Saturday, December 4, 2010

NYC 12/6/10: Support Immigrant Rights Activist Victor Toro (plus links on DREAM Act, Secure Communities)

Rally to Support Victor Toro
Monday, December 6, 12 noon to 1 pm
At the corner of Lafayette and Worth Streets
Lower Manhattan, New York City
(behind Federal Building near Thomas Paine Park; J/Z to Chambers Street, 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge, R/N to City Hall)

Hearing before Judge Sarah Burr
Monday, December 6, 1 pm
Room 1237, 26 Federal Plaza
(Broadway between Duane and Worth Streets)

On December 6 the U.S. government will continue its three-year campaign to deport a New York community and immigrant rights activist who fled Chile after being imprisoned and tortured under the Pinochet dictatorship.

A founder of Chile's MIR (Revolutionary Left Movement), Victor Toro has lived in New York City with his family since 1986. He and Nieves Ayress, his wife, have played a leading role in progressive politics in the city over the years; their accomplishments include the creation of La Peña del Bronx, a local political and cultural community center. Now 68 years old, Toro is facing the threat of deportation to Chile, which is again ruled by a rightist government. He is seeking political asylum.

Judge Sarah Burr has said that the upcoming hearing will be the last one; after this she will issue a ruling. Some 30 of Toro's supporters, many standing, filled the small courtroom for the most recent hearing, on October 15; Toro's defense committee is asking for people come out again on December 6 to show how strongly the community supports this longtime activist.

Contact information:
Call 718-292-6137, 646-431-7037, email luznieves55@hotmail.com

For more information on the case:
http://upsidedownworld.org/main/chile-archives-34/2734-immigrant-rights-activist-and-former-torture-victim-from-chile-faces-deportation

En español:
http://upsidedownworld.org/main/en-espatopmenu-81/2735-activista-a-favor-de-los-inmigrantes-y-ex-torturado-en-chile-enfrenta-posible-deportacion

Other recent news & links on immigrant rights organizing:

Dream Act organizing:
http://colorlines.com/archives/2010/12/last_minute_dream_act_compromises.html
http://letstalkaboutit01.blogspot.com/2010/12/dream-act-listen.html
http://www.nysylc.org/
http://dreamact.info/

Dream Act Hunger Strikes:
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/immigration/dream-act-hunger-strike-12-1-2010
http://blog.abhinav.com/students-starve-to-get-the-dream-act-passed/
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2632669/posts
http://chieforganizer.org/2010/11/25/hunger-strike-for-dream-act-on-thanksgiving/

Organizing against "Secure Communities" (local police enforcing immigration law):
http://www.deportationnation.org/2010/11/insecure-communities-feds-target-nyc-immigrants-for-more-deportations/
http://www.deportationnation.org/2010/11/video-advocates-ask-why-no-opt-out-of-secure-communities/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/video/video.php?v=450340645951&oid=105165912665&comments
http://www.deportationnation.org/2010/11/domestic-violence-survivor-confronts-secure-communities-director/

Thursday, June 10, 2010

DREAM Activist Update: NYC Hunger Strike, Nebraska & Florida Actions

DREAM Activism - Brief Update - June 10, 2010
- Hunger Strike in NYC
- Nebraska Walk & Rally
- Florida Protest

Starved for Dream NY
Youth Hunger Strike to Push Schumer to Advance the DREAM Act
Press conference and rally today, Thursday, June 10, 2010
12:00 noon in front of Senator Schumer's office
757 Third Ave in Manhattan (between 47th & 48th Streets)
http://www.nysylc.org/2010/06/starved4dream-press-conference-and-rally-tomorrow/

Three Protests and What They May Mean for Immigrant Rights
by David L. Wilson
The immigrant rights movement is moving to a new level of militancy, at least to judge by events in New York City the first week of June.
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2010/wilson090610.html

Dream Act: The Time is NOW!
Trail of Dreams Blog
http://www.trail2010.org/blog/2010/jun/7/time-now/

Students rally at Nebraska Capitol in support of DREAM Act
By Jordan Pascale / Lincoln Journal Star
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_6f6f10d0-7422-11df-9bcb-001cc4c002e0.html

Walking for a dream
By Paul Hammel / Omaha World-Herald
Wednesday June 9, 2010
http://www.omaha.com/article/20100609/NEWS01/706099935

