an event sponsored by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Purpose of the Event
The National Day of Action was organized to bring together immigration attorneys from across the country to meet with Congressional representatives. The goal was to express the concerns of the immigrant community in the United States and to advocate for the rights and protections of immigrants. As Houston representatives, Attorney Blum and Attorney Terhune took this opportunity to speak on behalf of their clients and the broader immigrant community.
Importance of the 2024 Election Year
This year is a significant election year in the United States, with many voters focused on the presidential election. Under President Biden’s administration, there have been notable improvements in the humane treatment of immigrants, and there is hope that these improvements will continue and strengthen if Vice President Kamala Harris is elected President. However, despite these advancements, there are still many issues and shortcomings within the American immigration system that need to be addressed.
The Role of Congress in Immigration Reform
While the policies of a Presidential administration can greatly impact how immigrants are treated in the United States, real, sweeping changes require the support of Congress. Senators and Representatives play a crucial role in making these changes possible. Attorney Blum and Attorney Terhune, who witness the struggles of the immigrant community daily, attended the National Day of Action to highlight the problems with existing immigration laws and to advocate for necessary reforms.
Meetings with Lawmakers
During the event, each attorney had scheduled meetings with various Senators and Representatives. They visited the offices of these lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to educate them on the changes needed to help immigrants keep their families together and find a pathway to lawful residency in the United States.
The attorneys met with lawmakers who support immigrant rights and protections, as well as those who are opposed to immigration reform. Regardless of the lawmakers’ positions, Attorney Blum and Attorney Terhune took the opportunity to share the personal stories of their clients—stories that illustrate the important contributions immigrants make to the United States. These stories helped even the most opposing lawmakers understand the benefits of supporting the immigrant community.
Conclusion
The participation of Reyes Blum PLLC in the National Day of Action demonstrates the firm’s commitment to advocating for the rights and protections of immigrants. By sharing the real-life experiences of their clients with powerful lawmakers, Attorney Blum and Attorney Terhune continue to fight for positive change in the U.S. immigration system. Their efforts highlight the ongoing need for comprehensive immigration reform and the importance of having dedicated legal advocates who are willing to stand up for the immigrant community.
Article by Bryan “Russell” Terhune