We need America to hear our voices in support of immigrant rights. We've opened this space as another opportunity for you to share your struggle with others around the country-- SEND YOUR stories, resource tips, ideas, photos and FEEDBACK to Nicola Wells, nwells@communitychange.org
Amy Goodman at Democracy Now has been doing some geat coverage of immigrant rights issues in the last few weeks. Most recently she has been covering the police brutality at the May 1 rally in LA.
This report by Amy Goodman may come as a surprise to some, but for many immigrants, minorities and underprivileged populations in the U.S. police brutality is an everyday conundrum. The LAPD’s harsh overreaction to the May 1st Immigrant Rights march in MacArthur Park is a reality that many disenfranchised Americans can identify with and the silver lining of this unfortunate catastrophe is that it may prompt greater unification amongst minorities in the U.S., based on the realization of a common humanitarian plight and dream for a more just society. Read Amy’s story HERE
In Washington, DC, a coalition of Asian American groups held their first ever nationally coordinated event. CCC staff provided significant support, and our partner, the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium was a key organizer. The event involved a number of high-level meetings with members of Congress and a rally and press conference. Following the rally, NAKASEC members and another CCC partner, Casa de Maryland, marched to the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters demanding a comprehensive immigration reform bill. Get more of the story HERE
Well the news has just been pouring in from across the country of great mobilizations and events to carry the torch for immigrant rights! Here is a smattering of articles that we enjoyed from all corners of the US:
Statement of FIRM on May 1 Nationwide Immigrant Day of Action
On May 1, 2007, hundreds of thousands of families nationwide gathered in peaceful demonstrations calling for Congress to enact a just and humane comprehensive immigration reform bill. From Seattle to Miami and in dozens of communities across the nation, community members turned out for marches, rallies, vigils, and community events to educate one another on how various immigration proposals could impact American families, to press for just and humane immigration legislation and to call for an end to the Bush administrations disastrous policy of raiding immigrant communities, which have torn thousands of families apart.
Washington, DC. Asian-American organizations from more than 25 states were joined by dozens of Latino leaders to call on Congress to enact just and humane immigration reform immediately. Hundreds of immigrant leaders met with more than 70 congressional offices, including face to face meetings with Senators and Representatives from both parties.
New York, NY. Using the theme of the American Family Tree to demonstrate the contributions of immigrants to the American family, and the value of family that immigrant families share with all Americans, dozens of community organizations held a major pro-immigrant forum to call for just and humane immigration reform.
Milwaukee, WI. Tens of thousands of immigrants and allies marched in a powerful show of solidarity against the Bush administration’s immigrant community raids, which have had a devastating impact on Milwaukee families, and for passage of comprehensive immigration reform .
Deepak Bhargava, Executive Director of the Center for Community Change, which coordinates the Fair Immigration Reform Movement said:
“The hundreds of thousands of individuals and families who spoke out on May 1 are indicative of the vibrant and diverse nationwide community now calling for just and humane immigration reform. The Bush administration’s inhumane policy of immigrant community raids rips families apart in cities across America and Congress continues to drag their feet on immigration reform.
On May 1, this inclusive community of immigrants and allies sent a strong message to Congress that the time is now for a just and humane immigration reform bill. Democrats and Republicans alike can and will be held accountable if they fail to make good on their promises to enact an immigration reform bill this year.”
Yesterday’s afternoon March in LA, which drew 25,000 by some estimates, fell victim to LAPD’s outrageous reaction to the misguided actions of a handful of alientated protestors. An article in the San Jose Mercury News describes the incident, and quotes the LAPD Chief who acknowledged that the protest was peaceful and called for an investigation in the department’s actions. Read the story HERE
Thanks to ARISE, the Gamaliel affiliate of New York for sending us this great coverage of their May 1st rally!
”Yes, we can!” came the translation.
In any language, their fear and anger were palpable during a noontime march Tuesday down Central Avenue — Albany’s own boulevard of immigrants.
They were part of a nationwide day to push for overhaul of immigration laws.
“People are afraid of immigration raids and having their families broken up,” said Nestor Damian, a rally organizer and member of Holy Family Church on Central Avenue, a Catholic congregation with a Mass in Spanish that draws an array of immigrants. Read the rest HERE
