Study finds immigration and economic growth go “hand in hand”

Today, the Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCPP) reported on a new study from the New York based, Fiscal Policy Institute. The findings: Immigration and economic growth go hand in hand.

For their report, Immigrants and the Economy: Contribution of Immigrant Workers to the Country's 25 Largest Metropolitan Areas, the Fiscal Policy Institute examined the economic impact of all foreign-born workers, including undocumented immigrants, in the nation’s 25 largest metropolitan areas.

OCPP said in a press release today that the Fiscal Policy Institute shared additional data about the Portland Metropolitan Area, not included in their report.

According to the data, immigrants in the Portland MetroArea constitute about 12 percent of the population and generate about 12 percent of the economic output. This one to one ratio is said to be consistent throughout the 25 metropolitan areas studied.

The results of the study provides further evidence of why passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform is so critical for the economic recovery of the United States. In an interview with OCPP, Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of CAUSA, adds that, “A path to citizenship for undocumented workers would allow them to contribute even more to Portland and Oregon’s economy,” Lopez said. “It would make undocumented immigrants less vulnerable to exploitation, lifting the bar for all workers, and provide the security needed to start a business. Everyone would win.”

To read the press release from the Oregon Center for Public Policy, please link here. There you can find links to the full report from the Fiscal Policy Institute.

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Dobbs tries to change his tune on Latinos

It has the Wall Street Journal asking "What's going on?" America's Voice, an organization supporting a workable and humane approach to comprehensive immigration reform, is skeptical.

According to the WSJ, Lou Dobbs, former anchor with CNN, is moving fast to repair his image with Latinos as he looks to a potential future bid for political office.

During an interview with Telemundo, Dobbs mentioned a legalization plan twice for the 12 million illegal immigrants living and working in the United States saying that "we need the ability to legalize illegal immigrants under certain conditions." This is something Dobbs ranted against regularly calling it "shamnasty".

Frank Sharry, Founder and Executive Director of America's Voice tells the WSJ that he is skeptical and that, “For years, Dobbs used his CNN show to cross-brand Latino immigrants as criminals, invaders, and carriers of disease. In 2007, he used his show to rally opposition to comprehensive immigration reform, a bill that would enabled 12 million undocumented immigrants to work towards citizenship, and upon the bill’s demise called it ‘a glorious victory for the American people.'"

Dobbs, who has a reputation for spreading misinformation and fear about Latino immigrants, left CNN earlier this month.

Read the full article from the Wall Street Journal by linking here.

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Jim Wallis: This Thanksgiving Remember the Immigrant, Pilgrim

This Thanksgiving Remember the Immigrant, Pilgrim

by Rev. Jim Wallis

As I take time to reflect on what I am truly thankful for, my family certainly tops the list. I've just been out of the country for a week, so I will cherish the time sitting around the table with my kids, asking one another to share what we are most thankful for. And this year, my wife Joy will celebrate her first Thanksgiving as a U.S. citizen.

I am painfully aware that not every family is as fortunate as mine. The broken nature of America's immigration system is deeply felt during the holidays by millions in the United States who long to be reunited with their loved ones.

Long backlogs in our nation's family immigration system have kept families apart for years - even decades, in some instances. I was also shocked to learn that over the past ten years, more than 100,000 parents of U.S. citizen children have been deported by our government. Four million U.S. citizen kids live in "mixed-status families" - families comprised of both legal and undocumented residents who are fighting to stay together in the face of deportation and permanent separation. For us in the faith community who value and cherish families, this should not be acceptable.

In the coming months, you'll be hearing a lot more from us about the broken U.S. immigration system and how you can advocate for just and humane immigration reform that builds up families. Sign up for our Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform newsletter and we promise to keep you up to date on ways you can advocate and engage in our work.

When you gather around the table with friends, family, and loved ones this Thanksgiving, remember the immigrant. Think of the empty seats at the tables of households across this nation. And join with me in imagining what next year's Thanksgiving might look like if we are successful in reforming our nation's immigration system with strong measures that reunite families. Now that would be something to be grateful for.

