Today, May 1, 2007, we celebrate immigrants, the workers and their families that continue to live out the promise of the American Dream. We recognize and venerate the many that have risked their lives getting to this country and remember those that have been turned away; we respect all of those that have been able to stay legally and would that everyone could do the same.
DAY WITHOUT AN IMMIGRANT COALITION
MEDIA ADVISORY
May 1, 2007 Immigration Forum
Houston Center
2029 S. 8th St.
South Philadelphia
Today, May 1, 2007, we celebrate immigrants, the workers and their families that continue to live out the promise of the American Dream. We recognize and venerate the many that have risked their lives getting to this country and remember those that have been turned away; we respect all of those that have been able to stay legally and would that everyone could do the same.
The forum in South Philadelphia seeks to prepare those that would not be able to remain under present law; we will review their rights, their options, and the procedures that the present system imposes on them at the time of deportation. We will also seek to ask the opinion of those present as to what is next needed for their welfare.
While the DayWithout Coalition has voted not to organize strikes, boycotts, or rallies for this date, we remain steadfast in our request to the Congress of the United States of America for passage of fair immigration reform.
Our positions are as follows:
The March 2007 Bush Proposal. Rating 1 of 10
At least as was leaked, the proposal does not come close to actually solving the problem. Having temporary workers without the option to legalize asserts a limitless endured servants class. President Bush must continue to fortify his previous position of passing comprehensive reform and not senseless provisions. We call on him to provide a sensible moratorium on deportations until the new law is passed. We oppose his proposal.
The STRVE proposal. Rating 5 of 10.
The template for this bill has the right slots. We do agree that further security of the people of this nation is necessary; the manner in which it is carried out needs a lot of attention. It also includes a better path to legalization than the 2006 Senate bill; the fees and barriers are onerous but negotiable. The temporary worker section is a good start; the details on the registration, fees, and length need improvement. Family unification provisions are beginning to include realistic scenarios but they are still need of helping citizens and legal permanent residents join their loved ones. We support this legislation with reservation.
We say to other immigrant groups that choose to reject STRVE: we understand your concerns and will fight the negative amendments and provisions; however, we must not let the year go by without a change.
All Americans should be wary of the many impositions to employment, aid, and identification of citizens; we do not have to minimize security by diminishing civil liberties.
Legislators that choose to support our cause will be remembered and those that continue to listen to the small negative minority will regret it for a long time; immigrants have always won the betterment of this nation.
Our fight is just, it will remain constant, and we will continue to insist that reform contain the points we have set forth in our Proclamation of the 14th of February, 2006 as found
