Showing posts with label Immigration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Immigration. Show all posts
Sunday, December 26, 2010
UPDATE ON CHIPOTLE'S WORKERS
Chipotle workers protested on Dec 22 at a Chipotle Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. No results yet. Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGL8MYvrpHE
Monday, December 20, 2010
“The Death of the DREAM Act”.
By Silvia Uribe
Latinos are not only disappointed, but also frustrated by the failure of the DREAM Act in Congress. The main problem was not that Republicans wanted to derail it– everyone knew that - but that Democrats didn’t have their act together, and some joined the Republicans and voted against it. With those 5 Democrat votes against, the DREAM Act fell 5 votes short from passing. If those 5 Democrat votes would’ve been pro DREAM, the bill would have reached the Senate floor, and could have passed by a simple majority.
Unfortunately, this shows the reality of the Democratic Party. It is disjointed, and unable to organize one vote. This leaves Latinos out in the cold, and with no clear option as to which political party to turn to. Maybe now is the time for an Independent candidate to come forward for 2012, uniting the Latino vote and taking it away from both parties.
Even worse, is that the DREAM Act failure comes on the heels of the passing of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy reversal, which allows for gays in the military to be as openly gay as they may. The country is focusing in celebrating this great success, of course, however, very little has been said in the media about the irrational vote on the DREAM Act.
Why irrational? Because who can possibly think that the youth - who didn’t come to this country willfully, but were brought by their parents - who will become well educated adults, paying their taxes, their social security, expending in consumer products, is not something that our country will benefit from? We’re talking about 1.2 million immigrant youth in this group, according experts. Republicans, frankly, are blindly obsessed with fighting anything that could appear like an amnesty. Whether it could be beneficial or not, they don’t care.
As upsetting as the failing of the DREAM Act is, it is not surprising to those who have been paying attention to the writing on the wall. When the Democrats had the majority in both houses, the Democratic leadership wasn’t able to cash in on that political power. Now things have changed, the fight for the presidential race on 2012 is on, and Republicans will for sure obstruct anything that Obama wants to do.
Although Republicans say that they are interested in passing a comprehensive immigration reform, it is not expected that they will act on it, until “our borders are secured”, as they have expressed. But, curiously enough, they keep opposing the bills that fund border security. It seems that the “statuos quo” is working fine for them. In the meantime, we can expect more abuse of power, and inhumane treatment for those undocumented.
Unfortunately, this shows the reality of the Democratic Party. It is disjointed, and unable to organize one vote. This leaves Latinos out in the cold, and with no clear option as to which political party to turn to. Maybe now is the time for an Independent candidate to come forward for 2012, uniting the Latino vote and taking it away from both parties.
Even worse, is that the DREAM Act failure comes on the heels of the passing of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy reversal, which allows for gays in the military to be as openly gay as they may. The country is focusing in celebrating this great success, of course, however, very little has been said in the media about the irrational vote on the DREAM Act.
Why irrational? Because who can possibly think that the youth - who didn’t come to this country willfully, but were brought by their parents - who will become well educated adults, paying their taxes, their social security, expending in consumer products, is not something that our country will benefit from? We’re talking about 1.2 million immigrant youth in this group, according experts. Republicans, frankly, are blindly obsessed with fighting anything that could appear like an amnesty. Whether it could be beneficial or not, they don’t care.
As upsetting as the failing of the DREAM Act is, it is not surprising to those who have been paying attention to the writing on the wall. When the Democrats had the majority in both houses, the Democratic leadership wasn’t able to cash in on that political power. Now things have changed, the fight for the presidential race on 2012 is on, and Republicans will for sure obstruct anything that Obama wants to do.
