A Bound Imperative: American Democracy and the Fight for Immigrant Rights

In the past year, the Trump administration has waged a relentless assault on democratic norms, the free press, and constitutional checks and balances and has sought to divide Americans by scapegoating immigrants, transgender individuals, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. What has become clear – as explored in GCIR’s 2025 anti-authoritarian funder series – is that these attacks on our neighbors and on the Constitution cannot be separated. Indeed, it is through the othering of immigrants and falsely declaring an “invasion” that the Trump regime has most forcefully acted to aggregate power and abuse the Office of the President.

Across the country, advocates, strategists, litigators, and everyday people are pushing back and are increasingly linking the struggle for immigrant justice to the fight to save and fortify our multiracial democracy. In this timely session, we will hear from leading groups and funders bridging these two movements, with insights on what philanthropy can do now to resist democratic decline and protect all community members.

Target Audience

Staff and board members of foundations, corporate-giving programs, philanthropic consultancies, affinity groups, and invited governmental grantmaking agencies.