Florida Students Press Senator LeMieux on DREAM Act and AgJOBS
June 9, 2010
http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2010/06/09/senator-lemieux-wont-back-dream-act-for-undocumented-students/

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Mobilize: Arizona Solidarity & DREAM Actions Nationwide

1) ALTO Arizona: National Convergence to Stop the Hate
2) Donate to the Grassroots Arizona Solidarity Fund/Contribuye al Fondo de Grupos de Apoyo Solidario
3) Occupation of Tucson Air Force Base--First Nation & Migrants Oppose Border Militarization
4) MON 5/24: NYC Dream Act Indefinite Hunger Strike at Sen. Schumer's Office - lunes 24 de mayo, huelga de hambre en la oficina de Sen. Schumer en NYC
5) Dream Act civil disobedience actions and hunger strikes in California, Michigan, Arizona
Acciones de desobediencia civil y huelgas de hambre para el Acta DREAM en California, Michigan, Arizona

1) ALTO Arizona: National Convergence to Stop the Hate

Saturday, May 29, 2010
ALTO Arizona
NATIONAL CONVERGENCE TO STOP THE HATE
Day of Action Against SB1070
Phoenix, Arizona
http://altoarizona.com/events.html

May 29 National Day of Action

What: NDLON and Puente call on all people of conscience across the country to converge on Arizona on May 29. Together we will march to Stop the Hate and demand that Obama issue an executive order nullifying SB1070. STOP THE HATE!!!

Let Us Show The World That We Won’t Stand For Hateful Laws And Attacks On Immigrants And People Of Color.

Background: The passage of SB 1070 by Governor Brewer sparked national outrage catalyzing a movement for immigrant rights and lending a sense of urgency to stop the hate and terrorizing of immigrants and people of color in Arizona and across the nation. Puente (a human rights movement anchored in Phoenix) and NDLON (National Day Laborers Organizing Network) is calling for all people of conscience to converge on Arizona to Stop the hate on May 29th and demand President Obama take action to nullify this hateful law.

Demands:

We urge President Obama to:

1. Reassert the federal government's exclusive control over immigration law by making clear that state and local police do not have the inherent authority to enforce immigration law.
2. Immediately suspend and terminate all police-ICE partnerships, including 287(g) agreements and the so-called 'Secure Communities Initiative."
3. Direct the Department of Homeland Security to refuse to take custody of anyone charged with violating provisions of SB 1070.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, May 28th, Human Rights Festival at 8pm: music and art making for march.

Saturday, May 29th, Human Rights March, 8am gathering time: 5 mile long march converging at State Capitol. There will be live music at the beginning and end of march. Delegations from throughout the country and tens of thousands expected from the state. Local and national faith, human, civil, and labor leader speakers.

Sunday, May 30th, Organizing Summit at 10am (tentatively): Strategy discussion about how to continue the struggle for human rights and dignity nationwide. Will specifically share plans for the freedom summer, ongoing boycott, base building in Arizona, and a non-compliance strategy for SB1070.

Housing: Please fill out the form below to accommodate your caravan or delegation. We must receive the form by Wednesday, May 26th. We must receive one questionnaire for each participant or groups requesting housing and lodging. Form here: http://www.altoarizona.com/getmetoaz.html

Find/post info on caravans & solidarity events:
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6190/p/salsa/event/common/public/index.sjs?distributed_event_KEY=143

***
2) Donate to the Grassroots Arizona Solidarity Fund/Contribuye al Fondo de Grupos de Apoyo Solidario

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The movement for justice and to defeat anti-immigrant laws in Arizona needs ‘GAS’!

Donate to the Grassroots Arizona Solidarity Fund
http://nnirr.blogspot.com/2010/05/movement-needs-gas.html

The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has created a solidarity fund to support grassroots immigrant community-based organizing in Arizona.

To make our voices, our mobilizations and protests against SB1070 and other anti-immigrant laws in Arizona even more powerful means that we must also provide concrete support for Arizona's frontline community groups.

---

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Dale GAS!

El movimiento por la justicia y para derrotar a la SB1070 en Arizona necesita GAS!
Contribuye al Fondo de Grupos de Apoyo Solidario para comunidades de Arizona
http://nnirr.blogspot.com/2010/05/dale-gas-contribuye-al-fondo-de-grupos.html

La Red Nacional Pro Derechos Inmigrantes y Refugiados (NNIRR) ha creado un fondo de solidaridad para apoyar a las organizaciones de base comunitaria e inmigrante en Arizona, el Fondo de Grupos en Apoyo Solidario con Arizona (GAS).