Although Republicans say that they are interested in passing a comprehensive immigration reform, it is not expected that they will act on it, until “our borders are secured”, as they have expressed. But, curiously enough, they keep opposing the bills that fund border security. It seems that the “statuos quo” is working fine for them. In the meantime, we can expect more abuse of power, and inhumane treatment for those undocumented.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
CHIPOTLE'S WORKERS SUPPORT A BOYCOTT
December 16, 2010
In relation to our previous posting, regarding CHIPOTLE "cooperation with ICE" we've received communication from CHIPOTLE's workers' representatives in Minnesota [NAIR_CC:7866]:
Thank you for forwarding this aticle. In Minnesota, we are working with the workers and they are supporting a boycott. From our meeting with workers there are three main demands for Chipotle: (1) that Chipotle tell the truth about what's going on -- they won't say anything to the fired workers or to the media; (2) that Chipotle give people more time, don't fire them immediately; and (3) that Chipotle pay them for their hours work and the year-end bonuses they are due. And they have the demand for ICE to stop these I-9 audits so this doesn't happen to anyone else.
In solidarity,
Anh Pham
MIRAc
---o---
It seems CHIPOTLE is not only "cooperating" with ICE, but also they're trying to make money out of their employees. Hmmmm...
CALL TO ACTION: SUPPORT THE BOYCOTT (and re-post this comment)
In relation to our previous posting, regarding CHIPOTLE "cooperation with ICE" we've received communication from CHIPOTLE's workers' representatives in Minnesota [NAIR_CC:7866]:
Thank you for forwarding this aticle. In Minnesota, we are working with the workers and they are supporting a boycott. From our meeting with workers there are three main demands for Chipotle: (1) that Chipotle tell the truth about what's going on -- they won't say anything to the fired workers or to the media; (2) that Chipotle give people more time, don't fire them immediately; and (3) that Chipotle pay them for their hours work and the year-end bonuses they are due. And they have the demand for ICE to stop these I-9 audits so this doesn't happen to anyone else.
In solidarity,
Anh Pham
MIRAc
---o---
It seems CHIPOTLE is not only "cooperating" with ICE, but also they're trying to make money out of their employees. Hmmmm...
CALL TO ACTION: SUPPORT THE BOYCOTT (and re-post this comment)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
CHIPOTLE "COOPERATES WITH ICE" - Fox News
According to CityPages, an online Minnesota blog, restaurant managers referred all questions to Chipotle's corporate headquarters in Denver. Chipotle released the following statement to Fox News Latino:
"We are fully cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Minnesota in response to a request for documents they have made. Chipotle is extremely proud of its diverse and talented workforce, and is saddened by the loss of some excellent employees."
There is no confirmation that all of the released employees have been fired due to their document status.
The number of fired employees -- at least 80, CityPages reports -- could still grow. The Minnesota Immigration Rights Committee has stepped in to condemn the firings and represent the now jobless employees.
Workers gathered at then Bethany Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on Tuesday to share their stories and discuss their options.
---- o ----
CALL TO ACTION: Let's not eat at CHIPOTLE. Pass the word.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
When Thinking Immigration Reform, Also Think Integration Management*!
By Silvia Uribe
It is a well known fact that Immigration represents a challenge for most countries these days. Another fact is that immigrants are blamed worldwide for most maladies that countries face, although most of the time the blame is based on everything (prejudices, stereotypes, suspicion, and racism) but facts.
In the U.S, past the habitual blame and the political fight regarding the undeniable need for an Immigration Reform is the undisputable priority that represents the well being of the country as a whole. Republicans and Democrats need to understand that our country is more than their narrow, incredibly limited and painfully castrating – to the people – political strategies.
Immigration policy is a serious concern. A concern that our government needs to tackle immediately after this midterm election. Republicans and some Democrats consistently oppose a reform, and later blame the President for not being efficient, and for not making good on campaign promises. Our society cannot afford to wait any longer on the Immigration issue. Otherwise, the price could be too high.
However, an Immigration Reform that covers only a path to legalization, border security and sanctions won’t cut it. It needs to include a well rounded Immigrant Integration Management* piece as the core of this reform. The financial resources to accomplish this could be available by redirecting them from the presently funded failing methods to “control” our borders.
Under this policy framework, things like race relations, ethnic dilemmas, language skills, and the gap in education, plus inter-state cooperation, addressed in the Berne Initiative from December 2004 http://bit.ly/a0qdCk would be put into play.
