As I stood on the West Lawn of the Capitol this afternoon listening to Dolores Huerta, an idol of mine, I felt like I was experiencing the making of 
history. In the midst of her powerful speech I took a moment to observe those around me. I looked around at the thousands of faces surrounding me—a mix of gender, age, and ethnicity but all standing with pride, their eyes filled with an unwavering sense of determination. No longer would they be paralyzed from frustration or fear. Continue reading
In the late 1990s, many leaders and organizations including PCUN, CHIRLA, and our own NWFCO, among others, lay the foundation of our current movement and of what would eventually be known as the Fair Immigration Reform Movement. Almost fifteen years later, the immigrant rights movement has a chance to pass immigration reform in 2013.
After more than two and a half years of preparation, KBWE Radio Voz de Magic Valley, a project of Idaho Community Action Network, is near completion. KBWE—and the campaign to establish it—will provide a focal point for the growing role of Idaho’s Latino and new immigrant community in Idaho’s Magic Valley. Continue reading
Nearly one million young DREAM students are now eligible to apply for the “Deferred Action” policy, allowing them to work and live in the United States for up to two years without fear of deportation. Continue reading
Pictured above: Make the Road New York’s Ana Maria Archila Gualy at a post-decision action. “By upholding the ‘show me your papers’ provision of SB 1070, the Supreme Court has sanctioned punitive state actions against immigrant workers and their families. Now is the time for Obama to step up and end to “Secure Communities.” Photo credited to the Associated Press.
On Monday, June 25, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Arizona v. United States, a challenge to the constitutionality of Arizona’s controversial racial profiling law, SB 1070. Continue reading
On June 15, 2012, the Obama Administration announced that it would offer many DREAM Act-eligible youths protection from deportation. These youths, whether or not they are currently in deportation proceedings, will be able to apply for “deferred action,” which would temporarily shield them from deportation and enable to live and work legally in the US. Continue reading
Latinos are growing fast in both numbers and voting strength in Idaho. With over 11 % of the state’s population concentrated in specific counties, Latinos are the swing voters for some state races and the 1st congressional district.
This power will only grow with time as age eligibility and naturalization rates increase for Latinos in Idaho. Continue reading
In 1965, the American South was a battlefield for civil rights. A wealthy elite sought to block the rights and voice of the Black community. This battle reached a tipping point in Alabama over the basic right to vote.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Almost fifty years later, many states have launched an undemocratic attack on workers’ rights, voting rights, and immigrant rights.
An Idaho student and member of Alliance affiliate Idaho Community Action Network was part of a CNN story about the 1965 Selma Re-Enactment March that took place last week in Alabama. Civil rights activists from all across the country made the four-day trek from Selma to Montgomery to mark the 47th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, and CNN cameras were there to capture the story. Continue reading
Thanks to ICAN Intern Emma Ayers for this report.
February 14th this year, members of Alliance affiliate Idaho Community Action Network (ICAN) had some very specific valentines to deliver to payday lending stores across the valley. These over-sized valentines with broken hearts of pink and red symbolized a message and a demand: stop breaking our hearts and stop breaking our budgets. Continue reading