***
3) Occupation of Tucson Air Force Base--First Nation & Migrants Oppose Border Militarization

OCCUPATION OF BORDER PATROL HEADQUATERS DAVIS-MONTHAN AIRFORCE BASE, TUCSON, AZ 1st NATION AND MIGRANTS OPPOSE SB1070 DEMAND DIGNITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND END TO BORDER MILITARIZATION

21 May 2010, Tucson, AZ – More than a dozen people occupied Border Patrol headquarters at Davis-Monthan Airforce Base today in an act of peaceful resistance. The group includes members of Indigenous Nations of Arizona, migrants, people of color and white allies. Six people used chains and other devices to lock themselves in the building. These Arizona residents disrupted the Border Patrol operations to demand that Border Patrol (BP), Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), their parent entity, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Obama administration end militarization of the border, end the criminalization of immigrant communities, and end their campaign of terror which tears families apart through increasing numbers of raids and deportations.

Read more: http://arizona.indymedia.org/news/2010/05/76990.php

***

4) MON 5/24: NYC Dream Act Indefinite Hunger Strike at Sen. Schumer's Office - lunes 24 de mayo, huelga de hambre en la oficina de Sen. Schumer en NYC

Follow Dream Act NY Actions here: http://www.nysylc.org/

STARVED 4 DREAM NY

In solidarity with the Dream5, a group of courageous New York young immigrants will start a hunger strike INDEFINITELY at the doorstep of Senator Schumer's NY office to say "We have had enough!" The time to act is now.

Senator Schumer, Stand Up and Move the DREAM Act Forward Now!

WHEN> Monday, May 24th @ 10am
WHERE> Sen. Schumer's Office, 757 Third Avenue (btwn 46 & 47th St) New York, NY
GET INVOLVED> Contact jennifer(at)nysylc.org.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ Starved4Dream

The time is up! Every year the dreams of 65,000 undocumented youth continue to die because of Congress's inaction. This Spring, another generation of youth will graduate from high schools and colleges with uncertain futures, despite their efforts, hard work, perseverance and willingness to contribute to the country they call home.

We can't wait anymore! Join us in this action to demand Senator Schumer to move the DREAM Act out of committee and bring it to the Senate floor for a vote by June 1st.

ENFORCEMENT IS NOT THE STANDARD for IMMIGRATION REFORM. STAND UP AND PASS THE DREAM ACT NOW!

Press release: HUNGER STRIKE IN NY FOR DREAM ACT
http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/21/hunger-strike-in-ny-for-dream-act/

Comunicado de prensa en español: HUELGA DE HAMBRE EN NY PARA EL DREAM ACT
http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/21/huelga-de-hambre-en-ny-para-el-dream-act/

***

5) Dream Act civil disobedience actions and hunger strikes in California, Michigan, Arizona
Acciones de desobediencia civil y huelgas de hambre para el Acta DREAM en California, Michigan, Arizona

- San Francisco: (English) http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/20/civil-disobedience-in-san-francisco-students-call-on-senator-feinstein-to-champion-dream/
(English) http://www.dreamactivist.org/report-7-arrested-dream-act-sitin-san-francisco/
- Los Angeles: (español) http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/20/ultimas-noticias-planton-en-los-angeles-para-el-dream-act/
(English) http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/20/breaking-civil-disobedience-in-los-angeles-call-on-senator-feinstein-to-champion-the-dream-act/
(English) http://www.dreamactivist.org/students-shut-la-traffic-dream-9-arrested/
- Michigan: (English) http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/20/breaking-civil-disobedience-in-los-angeles-call-on-senator-feinstein-to-champion-the-dream-act/
- Arizona: (español) http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/19/lideres-indocumentados-expuestos-a-la-deportacion/
(English) http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/19/breaking-undocumented-youth-leaders-released-still-facing-deportation/
(English) http://www.thedreamiscoming.com/2010/05/17/detained-in-arizona-four-student-immigrant-leaders/
(English) http://www.dreamactivist.org/breaking-news-ice-releases-undocumented-youth-leaders-detained-mccains-office-pushing-dream-act/