Studies have demonstrated that although by law there’s no segregation in our country, there’s a lot of it happening from coast to coast. Ethnic groups are not willing to mingle with each other, and as a result, there’s no understanding, and of course, no trust among them.
Moreover, ethnic groups are constantly bombarded with negative information about each other and the division among them could become unsolvable if we don’t address the problem fast, head on, and with determination.
Fear and distrust of each other is fueled by political parties every time these want to accomplish something, stirring an effervescence that could bubble up without control. When groups are so polarized, it is only a matter of time before serious confrontations erupt.
As a country, we’ve lived in denial about this for many years. Now, with such a large Latino minority we can do it no more. It is by addressing the issues, promoting understanding, and integrating the different ethnic groups that they can get to trust each other and work in a concerted effort. This is the kind of political strategy that will propel all of us to the peaceful, bright and thriving future that we all envision.
If our goal is to remain as one of the world’s financial and political powers; one that is relevant, and able to lead in a global economy, it is in our best interest not to allow any minority group to fall behind or be disenfranchised. This is particularly important, in the wake of rapidly developing economies such as China and India, and should be made the number one priority for our representatives in both houses.
It is time to demand that they pass an Immigration Reform with a well thought out Integration Management* component.
*Integration Management: Organization of constituent elements into a coordinated, harmonious whole to achieve specific goals.
It is a well known fact that Immigration represents a challenge for most countries these days. Another fact is that immigrants are blamed worldwide for most maladies that countries face, although most of the time the blame is based on everything (prejudices, stereotypes, suspicion, and racism) but facts.
In the U.S, past the habitual blame and the political fight regarding the undeniable need for an Immigration Reform is the undisputable priority that represents the well being of the country as a whole. Republicans and Democrats need to understand that our country is more than their narrow, incredibly limited and painfully castrating – to the people – political strategies.
Immigration policy is a serious concern. A concern that our government needs to tackle immediately after this midterm election. Republicans and some Democrats consistently oppose a reform, and later blame the President for not being efficient, and for not making good on campaign promises. Our society cannot afford to wait any longer on the Immigration issue. Otherwise, the price could be too high.
However, an Immigration Reform that covers only a path to legalization, border security and sanctions won’t cut it. It needs to include a well rounded Immigrant Integration Management* piece as the core of this reform. The financial resources to accomplish this could be available by redirecting them from the presently funded failing methods to “control” our borders.
Under this policy framework, things like race relations, ethnic dilemmas, language skills, and the gap in education, plus inter-state cooperation, addressed in the Berne Initiative from December 2004 http://bit.ly/a0qdCk would be put into play.
Studies have demonstrated that although by law there’s no segregation in our country, there’s a lot of it happening from coast to coast. Ethnic groups are not willing to mingle with each other, and as a result, there’s no understanding, and of course, no trust among them.
Moreover, ethnic groups are constantly bombarded with negative information about each other and the division among them could become unsolvable if we don’t address the problem fast, head on, and with determination.
Fear and distrust of each other is fueled by political parties every time these want to accomplish something, stirring an effervescence that could bubble up without control. When groups are so polarized, it is only a matter of time before serious confrontations erupt.
As a country, we’ve lived in denial about this for many years. Now, with such a large Latino minority we can do it no more. It is by addressing the issues, promoting understanding, and integrating the different ethnic groups that they can get to trust each other and work in a concerted effort. This is the kind of political strategy that will propel all of us to the peaceful, bright and thriving future that we all envision.
If our goal is to remain as one of the world’s financial and political powers; one that is relevant, and able to lead in a global economy, it is in our best interest not to allow any minority group to fall behind or be disenfranchised. This is particularly important, in the wake of rapidly developing economies such as China and India, and should be made the number one priority for our representatives in both houses.
It is time to demand that they pass an Immigration Reform with a well thought out Integration Management* component.
*Integration Management: Organization of constituent elements into a coordinated, harmonious whole to achieve specific goals.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Monique Limon Knows What She's Talking About
By Silvia Uribe
Monique Limón is not the only one, but she is definitely a shining example of a success story from our high schools—and her story is just starting.
