Hollywood’s rising stars Melissa Barrera and Tonatiuh are joining forces with Latin music heavyweights Los Tigres Del Norte and Chiquis for an American Friends Service Committee-led PSA campaign to champion the contributions of Latino immigrants in the United States.
Rolling Stone can exclusively reveal the PSA campaign, titled “Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger,” which aims to amplify the voices of Latinos and celebrate the immigrant community as drivers in the American economy. Also joining the campaign, which is led by activist Dolores Huerta, are stars such as actress Mishel Prada, Ozomatli’s Wil-Dog Abers, Marisela, and radio personality Don Cheto.
“Immigrants aren’t just part of America’s story; they are central to its success,” said Huerta, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers. “The people that are being targeted are not just immigrants; they are the indigenous people of these continents… People are being harassed because of the color of their skin.”
Tonatiuh, who’s set to star alongside Jennifer Lopez in Kiss of the Spider-Woman, highlighted his mom’s immigrant story and how she persevered in America “without a roadmap,” leading to his success in Hollywood. “Because of her determination, I went from a public school to leading a Hollywood film,” Tonatiuh said. “Our story isn’t unique; it’s the story of countless Americans before us. Immigrants are not a problem to fix; we are the living embodiment of America’s values. I’m joining AFSC’s historic campaign to remind the country: Immigrants are America.”
The PSA highlights how immigrants paid $579 billion in U.S. taxes in 2022, including nearly $97 billion from undocumented immigrants alone. More than 500,000 immigrant workers are part of the agriculture business, with Latinos comprising a fourth of jobs in food manufacturing and service industries.
“Nearly half of the foreign-born workforce is Latino, and together our community is driving America’s future,” said Barrera. “This campaign serves as a reminder of the power we, as immigrants, hold. We are not outsiders; we are an integral part of the fabric of the United States of America.”
The bilingual PSA and campaign will be distributed across traditional and digital media, and through allied networks in the coming weeks.