Jim Wallis is CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Sojourners. Sojourners' mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world.

http://faithandimmigration.org/blog/thanksgiving-remember-immigrant-pilgrim-jim-wallis

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Immigration Reform Groups raising more funds than Enforcement-Only Opposition

According to the Associated Press, pro-immigration reform organizations are growing in influence and, for the first time, are raising more money than immigration restrictionist and enforcement-only groups.

Immigration Restictionists say that their funds from donations have slowed to a “trickle” as donors are discouraged.

Read the full article from the Associated Press by linking here.

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VIDEO: How to make Immigration Reform a Reality

Last Wednesday, 60,000 people joined what was an incredible call to action on overhauling our nation’s broken immigration laws.

This new video comes from America's Voice and features Congressman Luis Gutierrez unveiling his principles for reform in October and calls on people to help build the movement for real immigration reform.

H/T to the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) for doing the great write up!

"We all know our immigration system needs fixing.

Immigration has been used as a wedge to obstruct progress on everything from the Stimulus to health care reform— even the 2010 Census. There are many skeptics out there who believe Congress doesn’t have what it takes to pass reform in 2010 – or that even if they have what it takes, they don’t have the nerve to do it.

But just last week, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano reinforced the administration’s commitment to reform, laying out the details for why this push is different, and why we need to get it done.

What’s more, the national movement for real immigration reform is growing—and we are only getting bigger.

On Wednesday night, there were over 1,000 house parties in 45 states, with supporters gathered together anxiously to hear what they could do to help make reform a reality. All across the country, people are primed and ready to do whatever it takes to win this battle, and if you are not one of those people, now is the time to join the fight."

Join the campaign by signing up for text messages to your cellphone. Text REFORM to 69866 to receive campaign updates and action items!

In 2007, opponents of immigration reform took credit for flooding Congressional offices with angry calls and faxes. They used scare tactics to frighten vunerable members of Congress.

This time around that is not going to happen. But, to pass Humane and Just Immigration Reform it will take all of us to be involved. You can stay informed with important information by texting R-E-F-O-R-M to 69866. Be sure you are also signed up to receive CAUSA's e-Blast by clicking here. You can find additional information about the campaign by visiting the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign website.

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More Than 60,000 Americans in 45 States Organize for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2009

Contact:
Martine Apodaca (202) 383-5989

More Than 60,000 Americans in 45 States Organize for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Demonstration of Organizational Might Shows Americans Committed to Passing Immigration Reform this Year
Washington, DC - Tonight, more than 60,000 activists, families, friends, and neighbors gathered for a nationwide tele-town hall event that created even greater momentum for comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2010. The national teleconference was put together by an enormous coalition of faith, law enforcement, labor, civil rights, and immigrant advocacy groups working together to pass comprehensive immigration reform this year. The breadth and size of the coalition was reflected in the massive numbers of people who joined the call. The Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign organized 1,009 house parties in 45 states and Puerto Rico. More than 60,000 called in, joined house parties, or listened to live radio broadcasts.

Last week, anti-immigrant "tea party" activists held rallies to protest the mere presence of immigrants in the United States. However, their numbers paled in comparison to those who assembled tonight. NumbersUSA, a vehemently anti-immigrant organization, hailed a meager 50 events in only 26 states that they acknowledged were "not drawing huge crowds." In contrast, 400 activists showed up to a single pro-reform house party in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The teleconference, hosted by the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign and featuring Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Congressman Raul Grijalva, and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez comes just days after White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano indicated the White House is ready to push for comprehensive immigration reform in 2010. Tonight in schools, churches, and community centers all over the country Americans are organizing to push Congress to solve this problem once and for all.

Congressman Gutierrez outlined a progressive vision for immigration reform and told participants to continue organizing to hold their elected leaders accountable. "We need everyone on this call to take action with your churches, your families and your organizations so that we can deliver a strong message to President Obama and Congress that, hey, it has been a year…We want you to keep your promise to our families. We'll be watching on the State of the Union to make sure you keep your promise," said Gutierrez.

"In 2006 we marched, in 2008 we voted, and in 2009 and 2010 we're getting organized." said Congressman Grijalva.

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez said that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and its allies were committed to making immigration reform happen. "The CHC and its allies are working to ensure that comprehensive immigration reform finally become a reality. We have a President who, I think, understands that. We have Democratic majorities in the Congress, and we have a few Republicans who want to work with us to get this done," said Velazquez

Tonight's demonstration of organizational might shows that Americans from every part of the country are committed to achieving immigration reform and ready to get to work.

