These were the first words from my mother to me after not seeing her for, “11 years, 6 months and 15 days.” That’s how long it took for us to reunite. Here on the cusp of immigration reform, a national policy that can take me from undocumented to citizen, from the shadows, to free andContinue reading “11 years, 6 months, and 15 days”
Category Archives: Fernando Mejia
For Family Unity and a Path to Citizenship– the Time is Now!
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 facesContinue reading “For Family Unity and a Path to Citizenship– the Time is Now!”
Immigration Reform 2013: Looking Back, Moving Forward
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.
ICAN’s “Radio Voz de Magic Valley” to Go Live Soon
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.
DREAMers can Finally Achieve their Dreams! Deferred Action Application Process Begins
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.
SCOTUS Immigration Decision: A Mixed Bag for Immigrants and Refugees
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.
Protection for DREAM Youth
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.
The Immigrant & Latino Vote Matters in Idaho
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.
From Selma to Montgomery
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 statesContinue reading “From Selma to Montgomery”
ICAN Member Featured in CNN story
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, andContinue reading “ICAN Member Featured in CNN story”