Washington, DC - Calling it a vehicle to strengthen the movement to achieve justice for immigrants in the United States," Service Employees International Union (SEIU) International President Mary Kay Henry signed a historic memorandum of understanding Monday with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Haroldo Rodas Melgar. The agreement formalizes a mutual commitment between the Guatemalan government and SEIU to further the fight for immigration justice and workers' rights by designing and promoting civic participation initiatives among Guatemalan nationals in the U.S.

Minister Melgar cited the recent show-me-your-papers law in Alabama as an example for the need for more collaborations like the one between SEIU and Guatemala. "The United States is the vanguard of human rights," said Melgar. "The law should be just and protect the dignity of immigrants." Melgar said inequality based on color, money, or education has no place in a democracy like the U.S. "Immigrants come here out of need and they work hard to support their families," he said. He detailed how parents who come to the U.S. often have to explain their absence to the children they left behind, "Mothers and fathers have to tell their children, 'I left because you had nothing to eat.'"

Henry's and Melgar's signatures symbolize the beginning of a partnership between the Guatemalan consulates and SEIU locals across the country to disseminate citizenship and voter information to Guatemalans in the U.S. that will allow them to exercise their democratic right and improve their communities.

Melgar will formally present the agreement to leaders in his home country ahead of the upcoming November 6 elections in Guatemala.

With 2.1 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy. www.seiu.org

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