Audio will be available later on the campaign website http://reformimmigrationforamerica.org/


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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN: The Reform Immigration FOR America campaign is a coalition of more than 600 faith, labor, business, progressive, and immigration reform groups that have joined together to get comprehensive immigration reform passed. For more information please visit www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org or www.reformamigratoriaproamerica.org

CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, is a member of the Reform Immigration FOR America coalition and is the largest Latino and Latina civil and human rights and advocacy organization in the Pacific Northwest. We work to defend and advance immigrant rights through coordination with local, state, and national coalitions and allies. For more information, visit http://www.causaoregon.org/

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Partying Across the Nation for Immigration Reform

Today, thousands of people across the nation will be hosting house parties and joining in a national telephonic town hall to ask questions and voice concerns about Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Thus far, nearly 900 parties have been scheduled.

The teleconference, to be hosted by Reform Immigration FOR America, will feature Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Congressman Raul Grijalva, and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez.

The Campaign titled "Families, Freedom and Faith: A Call to Action for Immigration Reform" is using a new way to connect people directly with each other, with leaders in Washington, and with local Representatives and elected officials. Tonight at 8:00 PM Eastern/5:00 PM Pacific people from coast to coast will be able to listen directly to the Representatives about their outlines for a fair and humane immigration reform.

The fact is, immigration reform can't wait and enforcement-only policies are inhumane, impractical and costly. It doesn't make sense to spend billions of dollars rounding people up, breaking up families, shutting down businesses, and deporting people who are working, learning English, and putting down roots here. We need common sense reform that keeps families together, brings people out of the shadows, protect rights of workers and secures a stable, documented workforce crucial for our country's economic recovery.

The energy, excitement, and commitment of people united to win immigration reform is now stronger than ever and a majority of Americans want their leaders to tackle and solve the tough problems in a humane and practical way. President Obama and Members of Congress in both parties understand that fixing the broken immigration system is a priority that we want Congress to address this year.

Will you join us tonight to party for immigration reform and add your voice to the growing chorus of people calling for Comprehensive Immigration Reform?

Here’s three ways to plug in:

1. Attend a party in your area. Click here to search for a party near you.
2. Join the call. Sign up here.
3. Tell your friends – Tweet it, Post to Facebook, Email your contacts

Recently, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano talked about why the fight for immigration reform is different and stronger this time around. Let's show her tonight just how much stronger we are!

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Reform Immigration FOR America To Partner with Faith Community on "Home for the Holidays" Campaign to Keep Families Together

For Immediate Release
November 16, 2009

Contact:
Shuya Ohno
sohno@immigrationforum.org
(202) 309-5645 cell

Reform Immigration FOR America To Partner with Faith Community on "Home for the Holidays" Campaign to Keep Families Together

Campaign to Collect Thousands of Postcards Targeting Members of Congress

Washington, DC - The Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign is proud to partner with the "Home of the Holidays" campaign in an effort to push Congress to action on comprehensive immigration reform. Today, faith leaders across America gathered to launch a major escalation of the faith community's efforts to press Congress into addressing this issue. Besides major events in four states, "Home for the Holidays" will collect 250,000 postcards targeting Members of Congress. Reform Immigration FOR America will be contributing 12,000 postcards to this effort.

"People of faith will be crucial to our efforts to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform and we are thrilled to be working so closely with them. People of faith recognize the moral obligation posed by our broken immigration system and their leadership is welcome. Their effort brings together many diverse faiths, the scale is unprecedented, and the effort is timely. Our failed immigration system is keeping thousands of immigrant families apart - and not just for the holidays. America needs comprehensive immigration reform that is fair and humane, and finally resolves this issue for the American people once and for all," said Rich Stolz, campaign manager for the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign.

