We are on the edge of powerful moment. President Obama has an opportunity right now to make history, to take a stand, and to free millions of families from fear, and life in the shadows. He can open the door for millions of families to be fully recognized as part of this country. We haveContinue reading ““Be Bold!” Small Businesses Nationwide Call for Administrative Relief”
Category Archives: Fernando Mejia
In the New York Times, Make the Road N.Y. Members Tell Obama “Stop the Deportations”
Juan Carlos Valdez, a member of Alliance For a Just Society affiliate Make The Road New York, is featured along with his family in a new video on the New York Times site. From MRNY: While Juan Carlos’ sons are protected by the President’s temporary Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), unless the PresidentContinue reading “In the New York Times, Make the Road N.Y. Members Tell Obama “Stop the Deportations””
For the Children, We Must Transcend Politics and Do the Right Thing
One of the most inhumane things that a group of political players can do in this country – or any other – is to use children as a pawn in a political game. It is especially repulsive that Republicans in the U.S. have chosen this course rather than figuring out a humane way to reuniteContinue reading “For the Children, We Must Transcend Politics and Do the Right Thing”
Rural and Small Towns Calling for Immigration Reform Now
Over the course of our nation’s history, immigrants have traditionally moved to some of the U.S.’s largest cities consolidating the perception that immigration is an urban concern. But the truth is in the latter part of the twentieth century, immigrants have been moving to rural towns. And like waves of immigrants before them they areContinue reading “Rural and Small Towns Calling for Immigration Reform Now”
Oregon Activists at the Heart of Fight to End ICE Holds
By Nicole Brown Center for Intercultural Organizing Last week when I received a call from Multnomah County Chair Marissa Madrigal and then from Sheriff Daniel Staton, I wondered if the sheriff might finally be reconsidering his policy on holding immigrants in jail at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But I never couldContinue reading “Oregon Activists at the Heart of Fight to End ICE Holds”
No More Delays, Two Million is Too Many
Delaying defense is one of the oldest tactics of war. It’s as much a psychological one as it is strategic. The goal is to wear down the opposition until they become weak, hungry or distracted. Our immigrant rights movement hasn’t been immune to it. Now there is no longer time for delay: two million deportationsContinue reading “No More Delays, Two Million is Too Many”
The Fight for Citizenship and the Right to a Future
The fight for fair and humane immigration reform is about respecting the dignity and humanity of all immigrants across the U.S. It is a fight for family unity. But this fight is also about the evolving definition of citizenship. Citizenship is a guarantee against deportation; a protection against fear and reprisals. Any immigrant, regardless ofContinue reading “The Fight for Citizenship and the Right to a Future”
Stronger Together: Rural Communities Ready for Immigration Reform
Last fall, in the final push to convince legislators to pass immigration reform – voices that had so far been quiet, spoke up. They were dairymen, potato growers, and ranchers and business owners. They are the voices of rural America. Small towns and rural communities are the heart and soul of our country. They areContinue reading “Stronger Together: Rural Communities Ready for Immigration Reform”
Delaying the Vote in Immigration Reform Has Not Silenced the Movement
We have the votes. Supporters of immigration reform in the House of Representatives have said it on many occasions, even before the Congressional recess, that the votes exist in the House to pass immigration reform. Delaying the vote seems to be the House opposition’s approach to waiting for the immigration reform movement to divide itself,Continue reading “Delaying the Vote in Immigration Reform Has Not Silenced the Movement”
The Long Journey for Immigration Reform
Last week, “approximately 140 people, ranging in age from 7 to 80 years old, walked various distances along the 30-mile road from Wilder to Meridian raising awareness for the number of families affected by a lack of immigration reform. Along the way walkers said they celebrated their struggle for citizenship in the presence of family,Continue reading “The Long Journey for Immigration Reform”