User:TE(HIST 316)/sandbox

La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE)
La Union del Pueblo Entero is a community-based union that transitioned into an organization advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Founded by labor rights activists César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in 1989 based on the belief that members of low-income communities have the responsibility and obligation to organize themselves. LUPE has developed into a tool towards social justice while also advocating for improved housing and living conditions, health care, and immigrant rights through building the political power of Colonia residents through civic engagement.

History
César Chávez and Dolores Huerta felt that labor union's mattered because they dealt with working conditions and wages but fell short combatting against immigration laws and living conditions. January 1, 2003 began the transition into La Union del Pueblo Entero, lead by Juanita Valdez-Cox. Building upon the legacy of the United Farm Workers, LUPE initially focused on labor rights and community empowerment. The Union directed its attention towards addressing issues of exploitation, poor working conditions, and limited access to resources. To achieve these goals, LUPE developed a system of community organizing and outreach programs. This allowed for the mobilization of individuals and families, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and emphasizing their concerns in social and political landscapes.

Mission and Objectives
With over 8000 members, multiple legal cases won, and numerous membership services, La Union del Pueblo Entero has had an immense impact on South Texas Latinos and other marginalized communities by building stronger, healthier communities where residents use the power of civic engagement for social change.

1. Workers' Rights
LUPE has been at the forefront of advocating for fair labor practices and improved working conditions. Through campaigns, negotiations, and legal advocacy, LUPE has made significant strides in ensuring that the rights of workers are protected.

2. Immigrants' Rights
LUPE is an advocate for the rights of immigrants, working to create a more inclusive and welcoming community. The organization provides support services, legal assistance, and educational resources to empower immigrant families. The low-cost services provided include:
 * Family Based Petitions
 * Naturalization and Citizenship
 * Renewal or Application for permanent resident cards
 * DACA renewals
 * Application to obtain American passport

3. Education and Health Care
Their community education efforts span a range of topics, from citizenship classes and legal assistance for immigrants to health and wellness workshops. They aim to empower individuals with knowledge and resources that improve their quality of life.

4. Community Engagement
Encouraging civic participation, LUPE engages in voter registration drives, education on voting rights, and empowerment initiatives to ensure that community members' voices are heard in the democratic process.

Victories and Impact
Policy Advocacy and Community Empowerment With the efforts of a broad coalition, the legislature passed a bill permitting all graduates of Texas high schools to enroll at any university in Texas and pay resident tuition rates instead of 'foreign student' rates. The Texas Legislature passed a bill removing the requirement that applicants present a Social Security Card to apply for a license. In 2007, the Republican Governor used his veto power to kill the legislation. In response to harmful policing of 287g on immigrants, LUPE members met with police chiefs. This resulted in law enforcement easing its enforcement of 287g and accepting LUPE membership cards as a form of ID for families who want to visit relatives in county detention. LUPE filed a lawsuit against FEMA after Hurricane Dolly for denying housing repair applications to low-income residents in the colonies. Resulting in the judge ordering FEMA to publish clearer standards for qualifiers and denials. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid filed a lawsuit against the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's practice of illegally keeping low-income families from obtaining food stamp aid, resulting in only half of qualifying families receiving assistance. LUPE leaders testified during the Board of Education's public hearing to ensure Cesar Chavez would not be taken out of 5th grade US History curriculum. This resulted in the State Board of Education deciding to accept Cesar Chavez as part of the required curriculum to teach 5th grade students. Hidalgo County Commissioners agreed to devote at least $14 million of Hurricane Dolly Disaster Recovery funds to improve drainage projects. Alongside various organizations, LUPE participated in the 'Texas Can do Better' campaign, resulting in the defeat of over 100 anti-immigration bills. Partnered with the Communities Creating Healthy Environments initiative, LUPE members achieved the construction or renovation of three outside community spaces for exercise and recreation close to Hidalgo County Colonias. In partnership with RGV EVN, LUPE helped stop the City of McAllen from construction a 1000-bed private prison that would have incarcerated immigrants for profit. LUPE brought suit against the state for fostering discrimination against low-income and minority voters after passing a restrictive Voter ID law. This resulted in a ruling that the law violated the Voting Rights Act and an immediate modification to the provisions of the legislature. Alongside county officials and state legislators, LUPE helped pass HB 3002, a bill giving the county additional tools and authority to install streetlights in rural neighborhoods by creating a process for collecting that fee through the county tax assessor. LUPE's lawsuit against the Trump administration prevented the adding of a citizenship question to the 2020 Census.
 * 2001: Resident Tuition for Undocumented Students
 * 2001-2007: Driver's License for Immigrants
 * 2008: Delegations to Valley Police Chiefs Re:287g
 * 2009: FEMA Lawsuit Re: Hurricane Dolly
 * 2010: Food Stamps and Assistance
 * 2010: Testifying before State Board of Education
 * 2011: Drainage and Housing Improvements
 * 2011: Anti-Immigrant Legislation
 * 2012: Parks and Walking Trails
 * 2013: Immigrant Private Prison
 * 2015: Voting Rights
 * 2015: Colonia Streetlights
 * 2018-2019: Census 2020 Lawsuit

Legacy
LUPE's legacy is intertwined with the ongoing struggle for social justice. The organization serves as a testament to the power of community organizing in creating lasting and meaningful change. LUPE's commitment to unity and community mobilization has inspired similar movements across the country, growing it into a template towards advocacy for marginalized communities. In 2019, LUPE's legacy was cemented as it was honored with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for working closely with immigrant families at the nation's southern border. LUPE's Executive Director at the time, Juanita Valdez-Cox said the award is a rallying cry to continue advocating for the health and welfare of immigrants.