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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN: The Reform Immigration FOR America campaign is a coalition of more than 600 faith, labor, business, progressive, and immigration reform groups that have joined together to get comprehensive immigration reform passed. For more information please visit www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org or www.reformamigratoriaproamerica.org

CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, is a member of the Reform Immigration FOR America coalition and is the largest Latino and Latina civil and human rights and advocacy organization in the Pacific Northwest. We work to defend and advance immigrant rights through coordination with local, state, and national coalitions and allies. For more information, visit www.causaoregon.org

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CAUSA: Comprehensive Immigration Reform Needed To Keep Country Secure, Administration Committed to Reform says Napolitano

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2009

Contact:
Francisco Lopez, Executive Director, 503.269.5694
Erik Sorensen, Communications Director, 503.488.0263

Secretary Napolitano: Comprehensive Immigration Reform Needed To Keep Country Secure, Administration Committed to Reform

Salem, Ore--In a speech before the Center for American Progress, Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano reiterated the Obama Administration's commitment to passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Napolitano, a former border state governor who has a deep understanding of the complexity of immigration issues, has been designated by the President as the administration's point person on immigration reform.

During today's speech, Secretary Napolitano said that she expects to see legislation in early 2010 and that, "The President is committed to this issue because the need for immigration reform is so clear. This administration does not shy away from taking on the big challenges of the 21st century, challenges that have been ignored too long and hurt our families and businesses. When Congress is ready to act, we'll be ready to support them."

In discussing the failed attempt to pass Immigration Reform in 2007, Napolitano said, "I've been dealing hands on with immigration issues since 1993, so trust me: I know a major shift when I see one, and what I have seen makes reform far more attainable this time around." She went on to say that faith and law enforcement leaders are speaking out about the vital need for reform, as well as business and labor leaders.

Napolitano said that the Department of Homeland Security is ready to implement reform saying that, "We've ended a year-long backlog for background checks on applicants for green cards and naturalization. We've expanded the opportunity for a widow to gain legal status here, despite the untimely death of her U.S. citizen spouse. We've launched a new interactive website that allows people to receive information about the status of their immigration cases by email or text message, and we have reduced the time it takes to process those cases."

CAUSA, a partner in the national Reform Immigration FOR America campaign, joins with community organizations and advocates from around the nation in being ready to partner with Secretary Napolitano and the Obama Administration as they push for a humane and just comprehensive immigration reform.

"We are committed to achieving immigration reform that deals with our broken system in a humane and fair way," said Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of CAUSA. "And although Secretary Napolitano continues to express support for enforcement policies that have proven to do more harm than good, she did acknowledge today that it is time to move beyond the failed enforcement-only strategy of the past 10 years and begin the process of fixing the system. CAUSA, our members and allies around the nation and in Oregon continue to be ready to get to work with the President and Congressional leaders to make reform a reality. We look to Congress and the President to get this process underway sooner rather than later."

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CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, is a member of the Reform Immigration FOR America coalition and is the largest Latino and Latina civil and human rights and advocacy organization in the Pacific Northwest. We work to defend and advance immigrant rights through coordination with local, state, and national coalitions and allies. For more information, visit www.causaoregon.org

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN: The Reform Immigration FOR America campaign is a coalition of more than 600 faith, labor, business, progressive, and immigration reform groups that have joined together to get comprehensive immigration reform passed. For more information please visit www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org or www.reformamigratoriaproamerica.org

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Lou Dobbs Departure Brings us Closer to Rational Debate on Immigration Reform

For Immediate Release
November 12, 2009

Contact:
Shuya Ohno
(202) 309-5645 cell sohno@immigrationforum.org

Lou Dobbs Departure Brings us Closer to Rational Debate on Immigration Reform

Washington, DC - CNN announced yesterday that Lou Dobbs, CNN's inflammatory anti-immigrant anchor, would be departing the network. The following is a statement by Rich Stolz, Campaign Manager of the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign, a national effort to unite faith, business, labor, progressive, civil rights, and immigrant organizations to pass comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level.