I met Monique Limón this summer during the Education Achievement Summit in Santa Barbara, organized by Just Communities among others. It brought together important stakeholders and showed all participants what an open and sincere dialogue plus the decision to improve our school district can accomplish. The summit had around 80 participants.
It didn’t take most participants long to be interested in what Limón had to say. The points she made were crucial, and her eloquent way of presenting them was not only smart but refreshing. Coming from someone who is not only a former student in the Santa Barbara School District, but whose meteoric career path has made her a highly ranked administrator at UCSB, her observations packed a wallop. She knows first-hand what our schools already offer, and what they lack. Then, I learned that she was running for Santa Barbara School Board of Trustees.
After that day, I’ve had several opportunities to talk to Limón and to learn more about her and about what she stands for. Limón is a petite woman who’s all vitality and smiles. In her eyes, however, one can see the strength of someone who’s determined to fight for what she believes. She appears to me to be a true leader.
I asked her to share a little bit with Grapevine readers, considering the influence that she would have over Goleta Valley Junior High, San Marcos High, and Dos Pueblos High, which are located in our backyard.
How would you describe yourself?
“I am a native of Santa Barbara and a product of our local schools and community. I am committed to enhancing the educational and career opportunities for Santa Barbara residents through my work as an educator in our community.”
In short, what's your background?
“As a Santa Barbara local, I began my education as a first generation. college-bound, English as a Second Language (ESL) student and transitioned into honors and the GATE program. I earned my BA from UC Berkeley and MA in education from one of the country’s top graduate schools in education: Columbia University, Teacher’s College.
“I have spent much of my professional career working with and mentoring students of all ages as well as working with families in Santa Barbara County. As a program advisor for the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP), I coordinated the Parent School Partnership program, and financial aid workshops for all high school seniors and parents, and facilitated the “Transfer: Making It Happen” (California Senate Bill 1898) program for local schools in our district. In my current position at UCSB, I serve as the assistant director of the McNair Scholars Program, where I provide leadership and manage a U.S. Department of Education program. I am also an instructor for Interdisciplinary Studies Courses for undergraduate students at UCSB.”
Why now, and why the School Board?
“My experience as a teacher, administrator, and program manager over the past eight years has allowed me to develop a deep and complex understanding of public education. I am committed to continue enhancing educational and career opportunities for our community. My knowledge and understanding of our educational system brings a much-needed perspective in student learning and achievement to the San Barbara School Board.”
How will your previous professional experience help the board, the students, and the parents?
“I have been an effective educator and a promoter of higher education in our community. I have worked with more than 3,000 junior high and high school students and more than 400 parents advising them on issues such as college prerequisites, financial aid, and career opportunities. These experiences have and will contribute to decision-making on the school board level. It is important to have leaders who are not only qualified to make policy and fiscal decisions, but who also understand the impact these decisions will have on our students both in and outside of the classroom.”
Name your three main goals to accomplish.
“As a member of the Santa Barbara Board of Education, I hope to address the challenges of budget cuts by drawing upon my experience working with state and federal educational programs that required responsible fiscal oversight and expect quantitative and qualitative outcomes. Student achievement is a historical problem that requires stakeholder engagement and starts with parent involvement. Our schools face many challenges and also battle with the realities of shifting priorities determined by the daily needs of our schools and demands/impact of state policies. I will work to achieve the right balance between our state and local priorities to work toward sustaining successful schools.”
Why should people vote for you?
“As someone who has been part of the Santa Barbara community for more than three decades, I bring a diverse range of experiences that include serving on a county commission, local nonprofit boards, and managing programs focused on student achievement and increasing parental involvement. My work in education, our community, and understanding of our local schools gives me a winning combination of experiences that are needed for our school board.”
By now, you probably agree with me that this candidate is like no other, in her background, her vast experience, and her energy. To volunteer or to learn more about Monique Limón’s campaign, please go to her Web site or send an email to limon4sbschools@gmail.com.
Silvia Uribe is a freelance writer with a Latino perspective.
