from Janis Rosheuvel, Director, Families for Freedom
Who is Roxroy Salmon?
Roxroy Salmon is a national of Jamaica who has lived in the United States for the past thirty years. He came to the U.S. with his father when he was a young man to seek a good education and to accomplish his goals. He has four beautiful children that were born in the U.S. He also has a daughter who was born in Jamaica. He adores all of his children. He lives with three of his children: Natasha, an 18 year old who attends Long Island University for legal studies, Nyasia, a 15 year old studying design at her high school and Elijah, a 12 year old in middle school. Roxroy is an organizer at Families for Freedom and a member of the New Sanctuary Coalition. Because of minor drug convictions from over 20 years ago, he is facing removal proceedings. He believes that everyone deserves their human right to stay with their families. He is working hard to pass legislation that would keep his family together: HR 182, the Child Citizen Protection Act (CCPA). This bill, if passed, would allow immigration judges the power to use their discretion in Roxroy’s case, allowing them to stop his deportation.In Roxroy's own words: "I live and breathe for my children. It is my greatest honor. I teach my children decency and moral values because I was brought up that way. I teach them to be good human beings: to love God, themselves and their neighbors. I just can’t bear the thought of being away from my family - most of all my children and grandchildren, my brothers and sisters and my mother.”Fast to Stop Deportation!
At least one individual or organization will be fasting each day from March 8, 2009 to June 2, 2009, an act that is meant to remind us of Roxroy’s struggle to keep his family safe and together as he faces deportation. As we fast, we remember our families, friends and colleagues as they face similar struggles to stay in the United States with their loved ones. Please join us! Fast for a day sometime between today and June 2, 2009 and then jot down your thoughts on this blog! Check the Fast blog (htt p://justiceisfreedom.wordpress.com/) to see the dates (in red) that have already been signed up for; dates shown in white are wide open!
General Instructions for the Fast:
1. Choose at least one day between March 8, 2009 and June 2, 2009 to fast. We encourage people to fast for more than one day. Please keep in mind that you do not have to fast over consecutive days. If you belong to an organization, you can encourage your organization to fast together.
2. To sign up, send an e-mail neildiamondrulz@hotmail.com and either tell us what day you’d like to fast, or let us pick a date for you!
3. Fast in whatever way makes sense for you. Some people may fast only during daylight hours, others only drink water, others do not take in anything at all. Please take your personal health needs into account.
4. During your day(s) of fast, please keep in mind the immigrant families who are facing deportation, especially Roxroy’s family.
5. Lastly, come to http://justiceisfreedom.wordpress.com/ and post your reflections from your Fast day(s) on the discussion board. (If you have a WordPress account, contact an administrator and we’ll authorize you to post. If you don’t, e-mail your post and we’ll put it up for you.) Please express yourself freely, but be respectful of the community space.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Will the Economic Meltdown Push Fixing a Broken Immigration System to the Back Burner?
In his recent address to Congress, Barack Obama didn't mention immigration once -- what does it mean for the prospects for reform?
By Joshua Holland, AlterNet
March 13, 2009
On the campaign trail last year, Barack Obama promised to make comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) "a top priority in my first year as president."
Stressing the importance of "finally bring[ing] undocumented immigrants out of the shadows," Obama laid out the basic framework of the deal that died twice in Congress in recent years: "they should have to pay a fine, and learn English, and go to the back of the line," he said. "That's how we'll put them on a pathway to citizenship. That's how we'll finally fix our broken immigration system and avoid creating a servant class in our midst."
But in his recent address to Congress, immigration was nowhere to be found in the 6,134-word speech. [...]
Read the full article at:
http://www.alternet.org/story/131149/
By Joshua Holland, AlterNet
March 13, 2009
On the campaign trail last year, Barack Obama promised to make comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) "a top priority in my first year as president."
Stressing the importance of "finally bring[ing] undocumented immigrants out of the shadows," Obama laid out the basic framework of the deal that died twice in Congress in recent years: "they should have to pay a fine, and learn English, and go to the back of the line," he said. "That's how we'll put them on a pathway to citizenship. That's how we'll finally fix our broken immigration system and avoid creating a servant class in our midst."
But in his recent address to Congress, immigration was nowhere to be found in the 6,134-word speech. [...]