"Lou Dobbs's departure from CNN is welcome news, and a step toward the common sense debate on comprehensive immigration reform that this country desperately needs. For too long, he has been a voice of ill-informed, irresponsible propaganda and scare-mongering against immigrants and their families. Dobbs's brand of inflammatory rhetoric only exacerbates an already difficult problem by playing to people's fears instead of their heads. Reform Immigration FOR America is focused on achieving comprehensive immigration reform that treats immigrants fairly, requires the undocumented to register to be put on a path toward legal status, ends illegal hiring practices, encourages lawful immigration, and secures our border. Dobbs's exit from CNN clears an obstacle from a rational debate on immigration, hopefully leading to common-sense immigration reform."
# # #
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN: The Reform Immigration FOR America campaign is a coalition of more than 600 faith, labor, business, progressive, and immigration reform groups that have joined together to get comprehensive immigration reform passed. For more information please visit www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org or www.reformamigratoriaproamerica.org

CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, is a member of the Reform Immigration For America coalition and is the largest Latino and Latina civil and human rights and advocacy organization in the Pacific Northwest. We work to defend and advance immigrant rights through coordination with local, state, and national coalitions and allies. For more information, visit www.causaoregon.org

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Lou Dobbs Resigns from CNN

It is now being widely reported that Lou Dobbs is resigning from CNN effective today. During "Lou Dobbs Tonight", Dobbs announced that his Wednesday show would be his last on the network. The announcement comes amidst much controversy surrounding the CNN commentator and his regular negative and untruthful statements directed at immigrants.

In September, a coalition of community organizations united together to call on CNN to fire Lou Dobbs for spreading misinformation and fear about immigrants and Latinos. The BastaDobbs coalition formed to raise awareness about the dangerous nexus between anti-immigrant extremism and the media. Earlier this month, the campaign announced that 100,000 people had joined them in demanding that Dobbs be dismissed from the network.

In a statement responding to the announcement of Dobbs' departure from CNN, the BastaDobbs campaign had this to say:

"Our contention all along was that Lou Dobbs – who has a long record of spreading lies and conspiracy theories about immigrants and Latinos – does not belong on the ‘Most Trusted Name in News,’” said Roberto Lovato, co-founder of Presente.org, a national online advocacy organization coordinating the BastaDobbs.com campaign in conjunction with more than 40 local and regional Latino organizations from across the country. “We are thrilled that Dobbs no longer has this legitimate platform from which to incite fear and hate.” Read full statement

Last month, America's Voice, an organization supporting a workable and humane approach to comprehensive immigration reform, began airing an ad "Drop the Hate, Drop Dobbs" echoing the call for CNN to drop Dobbs from it's network. The ad ran on MSNBC and several other networks during the CNN's "Latino in America" mini series. Despite raising the necessary funds, CNN refused to air the ad.

There is no word yet on what sort of impact these campaigns had on Lou Dobbs' departure from CNN. However, according to the New York Times, Jonathan Klein, president of CNN/U.S. said that “Lou has now decided to carry the banner of advocacy journalism elsewhere.”

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Today, We Honor Our Immigrant Service Members

By Wendy Sefsaf. Originally posted at Immigration Impact.

America will celebrate its veterans around the nation today, honoring those who have served our nation with selflessness and bravery. Included in the millions who have served are immigrants. From the Revolutionary war to current conflicts, immigrants have joined the ranks of our military to fight for and defend America since its inception.

Just as U.S. citizens, immigrants—both legal and undocumented—residing in the United States have answered the call to defend the United States and have gone on to earn the highest honors and ranks the military offers.

Margaret Stock writes:

Immigrants who have served in the U.S. military and by so doing earned their citizenship include Alfred Rascon, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who won the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War and later became a U.S. citizen and eventually the Director of the Selective Service System.

Immigrants also have been promoted to the highest ranks of the U.S. military. The most prominent contemporary example is General John Shalikashvili, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who came to the United States from Poland shortly after World War II.

Yet many immigrants who are serving today are facing the stress of sorely outdated immigration-system that is putting their families at risk of deportation.

The Center for American Progress writes:

In 2007, the federal government issued removal orders for the undocumented immigrant wife of Army Spc. Alex Jimenes while he was missing in action. The proceedings were halted at the request of then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who was spurred into action by Senator John Kerry (D-MA).

More recently, 26-year-old U.S. Army Spc. Jack Barrios returned from Iraq in 2007 suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. He was immediately confronted with deportation orders for his 23-year-old wife Frances, a Guatemalan immigrant, who was six years old when her mother illegally brought her to the United States.