Links to media coverage of "Dream Act 5":
http://www.dreamactivist.org/follow-dream-act-5-media/

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

April 10: Trail of Dreams Walk-a-thon, National Day of Action for Immigration Reform

1) April 10, 2010: Trail of Dreams NY Walk-a-thon
2) April 10, 2010: National Day of Action: Seattle, Las Vegas, Chicago, Lakewood (NJ), Philadelphia, El Paso, Providence (RI)

----------------------------------------------------------------

1) April 10, 2010: Trail of Dreams NY Walk-a-thon

MEDIA ADVISORY (español sigue al ingles)
For Immediate Release: April 10th, 2010

Media Contact: Sonia Guinansaca, sonia(at)nysylc.org
Office: 212-627-2227 ext 248, Cell: 347-260-5844

Trail of Dreams: Immigrant Youth to Walk 250 Miles to Washington DC, Urging Passage of Dream Act

What: Inspired by the courageous walking journey to DC of four immigrant youth from Miami, five immigrant youth from NY will begin their own 250 mile walk to DC on April 10th. The group will kick off their journey on April 10th with a press conference followed by a 7.5 mile community walk-a-thon across the George Washington Bridge to Union City, New Jersey. Along the way to DC, the walkers hope to raise awareness about the issues facing undocumented youth and their families. They will join the Florida Trail of Dreams walkers on May 1st in DC.

When: Saturday, April 10th, 2010. Press Conference begins at 10:30am. Walk-a-thon begins at 11:00am (registration starts at 9am).

Where: J. Hood Wright Park (on the terrace, in the upper left side of the park) in Washington Heights. Walkers will cross the George Washington Bridge to Old Glory Park in Union City, NJ

Who: - Trail of Dreams NY walkers
- NYS Youth Leadership Council members
- Invited elected officials: City Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito, Mayor Mike Bloomberg (list in formation)

Why: We are Undocumented and Unafraid. Enough is Enough. We need the Dream Act and will travel many miles to make that a reality. New Yorkers can support the Trail of Dream NY students by participating in the 7.5 mile walk-a-thon to Union City, NJ.

Additional Media Contacts:
Marisol Ramos, 917-443-7013, Marisol(at)nysylc.org
Jose Luis Zacatelco 718-956-3209, joseluis(at)nysylc.org

The NYSYLC is a youth led organization that seeks to improve access to higher education and creating equal opportunity for immigrant youth and children of immigrants, regardless of immigration status through leadership development, organizing and advocacy. Our legislative priority is the DREAM Act, a bill that if passed would allow immigrant youth who have grown up in the U.S. to adjust their immigration status if they meet certain requirements and complete at least two years of higher education or military service.

See the NYSYLC website for more ways you can help, including through a food drive to support the Trail of Dreams walkers: http://www.nysylc.org/

***

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

Para su publicación inmediata: 10 de Abril 2010
Contacto para médio : Jose Luis Zacatelco, joseluis(at)nysylc.org
Oficina : 212-627-2227 ext 248, Celular : 718-956-3209,

5 jóvenes inmigrantes caminaran 250 millas a Washington DC para insistir la aprobación inmediata de la Ley DREAM como parte de la Caminata de los Sueños

NYSYLC se unirán a los miembros de Sendero de los Sueños de Miami, en Washington DC.

Inspirados por el heroísmo de cuatro jóvenes de Miami, 5 jóvenes del NYSYLC, darán inicio a el Sendero de los Sueños de Nueva York el 10 de abril. Con más de 250 millas que separan el puerto de Nueva York de Washington, DC, el grupo planea lanzar el evento el 10 de abril con una caminata de 7.5 millas a pie a través del puente George Washington a Nueva Jersey, mientras los caminantes y sus solidarios caminan a DC. Ellos planean unirse a los caminantes de Miami el 1ro de mayo y hacer varias paradas en el camino para crear conciencia sobre los problemas que los jóvenes indocumentados y sus familias enfrentan.

Qué: Una caminata solidaria cruzando el puente George Washington, cubriendo más de 7.5 millas.

