Advocates bring focus on issues affecting Latino community

Published 10:25 am Tuesday, March 7, 2017

ST. PAUL — Groups advocating for Minnesota’s Latino community are at the state Capitol to highlight issues affecting immigrants.

Roughly 150 people gathered in the rotunda Monday and were led in a chant of, “No ban, no wall. Sanctuary for all.”

Speakers addressed many issues ranging from the education gap to affordable health insurance.

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Advocates also highlighted the importance of creating a Real ID law that would allow immigrants living in the country illegally to get driver’s licenses. They also stressed the importance of continuing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects those brought to the country illegally as children.

Sen. Carla Nelson, a Rochester Republican, says many Latino students aren’t achieving their full potential. She says “education is the great equalizer” and she’s sponsoring a bill to increase teachers of color.