Define American and I Am An Immigrant, used the day of love to launch #ToImmigrantsWithLove, a digital letter writing and photo sharing campaign to show support to immigrants.
The campaign asks Americans to write “love letters” to immigrant family members, friends, neighbors, classmates and coworkers to show solidarity and unity though the website www.ToImmigrantsWithLove.com, and then share the letters on social media using the hashtag #ToImmigrantsWithLove.
Celebrities and elected officials from across the country participating in #ToImmigrantsWithLove include Constance Wu, Regina Spektor, Amy Schumer, America Ferrera, Reza Aslan, Russell Simmons, Chef Jose Andres and California State Senator Kevin de León.
“There’s never been a more important time in modern U.S. history to stand in solidarity with immigrants across our country,” said Define American Founder and CEO Jose Antonio Vargas, in a release. “This campaign comes at a crucial time not only for millions of immigrants who call America home but for the millions of American citizens and permanent residents whose lives are connected to ours. We are an immigrant nation and we love our immigrants. Let’s show it.”
DIVERGE talked to a spokesperson from Define American to find out more:
Where did this idea come from?
This campaign was the brainchild of Define American and WELCOME.US’ I Am An Immigrant. In these uncertain times, both organizations wanted to figure out a way to send widespread messages of love and support to immigrant communities. Many have been living in fear due the anti-immigrant sentiments being spread by the current administration. And we want to lift them up and reassure them of their value to America.
What kind of response have you gotten from it?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive; many celebrities with ties to immigrant communities have lent their support. From DJs to Congressmen, lots of different people are coming together to spread the love.
What do you hope to achieve from it?
Our hope is to show the immigrant community that they are welcome in here. And to show more natural born Americans the undeniable value of having immigrants in our country.
Why is it crucial at a time like this?
Because people are afraid for their lives. With ICE deporting hundreds of undocumented Americans last week and the current administration spreading ideas of hatred and fear, we must show immigrants that the majority of this country has not turned their backs on them. They need our love and support more than ever.
Here is how the campaign used Valentine’s Day to begin spreading the message of solidarity.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all of our Immigrant communities ♥️♥️♥️ I stand with you. #toimmigrantswithlove 🇺🇸💌 pic.twitter.com/8r5HJmYZDX
— America Ferrera (@AmericaFerrera) February 14, 2017
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! We are proud to be immigrants and we send you LOVE and stand with you!!! #ToImmigrantsWithLove ❤️✊ pic.twitter.com/2rxullcQ0b
— regina spektor (@respektor) February 14, 2017
We are a nation of immigrants—sharing some love today for those who came to this country seeking a better life #ToImmigrantsWithLove
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) February 15, 2017
The impulse to create a better life for your family in a new country, America, should be celebrated #ToImmigrantsWithLove pic.twitter.com/fcnp4oBwhS
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) February 15, 2017
#ToImmigrantsWithLove: California stands with you. California will fight for you. You are not in this alone. ❤️️
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 14, 2017
#ToImmigrantsWithLove Sending Love &a Appreciation for everything your do for our country every day. ❤ pic.twitter.com/OpvWBTQQ59
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) February 14, 2017
My abuela came to the US when she was 60 to marry her penpal. They wrote love letters to each other for 8 years #ToImmigrantsWithLove (more) pic.twitter.com/anCjtClml9
— Paola Mendoza (@paolamendoza) February 14, 2017