Cuándo: Sábado, 10 de abril 2010.
Conferencia de prensa comenzará a las 11am.
La inscripción comienza a las 9am. La caminata iniciarán a las 11:30 am

Dónde: La caminata comenzara en el Jay Wright Hood Park (en la esquina norte izquierda del parque) en Washington Heights y los caminantes cruzaran el puente George Washington

Quiénes: - caminantes del Sendero de los Sueños de NY e miembros de la organización juvenil NYSYLC
- Oficiales electos (lista en formación) Consejal Mellisa Mark Vivierito, Invitado : Alcalde Bloomberg

Por qué: Somos indocumentados y sin temor. Necesitamos que el Dream Act sea aprobado ahora y recorreremos muchos kilómetros para hacer de esto una realidad

Contactos Adicionales : Marisol Ramos, 917-443-7013, miembra, Marisol(at)nysylc.org

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2) April 10 National Day of Action: Seattle, Las Vegas, Chicago, Lakewood (NJ), Philadelphia, El Paso, Providence

http://reformimmigrationforamerica.org/blog/blog/where-will-you-be-on-april-10th/


On Saturday April 10th people across the country will be Rallying for America. Will you be there?

Even after over two hundred thousand people marched in Washington, D.C. to convince Congress and the White House to take action, communities across the country will be participating in a national day of action on April 10th to ensure our representatives know we want comprehensive immigration reform.

--> Seattle, Washington:

What: Rally: Stand up for Comprehensive Immigration Reform – We Must Act Now!
When: April 10, 2010 at 12pm
Where: Occidental Park, Seattle
Why: Because we need immigration reform NOW!
Who: The Washington Immigration Reform Coalition (WIRC) For America, an alliance of over 50 organizations, faith groups, community groups and labor unions, is organizing around one purpose – to achieve comprehensive immigration reform – and has been working to ensure that Washington’s Congressional delegation will support and lead on the issue. See http://www.weareoneamerica.org/wirc

--> Las Vegas, Nevada: Join Senator Harry Reid, Congressman Luis Gutierrez, and thousands of immigration reform supporters at a free event in Las Vegas on April 10.

When: SATURDAY, April 10th at 12:00 pm
Where: 333 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas
Why: The time is now to pass smart immigration solutions that:
* Raise wages and living standards for all workers
* Strengthen our economy
* Keep our families together
* Honor our values as a nation of immigrants

--> Chicago, Illinois: No More Deportations! Real Solutions Now!

When: Saturday, April 10, 2010, 10 AM
Where: Teamsters Local 705, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL

Two weeks after over 200,000 people (including 9,000 from Illinois) Marched For America filling the National Mall in Washington DC, advocates and allies will Rally for America in Chicago, Illinois. Senator Durbin, a long time champion of immigration reform and undocumented youth, will be in attendance and has agreed to take leadership to introduce a bipartisan immigration reform bill in the Senate by April 30th.

In recognition of that historic effort the event will also celebrate the work of the hundreds of bus captains and thousands of riders from Illinois that helped make the March for America such a success.

--> Lakewood, New Jersey: Rally for America

When: Saturday, April 10th, 12pm – 4pm
Where: 215 Madison, Lakewood, NJ

--> Philadelphia, PA: Rally for America

When: Saturday, April 10th, 11:30 AM.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA.
What: The rally will feature numerous exciting performances, including Kyo Taiko drumming, Irish dancing, Spanish language rappers Kicio and Legendario, and Aztec dancing. Bring American flags, wear white, and help us send a message to the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation that we need reform now!

--> El Paso, TX: El Pasoans Rally for Immigration Reform!

When: Meet at 3pm, rally at 5pm
Where: Leech Grove on the University of Texas, El Paso campus: 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX.
For more information contact: Louie Gilot, Policy Director, Border Network for Human Rights, (915) 274-0541, lgilot(at)bnhr.org

--> Providence, Rhode Island: Rally for America

When: April 10, 3 PM – 5 PM.
Where: Parking lot behind St. Theresa Church, 275 Manton Avenue, Providence, RI.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 10-21 Actions for Immigration Reform; Detainees Continue Hunger Strikes

1) March 10 National Coming Out Day (& Chicago march); March 15-21 National Coming Out of the Shadows Week
2) March 21: March for Immigration Reform in Washington DC (Campaign to Reform Immigration for America)
3) Hunger Strikes Continue at Port Isabel Detention Center (three articles)

------------------------------

1) March 10 National Coming Out Day (& Chicago march); March 15-21 National Coming Out of the Shadows Week

National Coming Out Day

March 10th is National Coming Out Day. In Chicago, the Immigrant Youth Justice League will be holding a rally and a march to launch a week-long “coming out” of undocumented youth across the country. In other cities and towns, students are coming out to their friends on a much smaller scale. Whether big or small, consider participating in the National Coming Out Day and weeks by coming out!

