POWER Act Introduced in House:
Flora Praises Protections for Working Immigrants

On November 21, 2019 Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced “Protect Our Workers
from Exploitation and Retaliation Act”, (POWER Act) which reforms current legislation and
protects immigrant workers from being deported if they are victims of crime or serious labor
violations. With over 25% of District 10 identifying as Latino in the last census, this issue hits
close to home for progressive candidate for Congress John J. Flora.

“Under no circumstance should an employer be allowed to use the threat of deportation to
deter immigrant employees from reporting labor violations or safety concerns,” commented
Flora.

The measure would expand eligibility of U-visas, giving workers the ability to obtain
temporary protections. It would also strengthen the power of labor agencies to investigate
without the worry of deportation of victims or witnesses.

“This legislation will also hold employers responsible for labor violations against workers,”
said Flora, who was born, raised, educated and employed in Hudson County, a majority
Hispanic county. “The POWER Act will allow hard working people to legally enter the United
States on U-Visas. Currently, there is a waiting list of over 20,000 people waiting for this
opportunity.”

Flora, who is running against incumbent Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) in the June Primary, hopes
to make workplace equality a priority if elected. He also holds strong commitments to civil
rights, education, family leave, healthcare, and environmental justice.

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