South Asian Americans
Leading Together (SAALT)
Overview of SAALT – Our Mission
A national, non-profit, non-partisan
organization dedicated to amplifying
the voices and perspectives of South
Asian organizations and individuals in
order to achieve a more just and
equitable society.
Our Strategies
Stakeholders
Policymakers
Philanthropy
Media
Thought
Leaders
Comprehensive Immigration Reform:
Nearly 30 Years Overdue
• Last broad overhaul of our nation’s
immigration reform laws: Pres. Reagan, 1986
• Roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants
currently living in the US
• 240,000 undocumented Indians alone
• Ramped-up enforcement: record 2 million
deported in last 5 years alone
Congressional inaction vs. overwhelming
electoral support for reform
• NYT poll (June 2014): 62% support immigration
reform w/path to citizenship
– 51% of registered GOPers support reform
• Consistent bipartisan support for reform: up to 77% in
recent years
• Senate passed comprehensive bill in June 2013
• House has refused to bring Senate bill to conference
• Growing momentum at state level for pro-immigrant
policies in wake of Congressional gridlock
State Driver’s License Laws
Source: National
Immigration Law Center
State Laws on Immigrant Access to Higher Education
Source: National
Immigration Law
Center
What’s likely to come next on immigration?
• Strong likelihood of more pro-immigrant, antienforcement proposals advancing at state/local level
• Potential federal review of deportation priorities,
numbers (may be delayed)
• Continued organizing & activism in immigrant
communities against deportations, family separation
• Potential Congressional/Presidential action in lame
duck session?
Stay in touch with SAALT to get updates on
immigration!
 Join our e-mail list: e-mail info@saalt.org
 Follow us on Twitter:
 @SAALTweets
 @SumanSAALT
 Friend us on Facebook
 Let us know if you’d like to make your voice heard in DC
 Join us at the National South Asian Summit: April 2015
Thank You
South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT)
6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 506
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Website: www.saalt.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/talktosaalt
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAALTweets