Our Story
Cosecha is a new nonviolent movement fighting for permanent protection, dignity, and respect for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. Our name, "harvest" in Spanish, honors the long tradition of farmworker organizing and the present-day pain of the thousands of undocumented workers whose labor continues to feed the country. Committed to winning real victories for our community, Cosecha believes in using non-cooperation to leverage the power of immigrant labor and consumption and force a meaningful shift in public opinion.
Our movement emerged from a year and a half of strategic planning by immigrant rights and DREAMer organizers who have watched politicians battle for our votes, only to stall legislation year after year. For this reason, Cosecha doesn't rely on traditional tactics or dance with political parties. Instead, we're going on the offensive and calling for a series of strikes and boycotts to show that this country cannot function without immigrants.
Since launching publicly in July 2015, Cosecha has grown into a diverse, decentralized network of organizers supporting communities across the country as they join our fight and prepare to strike. Our campaigns are multifaceted but all focus on building the power of the immigrant community and activating the public to our support strategy and cause. Currently, Cosecha organizers are working on our A Day Without Immigrants campaign in over 50 cities and 25 states.
Click here to learn more about Cosecha's strategy and why we're calling for a strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
⇢ What are your demands?
We are fighting for a new day of justice, reconciliation and unity for our immigrant communities. Cosecha’s demands are permanent protection, dignity, and respect for the migrant community in this country.
⇢ What does permanent protection mean?
When we say permanent protection, we envision a change in the treatment of immigrants in this country. We visualize a future where immigrants are able to work and travel freely without the risk or fear of deportation. A future where we can walk the streets of this country with the recognition that we are a part of it. A future where we are not treated as outsiders, where our communities are not criminalized, and where we don’t have to abide by the narrative of a model immigrant.
⇢ How will workers be protected?
We want to make sure workers that go on strike are protected. This takes continuous preparation and communication and an understanding that you are not striking alone. Cosecha is organizing an extensive network of legal support that can respond to unfair repercussions of striking. Workers will be protected through a strike fund that will help workers meet their essential needs during the strike. Cosecha will also provide necessary information in preparation of the strike so workers know their rights.
⇢ Is the movement for immigrants only?
We constantly attempt to ground ourselves in the pain of the immigrant experience. Whether you are an immigrant or not we welcome you to join the movement as long as you abide by our principles.