Also published at www.independent.com/goleta
I met Monique Limón this summer during the Education Achievement Summit in Santa Barbara, organized by Just Communities among others. It brought together important stakeholders and showed all participants what an open and sincere dialogue plus the decision to improve our school district can accomplish. The summit had around 80 participants.
It didn’t take most participants long to be interested in what Limón had to say. The points she made were crucial, and her eloquent way of presenting them was not only smart but refreshing. Coming from someone who is not only a former student in the Santa Barbara School District, but whose meteoric career path has made her a highly ranked administrator at UCSB, her observations packed a wallop. She knows first-hand what our schools already offer, and what they lack. Then, I learned that she was running for Santa Barbara School Board of Trustees.
After that day, I’ve had several opportunities to talk to Limón and to learn more about her and about what she stands for. Limón is a petite woman who’s all vitality and smiles. In her eyes, however, one can see the strength of someone who’s determined to fight for what she believes. She appears to me to be a true leader.
I asked her to share a little bit with Grapevine readers, considering the influence that she would have over Goleta Valley Junior High, San Marcos High, and Dos Pueblos High, which are located in our backyard.
How would you describe yourself?
“I am a native of Santa Barbara and a product of our local schools and community. I am committed to enhancing the educational and career opportunities for Santa Barbara residents through my work as an educator in our community.”
In short, what's your background?
“As a Santa Barbara local, I began my education as a first generation. college-bound, English as a Second Language (ESL) student and transitioned into honors and the GATE program. I earned my BA from UC Berkeley and MA in education from one of the country’s top graduate schools in education: Columbia University, Teacher’s College.
“I have spent much of my professional career working with and mentoring students of all ages as well as working with families in Santa Barbara County. As a program advisor for the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP), I coordinated the Parent School Partnership program, and financial aid workshops for all high school seniors and parents, and facilitated the “Transfer: Making It Happen” (California Senate Bill 1898) program for local schools in our district. In my current position at UCSB, I serve as the assistant director of the McNair Scholars Program, where I provide leadership and manage a U.S. Department of Education program. I am also an instructor for Interdisciplinary Studies Courses for undergraduate students at UCSB.”
Why now, and why the School Board?
“My experience as a teacher, administrator, and program manager over the past eight years has allowed me to develop a deep and complex understanding of public education. I am committed to continue enhancing educational and career opportunities for our community. My knowledge and understanding of our educational system brings a much-needed perspective in student learning and achievement to the San Barbara School Board.”
How will your previous professional experience help the board, the students, and the parents?
“I have been an effective educator and a promoter of higher education in our community. I have worked with more than 3,000 junior high and high school students and more than 400 parents advising them on issues such as college prerequisites, financial aid, and career opportunities. These experiences have and will contribute to decision-making on the school board level. It is important to have leaders who are not only qualified to make policy and fiscal decisions, but who also understand the impact these decisions will have on our students both in and outside of the classroom.”
Name your three main goals to accomplish.
“As a member of the Santa Barbara Board of Education, I hope to address the challenges of budget cuts by drawing upon my experience working with state and federal educational programs that required responsible fiscal oversight and expect quantitative and qualitative outcomes. Student achievement is a historical problem that requires stakeholder engagement and starts with parent involvement. Our schools face many challenges and also battle with the realities of shifting priorities determined by the daily needs of our schools and demands/impact of state policies. I will work to achieve the right balance between our state and local priorities to work toward sustaining successful schools.”
Why should people vote for you?
“As someone who has been part of the Santa Barbara community for more than three decades, I bring a diverse range of experiences that include serving on a county commission, local nonprofit boards, and managing programs focused on student achievement and increasing parental involvement. My work in education, our community, and understanding of our local schools gives me a winning combination of experiences that are needed for our school board.”
By now, you probably agree with me that this candidate is like no other, in her background, her vast experience, and her energy. To volunteer or to learn more about Monique Limón’s campaign, please go to her Web site or send an email to limon4sbschools@gmail.com.
Silvia Uribe is a freelance writer with a Latino perspective.
