Your Weekly Guide to Staying Politically Active—From Abroad

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Special Focus: The Imperative to Counter Unconstitutional Attacks on Immigration

The current administration's aggressive posture toward immigration policy represents a profound challenge to America's constitutional foundations and humanitarian values. Tactics such as family separation, expanded deportations, and the alleged overreach of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authority are not merely policy choices--they are widely viewed as direct assaults on due process, individual liberties, and established legal precedents. Reports from civil rights organizations and legal experts consistently highlight instances where ICE operations have reportedly bypassed legal mandates, targeted protected communities, and disregarded established sanctuary policies that have been upheld by various courts.

These actions, often justified under the guise of "national security," are increasingly perceived by critics as a strategic effort to cultivate division, instill fear, and systematically erode the rule of law that underpins our democratic society. Understanding the legal and ethical implications of these policies is crucial for all concerned citizens. These policies are not about security, they are about fear, power, and the normalization of cruelty.

A Legacy of Inclusion: Presidential Perspectives on Immigration

The rich tapestry of American history is woven with the contributions of immigrants. Throughout the generations, U.S. Presidents from across the political spectrum have recognized and celebrated this fundamental truth:

• "Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life." — John F. Kennedy
• "Remember, remember always, that all of us … are descended from immigrants and revolutionists." — Franklin D. Roosevelt
• "Nearly all Americans have ancestors who braved the oceans—liberty-loving risk takers in search of an ideal." — George W. Bush
• "America is a nation of immigrants. That’s our strength." — Barack Obama
• "Immigration policy should be generous; it should be fair; it should be flexible." — Ronald Reagan

Let us uphold this enduring legacy and actively resist efforts to dismantle the principles of compassion and fairness that have historically defined our nation's approach to immigration.

Urgent Call to Action: Advocate for Congressional Oversight and Humane Immigration Policy

Your voice is critical in demanding accountability and advocating for policies that reflect American values. This week, we strongly urge you to take immediate action:

• Contact Your Members of Congress: Reach out to your U.S. Representative and Senators (see instructions below). Demand comprehensive oversight of ICE operations, an immediate cessation of any unconstitutional enforcement tactics, and the implementation of humane, lawful immigration policies that respect human dignity and adhere to due process.
• Support Protective Legislation: Urge your elected officials to support legislative initiatives aimed at safeguarding immigrant rights, clearly defining and limiting ICE's jurisdiction, and upholding the integrity of sanctuary policies.
• Decry the Normalization of Cruelty: Speak out against the systemic dehumanization and targeting of immigrant communities. Your active opposition helps to prevent the normalization of policies that inflict suffering and undermine our moral standing.

Effective Advocacy Tools:

• Here is the link to the Democrats Abroad Italy Fight Back List where you will find email template asking our MOCs to speak out against ICE (and many other topics). 

• democracy.io: 
  This fantastic tool allows you to contact your Members of Congress for free. It's quick, easy, and effective. Visit democracy.io. 
• 5 Calls: 
  The 5 Calls app and website (5calls.org) provides scripts and contact information for your elected officials on pressing issues.
• Capitol Switchboard: 
  You can call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 
  +1 (202) 224-3121. Ask to be connected to your specific Representative's office. 
• Email your Representative: 
  Go to their official website, find the “Contact” page, and submit your message directly.

Save the Date: Democrats Abroad Italy Annual Gala Dinner

Join us for our highly anticipated Annual Gala Dinner in Tuscany on Sunday, September 21, 2025. This inspiring evening offers a vital opportunity to connect with fellow members, celebrate our community, and significantly bolster our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts in preparation for the crucial 2026 midterm elections.

• Event Highlights: The evening will feature distinguished special guest speakers, an exciting silent auction with unique items, and an array of exquisite food and engaging company.
• Ticket Information: Tickets will be available for purchase soon. All proceeds from the gala directly support our essential voter outreach initiatives for U.S. citizens residing abroad. Your participation directly impacts our ability to mobilize the overseas vote.

Community Art Project: "Impeach and Remove!" Protest Quilt

Democrats Abroad Italy is excited to launch a unique community art initiative: the creation of a "Protest Quilt." We invite all members, artists, activists, and enthusiasts, to contribute a square to expresses outrage, hope, and resistance against current political challenges.

• Impact: The completed quilt will be a powerful symbol of collective action and will be prominently featured and auctioned at our Annual Gala Dinner. All proceeds generated from the auction will be dedicated to funding our critical democracy work and voter engagement programs.
• Participation: To contribute a square and receive materials and detailed guidelines, please RSVP here: Join Our Resistance Quilt Project—Make Art, Make Change!  We encourage your creative participation in this meaningful project.

Final Word: Amplify Your Voice

In these challenging times, inaction can be interpreted as complicity. Across the United States vulnerable immigrant communities are facing unprecedented threats to their dignity and safety. As Americans residing abroad, we possess a unique platform and a profound responsibility to speak out.

Let us collectively raise our voices as a powerful advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Your engagement makes a tangible difference.

Let's continue to fight for a better future, together.

With Gratitude,

Leyani Redditi

Every action counts. Every vote matters. Every voice makes a difference.

As always I welcome suggestions for future editions of What to do Wednesday. Please email me at [email protected]

PS: Are you a Georgia voter or do you know someone who votes in Georgia? Please pass this information on: Georgia is conducting a major purge of its voter rolls in the summer of 2025. State officials have begun the process of removing approximately 478,000 “inactive” voters—the second largest such action in state history. Check your voter registration status today! mvp.sos.ga.gov