A number of billboards championing the cause of immigrants have recently sprung up in cities such as San Diego.
The billboards call on communities to embrace migrants with dignity, a timely message as the political discourse surrounding immigration intensifies with the upcoming elections.
This initiative is spearheaded by the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization based in Pennsylvania that advocates for peace, social justice, and humanitarian service.
In addition to the three billboards that have already been erected in San Diego, the month-long campaign will include similar advertisements in New Jersey, Colorado, New Hampshire, Florida, and Oregon. Furthermore, radio ads will also be part of the campaign.
Pedro Rios, the director of AFSC in San Diego, emphasized the purpose of the billboards: to raise awareness about the fundamental human and civil rights of migrants.
“Political candidates are saying one thing, others are saying another thing, but often times it’s not based on experience of dealing with migrants. I believe that most people, when they develop a relationship and understanding about what other people have gone through, walking in their shoes, they will understand why people are forced to leave their country seeking something better”
During the 2024 election cycle, political parties have not only relied on TV ads and media campaigns but have also utilized outdoor advertising to address important concerns of the citizens.
In September, amidst the controversial “immigrants eating pets” allegations, the Arizona GOP took a unique approach by erecting 12 billboards in the Phoenix metro area.
These billboards featured kittens dressed as cows and carried the slogan “Eat less kittens, vote Republican!”
In September, a billboard caught the attention of many as it stood proudly along Interstate 25 near the Wyoming-Colorado state line. The billboard featured a Venezuelan flag and a powerful message: “Venezuela ahead, be prepared.”
This message was a clear reference to President Trump’s assertion that the city of Aurora, Colorado had been infiltrated by the Venezuelan gang known as “Tren de Aragua.”
However, it is important to note that this claim has been debunked. The billboard itself was funded by a devoted Donald Trump supporter and campaign contributor.