For more info: http://www.dreamactivist.org/

Chicago will come out of the shadows for a mass mobilization on March 10th, 2010

March from Union Park to Federal Plaza
Reunion Time: 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Union Park ( W. Lake and N. Ashland)
March Step Off Time: 1:00 p.m.
Arrive at Federal Plaza and Coming Out Event : 3:00 PM

The Immigrant Youth Justice League is working with community organizations for a mass youth-led immigrant rights mobilization in Chicago, and national coordinated actions by youth and students starting on March 10th, 2010 in support for a path towards legalization.

http://iyjl.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?invites&eid=302658652469

National Coming Out of the Shadows Week – March 15th to the 21st

Congratulations! You have decided to come out of the shadows about your undocumented status. Perhaps you have finally decided to tell your friends why you haven’t signed up for your drivers’ ed. class or why you still don’t drive to school. Maybe, you will come out to your guidance counselor, who has asked you repeatedly to turn in your college application, but you were too afraid to tell him/her that you don’t have a social security number and that you still don’t know how you will pay for college without financial aid.

Please remember you are not alone. You are part of a large community of courageous undocumented youth who have decided to come out of the shadows about our immigration status. We live every day in fear and we are tired of it. We want to be able to talk about our lives and our stories without fearing persecution or deportation. We are not free to travel, go to school, work, live, but we refuse to be helpless. In the same way the LGBTQ community has historically come out, undocumented youth, some of whom are also part of the LGBTQ community, have decided to speak openly about their status. Your courage will open the way to having even more conversations about your immigration status. Sharing your stories will allow us, as a movement of undocumented youth, to grow, as we continue to learn to accept ourselves. By being more open we will begin replacing fear with courage and, ultimately, be united in our demands for change. You will be surprised how little other people know about the realities of being undocumented. People who know someone who is gay or lesbian are more likely to support equal rights for all gay and lesbian people- the same follows for people who know someone who is undocumented. Also note, if you must also confront intersecting oppressions (i.e. Gender, Race, Class, Sexual orientation), coming out about your status is one of the many hurdles for liberation.

Read more: http://www.dreamactivist.org/comeout/

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2) March 21: March for Immigration Reform in Washington DC (Campaign to Reform Immigration for America)

CAMPAIGN TO REFORM IMMIGRATION FOR AMERICA
What is the Campaign to Reform Immigration for America?

The Campaign to Reform Immigration for America is a united national effort that brings together individuals and grassroots organizations with the mission to build support for workable comprehensive immigration reform.

On March 21st, we will march on Washington, DC to demand immigration reform and economic justice for all Americans. Our vision of reform includes immigrants and native-born U.S. citizens working shoulder to shoulder to achieve better wages, working conditions, and labor protections, and of an American that’s back to work, with a fair balance between main street and wall street.

People from all across America will lend their voice in the fight for reform. We will come together as one voice on the National Mall for a strong America – for families, for workers, for businesses, and for security.

Join thousands from across the country in the March For America in DC on March 21st, and demand Congress act NOW to pass immigration reform and move quickly to put all Americans back to work

Where: National Mall, Washington DC
When: March 21st, 2010 – Interfaith Service at 1:00 pm, March at 2:00 pm

Sign up to march today!
http://reformimmigrationforamerica.org/

------------------------------

3) Hunger Strikes Continue at Port Isabel Detention Center (three articles)

Starving for Reform
by Julian Aguilar, Texas Tribune
March 9, 2010

Inmates in a South Texas detention facility began a series of staggered hunger strikes in January, hoping for better conditions and fewer transfers, as advocates pleaded for the federal government to come through on failed promises to reform the immigrant-detention system. Those failings, they argue, prompted inmates at the facility, which sits less than 50 miles from Harlingen, to refuse food in protest of what they allege is mental and physical abuse, lack of medical care and near-nil access to legal resources.