Read the full article at:
http://www.alternet.org/story/131149/
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Reforming U.S. Immigration: Economic Stimulus Through Legalization
by Dr. Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda, Class Action
March 3, 2009
http://www.classism.org/article2.php?id=229
This paper makes three critical arguments on how to view the imperative of achieving justice for immigrants with the national priority of passing a national economic stimulus bill. It is our view that both priorities are complementary and merit immediate enactment by Congress and President Obama.
I.) Legalization of the nation’s undocumented workers is now an economic necessity, as well as a moral and civil rights imperative. Legalization increases short-term incomes, job creating consumption and net tax revenues in the low wage segments of the labor market, as well as sets the long-term foundation for an expanding middle class and a more sustainable economic recovery. The experience of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) is very instructive in this regard, producing both wage and consumption gains, and enhanced tax-revenue collection in the midst of a recession of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, as well as decades of very high rates of educational, home and small business investments by newly legalized families. If Congress and President Obama legalized the current 10-12 million undocumented persons in the U.S. an economic stimulus of $30-36 billion in personal income, 750,000-900,000 new jobs, and $4.5 to $5.4 billion in net tax revenue would result!
II.) Movement now towards legalization and naturalization of the roughly twenty million legal permanent residents and undocumented persons would create local and state regional mini-booms in civic engagement. Furthermore, enabling civic participation of these previously excluded groups will substantially intensify public support for an inclusive and humane tenor with regard to immigration reform as well as public policies aimed at providing support to low income and socially disadvantaged socioeconomic profiles.
III.) The national security outcome desired by Washington, D.C. of declining undocumented migration is attainable under existing law and there is no need for further legislation expanding security-related provisions related to undocumented migration. Indeed, we must begin to recognize that the current approach is very costly (in money, rights and lives), and increasingly yielding diminishing returns. Massive security-related expenditure growth now yields lower numbers of apprehensions as migration from Mexico to the US (both undocumented and legal) has been dropping due to security measures, the climate of repression in immigrant communities, and the declining regional economy. The unintended consequences of further pursuing the current enforcement only approach include generating a vulnerable underground economy and maintaining an artificially low wage floor, actually encouraging the demand for vulnerable undocumented workers.
This paper was commissioned by the William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI) in compliance with the Omnibus Immigration Reform resolution #4.02 approved by the September 2006 National Latino Congreso.01/23/09
For full paper (PDF):
http://www.wcvi.org/intermestic_initiatives/FinalWCVIWhitePaperLegalization.pdf
March 3, 2009
http://www.classism.org/article2.php?id=229
This paper makes three critical arguments on how to view the imperative of achieving justice for immigrants with the national priority of passing a national economic stimulus bill. It is our view that both priorities are complementary and merit immediate enactment by Congress and President Obama.
I.) Legalization of the nation’s undocumented workers is now an economic necessity, as well as a moral and civil rights imperative. Legalization increases short-term incomes, job creating consumption and net tax revenues in the low wage segments of the labor market, as well as sets the long-term foundation for an expanding middle class and a more sustainable economic recovery. The experience of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) is very instructive in this regard, producing both wage and consumption gains, and enhanced tax-revenue collection in the midst of a recession of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, as well as decades of very high rates of educational, home and small business investments by newly legalized families. If Congress and President Obama legalized the current 10-12 million undocumented persons in the U.S. an economic stimulus of $30-36 billion in personal income, 750,000-900,000 new jobs, and $4.5 to $5.4 billion in net tax revenue would result!
II.) Movement now towards legalization and naturalization of the roughly twenty million legal permanent residents and undocumented persons would create local and state regional mini-booms in civic engagement. Furthermore, enabling civic participation of these previously excluded groups will substantially intensify public support for an inclusive and humane tenor with regard to immigration reform as well as public policies aimed at providing support to low income and socially disadvantaged socioeconomic profiles.
III.) The national security outcome desired by Washington, D.C. of declining undocumented migration is attainable under existing law and there is no need for further legislation expanding security-related provisions related to undocumented migration. Indeed, we must begin to recognize that the current approach is very costly (in money, rights and lives), and increasingly yielding diminishing returns. Massive security-related expenditure growth now yields lower numbers of apprehensions as migration from Mexico to the US (both undocumented and legal) has been dropping due to security measures, the climate of repression in immigrant communities, and the declining regional economy. The unintended consequences of further pursuing the current enforcement only approach include generating a vulnerable underground economy and maintaining an artificially low wage floor, actually encouraging the demand for vulnerable undocumented workers.
