Last week, thousands across the country marched in protest of current immigration policies in the United States, specifically the ICE directive that has separated migrant children from their families and corralled them into areas at the United States-Mexican border.
Among those protesting said actions is Belly, who debuted a new line t-shirts over the weekend in support of the protests taking place across the nation. The t-shirt features a minimal approach with the word "IMMIGRANT" printed across the chest. Currently available for sale, Belly plans to donate 100% of the profits made off the shirt to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in order to further their cause in advocating for the protection of the civil and legal rights of immigrants through litigation and lobbying. In addition, the profits will be going toward the International Rescue Committee (IRC), an organization focused on helping children and refugee families around the world.
Belly himself was born and raised in the Middle East before migrating to the Canada and United States with his family. Naturally, taking part in this cause was only right after he found inspiration in the Families Belong Together protests. At New York's Family Separation Rally & March at Foley Square, the rapper's team handed out over 200 t-shirts to demonstrators.
"As an immigrant myself I feel as though IMMIGRATION is a topic that NEEDS my support & yours as well with so much happening," Belly says. "It’s our job as public figures and more importantly as HUMANS to bring attention to these causes. With your help we can create a platform and bring awareness to help immigrants thrive and know they can succeed too."