The government said on Friday that only two prisoners remain on what it calls “voluntary fasting” at the Port Isabel Detention Center. But the inmates have staggered their fasts, advocates of detention reform say, so that someone fasting this week might be replaced next week by another protester. Advocates allege that hundreds of inmates have taken part since the strike's inception to protest a detention system steeped in failure, secrecy and alleged human rights abuses.

Read full article:
http://www.texastribune.org/stories/2010/mar/09/mouths-decadence/?utm_source=texastribune.org&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Tribune%20Feed:%20Stories

Three new hunger strikers at Port Isabel
By Enrique Lopetegui, San Antonio Current
March 6, 2010

Three detainees [names changed awaiting their permission to reveal their identities] from the Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos sent out letters to the Southwest Workers Union announcing hunger strikes, in protest for the condition of their detention and the uncertain status of their immigration cases. [...]

Read full article: http://www.sacurrent.com/blog/queblog.asp?perm=70190

Fire and Ice
By Enrique Lopetegui, San Antonio Current
February 27, 2010

On February 24, about three dozen vociferous activists gathered in front of the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement building on Fourwinds Dr. to demand the closing of the Willacy County ("Tent City") and Los Fresnosï' Port Isabel (PIDC) detention centers.

As part of the "Dignity, Not Detention campaign organized by the Detention Watch Network, the activists - including members of Southwest Workers Union, Texans United For Families, Grassroots Leadership, and the Reverend Lorenza Andrade Smith, of the Westlawn United Methodist Church - accused ICE of serious human rights abuses against detainees. And none of the activists was louder - or more specific - than SWU's Anayanse Garza, who denounced abuses against hunger strikers at PIDC and pointed to the alleged culprit.

"This is the pain," she said, holding a petition, "these are the 243 signatures of the people at Port IsabeI that have been tortured, beaten and humiliated, and these orders were coming from [ICE's field office director] Michael J. Pitts, who is sitting very comfortably in his air-conditioned room, while other people are being tortured and threatened with force-feeding by having a tube inserted through their noses. I don't care if the government says that immigrants have no human rights. Immigrants do have human rights. It's not a crime to hunger strike, it is your right, and that's why [Pitts] should be tried. He shouldn't be allowed to even be there right now." [...]

Read full article: http://www.sacurrent.com/blog/queblog.asp?perm=70183

Sunday, February 14, 2010

NY Road Trip for Our Future; End Violence Against Hunger Strikers; Raids Protested in Baltimore

1) New York Road Trip for Our Future: http://www.nyimmigrationreform.org/
2) Port Isabel Detention Center Action Alert: End the Violence Now!
http://detentionwatchnetwork.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/port-isabel-detention-center-action-alert-end-the-violence-now/
3) Raids Protested in Baltimore: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bal-md.raid05feb05,0,3834674.story

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1) New York Road Trip for Our Future
http://www.nyimmigrationreform.org/

Join the Road Trip!
Join in the 5-day caravan ride across New York State, February 15-19, 2010. Along the way, exciting actions will take place to welcome the travelers and build a statewide call for immigration reform NOW!

Individuals, families and supporters are invited to drive alongside the caravan in their own cars for any period of the caravan. See the itinerary for the route below and join us at an action in your area!

Feb 15 NYC
Road Trip Kick-off! Join use for a celebration to send off our road trip riders with skits, speakers, and more!
Time: 12pm-Noon
Location: NYIC, 137-139 West 25th St., 12th Floor (between 6th and 7th Ave.) in Manhattan

Feb 15 Carmel, NY
Join the rally at Rep. John Hall's office to demand comprehensive immigration reform!
Invite your friends on facebook
Time: 4pm
Location: 40 Gleneida Ave, Carmel

Feb 16 Saratoga Springs, NY
Take a lunch break to demand comprehensive immigration reform at Rep. Murphy's office!
Time: 12pm-Noon
Location: 487 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Feb 16 Syracuse, NY
Show some 'Cuse pride and have a good time! The Syracuse rally will include speakers and live music!
Invite your friends on facebook
Time: 4pm
Location: Federal Plaza, 100 South Clinton St., Syracuse

Feb 17 Sodus, NY
Breakfast Gathering of food, support, and speakers including Sister Luci Romero, head of the Wayne County Migrant Ministry for the Diocese of Rochester; Ken Vandewalle, Vandewalle Fruit Farms and Wayne County Fruit Sales; Pastor Rolfi Elevo, Alton Free Methodist.
Time: 9am
Location: St.John's Episcopal Church, West Main St, Sodus

