The Militant Migrant
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Rudy Lozano, Coalition Against the Rodino Bill, undated letter
A dramatic surge in Mexican immigration and an economic downturn focused national attention on immigration in the late 20th century. Immigrant workers were accused of “stealing” jobs and lowering wages. Congress proposed new restrictive laws and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) conducted raids to find and deport undocumented immigrants. Energized by the activist movements of the time, both documented and undocumented Mexicans found common ground in their experiences of discrimination, stereotyping, and exploitation. They began to unite to demand decent living and working conditions for all.
Rudy Lozano was involved with several organizations that encouraged a new militant advocacy for immigrant rights, including the Midwest Coalition for the Defense of Immigrants and the Chicago chapter of the Center for Autonomous Social Action-General Brotherhood of Workers (CASA-HGT). CASA emphasized that immigrant workers, both documented and undocumented, were a necessity for the capitalist system that exploited them. As an integral part of the economy, they were entitled to the same rights and protections as other workers. From a storefront office in Pilsen, Lozano and CASA members fought to give voice to the concerns of the undocumented. They lobbied against anti-immigrant legislation, held educational workshops and forums, supported strikes, and held rallies to unite the community in their common demands.