Also published at www.independent.com/goleta
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Latinos lack strategy for an Immigration Reform
By Silvia Uribe
Politics in the U.S. is like a soccer game: each player has a role on the field, each is equally important for the team, and the team has a strategy, and a goal. We Latinos certainly have an abundance of players, but we are not yet organized as a team, and unfortunately, we lack strategy, and our goal is a blur. This is why Latinos rarely score in politics, and victory is a pleasure we seldom enjoy.
If this sounds a little harsh to you, think again. Today, The Pew Hispanic Center’s (PHC) published the results of a survey. Among other things it tells us that "immigration does not rank as a top voting issue for Hispanics. Rather, they rank education, jobs and health care as their top three issues of concern for this year's congressional campaign.” How can this be? If Latinos don’t see the Immigration Reform as the most important issue, why should others? If this is not important enough for Latinos to demand, and vote for - with 11 million undocumented Latinos – then why should it be important for those that benefit from a disorderly situation?
When will we, as Latinos, be able to recognize the political power that we could have? When are we going to wake up to a reality that is very obvious to everyone, but ourselves? Everyone else in the U.S. seems to understand that the Latino vote is crucial, but since we don’t go out to the polls, they keep just promising stuff, and giving us a rhetorical piece that may sound good, but in the end, continues to harm our own, our brothers and sisters’, and our children’s future.
The good news is, according to the same survey, as a group, Latinos are still very much in support of the Democratic Party. “Two-thirds (65%) of Latino registered voters say they plan to support the Democratic candidate in their local congressional district, while just 22% support the Republican candidate, according to a nationwide survey.”
The bad news is that, when it comes to actual intent to vote, only “51% of the Latino registered voters said they feel motivated to do so, while 70% of all registered voters said they are absolutely certain they will.” This is what I’m talking about, and this happens time after time.
It is encouraging to see that most Latinos realize that the Democrats are the party that has more concern for Hispanics. The point is that our tendency of not showing to the voting polls can only harm us, particularly with a pending Immigration Reform now, and in the future, with the Education Reform.
We seem not to understand timing, and timing is of essence in politics.
Interestingly enough, the PHC survey also found that 58% of Latino registered voters who have had conversations about the immigration policy debate with someone are more motivated to vote in the upcoming election compared to the 39% who haven't.
Whoever said that people should not talk about politics was wrong. On the contrary. We need to talk about the important political issues that affect our life. We need to inform others, and encourage them to vote. We need to tune-in. We cannot waste more time.
It is now, and it is us.
Silvia Uribe is a freelance writer with a Latino Perspective.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Want Money For Defense? Pass The DREAM Act.
By Silvia Uribe
It is time to start talking about Immigration again. Like I predicted sometime ago, it looks like President Obama will try to pass an Immigration Reform before 2011 is over. If there’s one thing that Obama doesn’t need or want is to face this issue right before midterm elections. In reality, passing a reform next year, will gain him the points he needs to win the reelection in 2012.
By the same token, Obama’s already drained image, and lack of character will make it almost an impossible task, counting necessarily, on the stubbornness of the Republicans in the Senate.
Our appetite for a much needed Immigration Reform increased this week when we had the Dream Act delivered as an appetizer. On Tuesday, Harry Reid Senate Majority Leader announced that he will place the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act), inside a defense funding bill set to go before the Senate next week.
Under the rigorous provisions of the DREAM Act, qualifying undocumented youth would be eligible for a 6 year conditional path to citizenship that requires completion of a college degree or two years of military service. The DREAM Act has bipartisan support, and we need the vote of 60 senators to pass the bill.
We, of course, need to take into consideration that these young people are here illegally through no fault of their own. Their parents brought them when they were minors, and they have grown up, and learned to love this country, their country. It is these same youth that we’ve encouraged to apply themselves, study, become better persons, and better citizens. When they are ready to do just that, Republicans like John McCain, want to take the rug from under their feet by loudly opposing the Dream Act. With this move, Reid is basically forcing the Senate to pass the Dream Act in order for funds to be allocated for defense purposes.
He must be of the same opinion as the great politician and educator Edward Everett who once said “Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.” On the other hand, misleading politicians like McCain prefer not to have the people of our country well educated in order to manipulate them at their will.
