Remitly has something to say about the current immigration climate in the United States.
The Seattle startup, which makes it easy for immigrants to send money to their families back home via a mobile app, launched a campaign this week designed to show the human stories behind those money transfers.
#WhyIsend is a social media initiative highlighting the reasons Remitly’s customers relinquish portions of their paychecks.
Here are some of their stories:
"We send money to Mexico for things we take for granted here. I wish I could send more." – Celia V. of Greeley, CO #WhyISend pic.twitter.com/CQfDJE9RRQ
— Remitly (@remitly) February 22, 2017
"I've lived in the US 5 years. #WhyISend? Family. I want them 2 know I'll help even when we're miles apart." -Roselynn W. in Charleston, SC pic.twitter.com/n0eCH54z2f
— Remitly (@remitly) February 15, 2017
We're from the lower class. Mom always worked very hard 2 feed us. It's my turn 2 give 2 her. – Chris P. of Glendale Heights, IL #WhyISend pic.twitter.com/RpnwpLQhsm
— Remitly (@remitly) February 23, 2017
"My girl and our new born son is #WhyISend to Mexico." – Jose C. of Tucson, AZ https://t.co/sPUid7suBW pic.twitter.com/wxsHGvpRlE
— Remitly (@remitly) February 22, 2017
I left family in the Philippines in '08. It's hard but I need to do this 4 their future. – Jhan L. in L.A. #WhyISend https://t.co/sPUid7suBW pic.twitter.com/ajhlHiSjis
— Remitly (@remitly) February 14, 2017
In addition to the social media campaign, Remitly surveyed thousands of employees to collect data on why they send money home. Some of the key findings are included below.
- 70 percent send money to help their families with basic needs including housing, food, and utilities.
- 16 percent send money to cover their personal expenses and investments.
- 11 percent send money to help pay for education costs such as school supplies, books, and tuition.
- 3 percent send money to help pay for medical and emergency expenses.
The campaign comes amid the Trump administration’s crack down on immigration and increased deportations. Remitly is concerned about the president’s promises to halt or tax remittances sent from the U.S. to Mexico.
“I am constantly humbled and inspired by the way our customers contribute billions of dollars to the American economy while also selflessly sharing their hard-earned paychecks with loved ones back home, leaving very little left over for themselves,” Remitly CEO Matt Oppenheimer said in a press release. “These dollars make a big impact in local communities. For customers that send home $200-$300 on average, an additional tax on remittance would only take away from hard-working immigrants and their families in need on the receiving end.”
Remitly said it processed $2 billion in remittances over the past 12 months, doubling the volume of transactions it handles. The app currently facilitates money transfers to ten countries in Latin America and Asia, including Mexico, India, and the Philippines.