FAQ: AFSC's 'Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger' Hispanic Celebrity PSA Campaign

What is the ‘Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger’ campaign?

It is the American Friends Service Committee’s first-ever Hispanic celebrity PSA and publicity campaign, a bilingual, nonpartisan initiative that enlists trusted voices from entertainment and activism to uplift immigrant dignity, spotlight their contributions, and counter harmful narratives.

Why is this campaign being launched now?

The campaign addresses current issues where immigrants are being detained and disappeared, tearing apart families and neighborhoods, while government raids are disrupting communities and creating a culture of fear.

Who are the celebrities and public figures involved in this campaign?

The campaign features American activist Dolores Huerta, actors Melissa Barrera, Tonatiuh, and Mishel Prada, Grammy-Award-winning Los Tigres Del Norte, Ozomatli’s Wil-Dog Abers, Latin Grammy-Award-winning Chiquis, recording artist Marisela, Spanish-language journalist Daniela Ganoza, and radio/TV personalities Don Cheto and Said Garcia Solis.

When does this campaign run and why was this timing chosen?

The campaign aligns with the culmination of Hispanic Heritage Month and will run through year-end, using this cultural celebration period to amplify its message about immigrant contributions.

What are the key economic contributions of immigrants highlighted in the campaign?

Entrepreneurship & Jobs: Latino immigrants represent 52% of all Latino-owned employer businesses, employing 3 million workers nationwide with 44% growth between 2018-2023. Taxes & Fiscal Contributions: Immigrants paid $579 billion in U.S. taxes in 2022, including $96.7 billion from undocumented immigrants. Essential Industries: Over 500,000 Hispanic immigrant workers support U.S. agriculture.

What percentage of the U.S. workforce growth is attributed to Latinos?

Latinos overall, including both U.S.-born and immigrant populations, are responsible for 80% of the U.S. labor force growth.

What specific challenges facing immigrant communities does this campaign address?

The campaign addresses immigrants being detained and disappeared, family separations, government raids disrupting communities, and the creation of a culture of fear, with Dolores Huerta describing the situation as ’ethnic cleansing’ targeting people based on skin color.

What is the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and what is their mission?

AFSC is a Quaker organization that has been advancing peace and justice for more than a century, and this campaign represents their ongoing work in advocating for immigrant rights and dignity.

How does this campaign aim to change public perception about immigrants?

By centering on personal stories, cultural pride, and community contributions through trusted cultural leaders, the campaign aims to humanize immigrant communities and shift the national dialogue toward recognizing immigrants as central to America’s success.