Some others, within the GOP also expressed their disapproval. They don’t want to start the conversations on immigration, and much less on anything that has to do with what they mischievously call an amnesty.
President Obama acknowledged that the Immigration Reform in general and the Dream Act in particular has enemies, but sent a clear message to Latinos when he recently said "don't forget who is standing with you, and who is standing against you. Don't ever believe that this election coming up doesn't matter. ... Don't forget who your friends are." Obama also said “I’m not walking away from this fight...”
However, what’s most important is that Latinos cannot sit back and do nothing. We need to vote, and be politically active. We have power in numbers. Why let others decide? We need to learn how to fight for a common purpose, one that will take us all ahead. We need to unite, and look for the benefit of our children, and for their right to live legally and peacefully in the country we call ours: the United States.
We seem to only be 5 votes away from the 60 votes needed to pass this bill. We can do it if we all help.
CALL TO ACTION: To support students' dreams in five minutes by making just two phone calls. Please ask Senators Hatch and Bennett from Utah to support the DREAM ACT. To reach them, please call the Capitol Switchboard at 1-888-254-5087. If this number is busy, please call 1-202-224-3121. Please consider asking five people you know to join you in making calls.
For information on who to call and for a script to make your call click http://www.dreamactivist.org/
It is time to start talking about Immigration again. Like I predicted sometime ago, it looks like President Obama will try to pass an Immigration Reform before 2011 is over. If there’s one thing that Obama doesn’t need or want is to face this issue right before midterm elections. In reality, passing a reform next year, will gain him the points he needs to win the reelection in 2012.
By the same token, Obama’s already drained image, and lack of character will make it almost an impossible task, counting necessarily, on the stubbornness of the Republicans in the Senate.
Our appetite for a much needed Immigration Reform increased this week when we had the Dream Act delivered as an appetizer. On Tuesday, Harry Reid Senate Majority Leader announced that he will place the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act), inside a defense funding bill set to go before the Senate next week.
Under the rigorous provisions of the DREAM Act, qualifying undocumented youth would be eligible for a 6 year conditional path to citizenship that requires completion of a college degree or two years of military service. The DREAM Act has bipartisan support, and we need the vote of 60 senators to pass the bill.
We, of course, need to take into consideration that these young people are here illegally through no fault of their own. Their parents brought them when they were minors, and they have grown up, and learned to love this country, their country. It is these same youth that we’ve encouraged to apply themselves, study, become better persons, and better citizens. When they are ready to do just that, Republicans like John McCain, want to take the rug from under their feet by loudly opposing the Dream Act. With this move, Reid is basically forcing the Senate to pass the Dream Act in order for funds to be allocated for defense purposes.
He must be of the same opinion as the great politician and educator Edward Everett who once said “Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.” On the other hand, misleading politicians like McCain prefer not to have the people of our country well educated in order to manipulate them at their will.
Some others, within the GOP also expressed their disapproval. They don’t want to start the conversations on immigration, and much less on anything that has to do with what they mischievously call an amnesty.
President Obama acknowledged that the Immigration Reform in general and the Dream Act in particular has enemies, but sent a clear message to Latinos when he recently said "don't forget who is standing with you, and who is standing against you. Don't ever believe that this election coming up doesn't matter. ... Don't forget who your friends are." Obama also said “I’m not walking away from this fight...”
However, what’s most important is that Latinos cannot sit back and do nothing. We need to vote, and be politically active. We have power in numbers. Why let others decide? We need to learn how to fight for a common purpose, one that will take us all ahead. We need to unite, and look for the benefit of our children, and for their right to live legally and peacefully in the country we call ours: the United States.
We seem to only be 5 votes away from the 60 votes needed to pass this bill. We can do it if we all help.
CALL TO ACTION: To support students' dreams in five minutes by making just two phone calls. Please ask Senators Hatch and Bennett from Utah to support the DREAM ACT. To reach them, please call the Capitol Switchboard at 1-888-254-5087. If this number is busy, please call 1-202-224-3121. Please consider asking five people you know to join you in making calls.
For information on who to call and for a script to make your call click http://www.dreamactivist.org/
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