Feb 17 Pittsford, NY
Rally at Rep. Massa's office to demand comprehensive immigration reform and present him with statement of support!
Invite your friends on facebook
Time: 11am
Location: 1 Grove St., Pittsford

Feb 17 Greece, NY
Rally at Rep. Lee's office with local faith leaders to demand his support for comprehensive immigration reform!
Invite your friends on facebook
Time: 1:30pm
Location: 1577 West Ridge Road, Greece

Feb 17 Batavia, NY
Taking a stand for our family members and friends being held at the Batavia Detention Center!
Invite your friends on facebook
Time: 3pm
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 300 E Main St., Batavia

Feb 18 Buffalo, NY
Details TBA

Feb 18 Ithaca, NY
Dinner reception for our road trip riders at the Women's Community Building. Dinner reception guests and speakers will include city and county representatives.
Invite your friends on facebook
Time: 6 30pm
Location: 100 West Seneca St., Ithaca

Feb 19 Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY
Immigrant communities will gather to welcome the road trip riders as they end their journey.
Time: 12 45pm
Location: Arab Muslim American Federation, 6807 5th Ave, Brooklyn

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2) Port Isabel Detention Center Action Alert: End the Violence Now!

Detention Watch Network (2/12/10)
http://detentionwatchnetwork.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/port-isabel-detention-center-action-alert-end-the-violence-now/

Action Alert: Friday, Feb. 12, 2010

U.S. Government Violence targets hunger Strike at the Port Isabel Detention Center (PIDC): Punishment for All who defend human rights/civil liberties

For More Info. Contact: 956.207.2571

Support the Families: Call Congressman Solomon Ortiz and Regional Field Office Director Michael J. Pitts and tell them to investigate and put an end to the violence and intimidation by ICE against Hunger Strikers and other detainees who have been involved in advocating for their civil liberties and human rights through peaceful and passive resistance.

Call: Congressman Solomon Ortiz
Washington, DC office: tel.202-225-7742, fx. 202-226-1134
Rio Grande Valley: 956-541-1242, FX. 956-544-6915

Tell Congressman Ortiz he must keep his promise immigrant families to help resolve this injustice. His area in South Texas will be counting the immigrant detainees in the Census and will be receiving monies thanks to their mandatory detention. This makes them his constituents. Violence ensued after his visit to the Port Isabel Detention Center (PIDC) Mon. Feb. 8, 2010 and families report that ICE officers destroyed letters addressed to the Congressman written by detainees that evening. Violence escalated after Vishwanath Ramlakhan a Hunger Striker at the PIDC, publically made a plea for Phyllis Coven, Acting Director of the Office of Detention Policy and Planning, and Regional Field Office Director, Michael J. Pitts to investigate abuse and denial of due process rights at the facility. Will Congressman Ortiz ignore the pleas of immigrant families who are being abused and fear for their lives at the hands of ICE within the Port Isabel Detention Center?

CALL: Regional Field Office Director Michael J. Pitts
San Antonio Regional Office: tel. 210-231-4505, fx.

Tell Michael J. Pitts to issue immediate orders to end the violence and repression against all who participated in civil disobedience to defend their rights. Over 150 detainees were on hunger strike in protest of inadequate conditions, violation of their rights, and to protest the unjust mandatory detention system. At least 30 detainees are still on Hunger Strike and being intimidated and fearing for their safety. You have the power to stop the violence and you have the power to oversee it. Stop the Violence now!

For background and further info:
http://detentionwatchnetwork.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/port-isabel-detention-center-action-alert-end-the-violence-now/

See also:

Prisoners Launch Hunger Strike at Texas Immigration Jail
Democracy Now! (2/12/10)
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/2/10/headlines/prisoners_launch_hunger_strike_at_texas_immigration_jail

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3) Raids Protested in Baltimore

Baltimore Sun: Protest quickly staged after raid leads to 7 being detained
Casa de Maryland says Hondurans are in custody
Baltimore Sun (2/5/10)

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials detained seven people from Honduras after a raid Thursday in Anne Arundel County, prompting a demonstration outside the Baltimore Federal Building. [...]

Read full article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bal-md.raid05feb05,0,3834674.story