This paper was commissioned by the William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI) in compliance with the Omnibus Immigration Reform resolution #4.02 approved by the September 2006 National Latino Congreso.01/23/09
For full paper (PDF):
http://www.wcvi.org/intermestic_initiatives/FinalWCVIWhitePaperLegalization.pdf
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Workers Without Borders
By Jennifer Gordon, New York Times op-ed
March 9, 2009
Americans are hardly in the mood to welcome new immigrants. The last thing we need, the reasoning goes, is more competition for increasingly scarce jobs. But the need for immigration reform is more urgent than ever. The current system hurts wages and working conditions — for everyone.
Today, millions of undocumented immigrants accept whatever wage is offered. They don’t protest out of fear of being fired or deported. A few hundred thousand guest workers, brought in for seasonal and agricultural jobs, know that asserting their rights could result in a swift flight home. This system traps migrants in bad jobs and ends up lowering wages all around.
Read the full op-ed:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/opinion/10gordon.html?ref=opinion
March 9, 2009
Americans are hardly in the mood to welcome new immigrants. The last thing we need, the reasoning goes, is more competition for increasingly scarce jobs. But the need for immigration reform is more urgent than ever. The current system hurts wages and working conditions — for everyone.
Today, millions of undocumented immigrants accept whatever wage is offered. They don’t protest out of fear of being fired or deported. A few hundred thousand guest workers, brought in for seasonal and agricultural jobs, know that asserting their rights could result in a swift flight home. This system traps migrants in bad jobs and ends up lowering wages all around.
Read the full op-ed:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/opinion/10gordon.html?ref=opinion
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Amnesty NOW: How and Why
by Jane Guskin, Huffington Post
March 4, 2009
Most analysts agree that the chances of immigration reform in the first year or two of Obama's administration are extremely slim. We can't expect politicians and policymakers to take action. The change we want to see has to come from below.
read full blog post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jane-guskin/amnesty-now-how-and-why_b_170835.html
or
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/guskin040309.html
March 4, 2009
Most analysts agree that the chances of immigration reform in the first year or two of Obama's administration are extremely slim. We can't expect politicians and policymakers to take action. The change we want to see has to come from below.
read full blog post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jane-guskin/amnesty-now-how-and-why_b_170835.html
or
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/guskin040309.html
"Immigration Rights Revival": NYC, Mar. 7-8
[If you're in the New York area, you shouldn't miss two special events this weekend on immigration detention, organized by performance artist and Green Party candidate for mayor of New York City Reverend Billy (aka Bill Talen).]
This coming weekend Reverend Billy and the Church of Life After Shopping will perform in front of two detention center sites on Saturday March 7th, followed by a big show honoring New York City Immigrants on Sunday March 8th.
Detention Center Tour
Saturday March 7 at 12 Noon
201 Varick Street (between W. Houston and King St., 1 train to Varick Street)
The Choir and Reverend Billy will perform, and immigration rights advocates will update us their efforts to eliminate the centers and make immigration enforcement transparent. From The Varick Street Center we will cross the river and perform at the notorious for-profit detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Transportation available; please RSVP
<stopshoppingchoir@earthlink.net> or call 347-693-8857
Sunday March 8 at 2:00 PM
Sunday Highline Ballroom
431 West 16th Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues, A/C/E train to 14th Street)
Reverend Billy and the Life After Shopping Gospel Choir Revival, 40 voices singing great new songs and special guests who will speak to us about their experiences inside the detention facilities.
Tickets are available at the door $12.
Special complimentary tickets available to Immigrants and their families and advocates
<stopshoppingchoir@earthlink.net> or call 347-693-8857
Sunday we are collecting underwear for the women in immigration detention facilities who are NOT given any underwear and spend months in these jails with only the one pair of underwear they were wearing when seized by Immigration Police. So bring a pair of new panties. See: http://www.lidereslatinos.org/
////
Amigos, El Reverendo Billy y El Coro de Gospel "La Vida Despues de Comprar" les complace invitarlos a nuestro concierto en El Highline Ballroom el 8 de Marzo un show dedicado a los inmigrantes y a los trabajadores en las comunidades que luchan por sus derechos!
Tenemos un número de billetes gratuitos disponibles para los inmigrantes, sus familias y defensores, por favor email <stopshoppingchoir@earthlink.net> o llámenos a 347-693-8857
El Reverendo Billy y El Coro de Gospel
"La Vida Despues de Domingo, 8 de Marzo
El Highline Ballroom
431 Calle 16 Oeste (entre 9 y 10 de la avenida)
Show: 2:00 PM
Puertas abiertas al público a la 1:00 PM
This coming weekend Reverend Billy and the Church of Life After Shopping will perform in front of two detention center sites on Saturday March 7th, followed by a big show honoring New York City Immigrants on Sunday March 8th.
Detention Center Tour
Saturday March 7 at 12 Noon
201 Varick Street (between W. Houston and King St., 1 train to Varick Street)
The Choir and Reverend Billy will perform, and immigration rights advocates will update us their efforts to eliminate the centers and make immigration enforcement transparent. From The Varick Street Center we will cross the river and perform at the notorious for-profit detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Transportation available; please RSVP
<stopshoppingchoir@earthlink.net> or call 347-693-8857
Sunday March 8 at 2:00 PM
Sunday Highline Ballroom
431 West 16th Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues, A/C/E train to 14th Street)
Reverend Billy and the Life After Shopping Gospel Choir Revival, 40 voices singing great new songs and special guests who will speak to us about their experiences inside the detention facilities.
Tickets are available at the door $12.
Special complimentary tickets available to Immigrants and their families and advocates
<stopshoppingchoir@earthlink.net> or call 347-693-8857
Sunday we are collecting underwear for the women in immigration detention facilities who are NOT given any underwear and spend months in these jails with only the one pair of underwear they were wearing when seized by Immigration Police. So bring a pair of new panties. See: http://www.lidereslatinos.org/
////
Amigos, El Reverendo Billy y El Coro de Gospel "La Vida Despues de Comprar" les complace invitarlos a nuestro concierto en El Highline Ballroom el 8 de Marzo un show dedicado a los inmigrantes y a los trabajadores en las comunidades que luchan por sus derechos!
Tenemos un número de billetes gratuitos disponibles para los inmigrantes, sus familias y defensores, por favor email <stopshoppingchoir@earthlink.net> o llámenos a 347-693-8857
El Reverendo Billy y El Coro de Gospel
"La Vida Despues de Domingo, 8 de Marzo
El Highline Ballroom
431 Calle 16 Oeste (entre 9 y 10 de la avenida)
Show: 2:00 PM
Puertas abiertas al público a la 1:00 PM
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Immigration Detention Reform Moves to Front Burner
Immigration Detention Reform Moves to Front Burner
New America Media, Commentary, Roberto Lovato
Posted: Feb 02, 2009
Editor’s Note: The recent death of an immigrant in a detention center, and a flurry of upcoming reports about conditions in detention center will likely make detention reform one of the first immigration issues the Obama administration will have to contend with writes NAM contributor Roberto Lovato.
Guantanamo Bay isn’t the only prison crisis that President Barack Obama will have to deal with. There’s another crisis growing - in the many immigration detention centers carpeting the interior of the country. Long ignored by policymakers because the combination of immigration and prison reform is politically lethal, calls for major restructuring of the immigration detention system may soon become unavoidable. The death of German immigrant Guido Newbrough in a Virginia detention center has again pushed the issue to the front burner, helped along by incessant calls for change from advocates like Gil Velazquez.
"I went through that system. I was there. I could have died too,” says Velazquez upon hearing of Newbrough’s death. Velazquez, a recently released immigrant detainee from Oaxaca, Mexico who now lives in Richmond, Virginia, is looking for action from Washington. "I wish I could speak to Mr. Obama. I would tell him 'They (immigration authorities) jail so many people and they don't know what they're doing. They have no right to let people die,'" said Velazquez.
[...]
read full article at:
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=ed860bcdfe264cacdb3fdc57680727ce&from=rss
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