Jack and Frances Barrios have a one-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son, and Frances is helping Jack deal with the hardships related to his mental disorder. Had it not been for DHS’s decision last week to grant a humanitarian parole, Frances’s only option would have been to return to a country she does not know—she grew up in Van Nuys, CA—and wait 10 years before being qualified to return as punishment for being brought here illegally as a child.

While these individual congressional and agency actions are just and have fixed a few cases, wide spread reform of our systems is needed.

Thankfully, Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kristin Gillibrand (D-NY), and Russ Feingold (D-WI) have introduced the Military Families Act (S. 2757). This bill would allow immediate family members of active military service members to become lawful permanent residents even when the sponsoring solider has lost his or her life in service.

How many more soldiers’ wives will receive deportation orders while we await a comprehensive solution to fix our broken immigration system? Our immigrant soldiers serve with honor and duty, we in turn have a duty to them to keep their families safe and intact while they are serving and defending us all.

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Vídeo desde El Salvador: Despues de La Tormenta

Después de la tormenta
Calma no hay. Aquí hay lodo, lágrimas, destrucción, muerte y resignación. De lo último, mucha porque no queda de otra. Se trata de recoger lo que queda de entre los escombros, de levantarse ante lo que dejó una tormenta anunciada. Y así, si nadie mueve un dedo, la historia se repetirá tal vez el otro invierno, quizás la otra tormenta, posiblemente cualquier día de estos.

El vídeo fue producido por Elfaro.net: Una primer periódico digital en América Latina

Relacionado: Emergency Relief Needed in El Salvador

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SEIU: "Enforcement without comprehensive reform is like redecorating when the house is on fire"

Today, SEIU issued the following statement in response to the 'quiet immigration raid' that took place last month at a contract company in the downtown area of the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

"Enforcement without comprehensive reform is like redecorating when the house is on fire. Instead of solving problems, it only succeeds in pushing undocumented workers away from responsible employers and deeper into the shadows--benefitting the most unscrupulous off-the-books employers and degrading the quality of life for the rest of us. In the end, we are no where closer to solving the broken immigration system: communities lose; responsible businesses lose; families lose."

The "quiet raid" that left 1200 undocumented janitors jobless and unable to provide for their families is being called "one of the largest immigration crackdowns under the Obama administration" by Minnesota Public Radio .

Read the full statement from SEIU by linking here.

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Military Families Act Protects Families Who Protect US

This press release comes from our allies at the National Immigration Forum. The National Immigration Forum is the leading immigrant advocacy organization in the country with a mission to advocate for the value of immigrants and immigration to the nation.

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2009

Contact:
Shu Ohno, sohno@immigrationforum.org
(202) 309-5645 (mobile)

Military Families Act Protects Families Who Protect US

Washington, DC - On the eve of Veteran's Day, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced in the Senate, the Military Families Act, S. 2757, joined by co-sponsors Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Russ Feingold (D-WI), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The bill seeks to provide immigration relief to parents, spouses, or children of US Armed Forces members. Senator Menendez announced the introduction of the bill with Army Specialist Jack Barrios, his wife Frances, and with Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.

Today, US military families are impacted by our broken immigration system which forces men and women in uniform into the same predicament as millions of other Americans who have spouses, parents, or children who are undocumented and may face deportation proceedings even though they have qualifying relationships to obtain legal status.

The introduction of this bill is especially meaningful today on Veterans Day, as the nation, engaged in two wars, mourns the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, and reflects on the enormous sacrifices made by members of the US Armed Forces and their families.

Senator Robert Menendez articulated why he was moved to draft the bill, stating, "We owe the men and women who risk their lives in service of our nation so much, and that should include the right to be united with their closest family members in our country on a permanent basis."

Menendez continued, "A grateful nation shows gratitude for members of the military not just through statements and ceremonies on Veterans Day, which are important, but also in how we take care of military families. This bill will help ensure the families of those that have served our country with pride and valor don't face unfair and unexpected deportation and are able to remain in this land they call home, close to their loved ones. As we prepare to celebrate Veteran's Day, we keep in our prayers and thoughts those who have died while serving our nation and their family members. We also honor those that put their life on the line on our behalf. With this bill, we can show one measure of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice."

Noorani stated, "This bill recognizes the patriotism, contributions and sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and their families. The bill seeks to remedy the second battle these patriots face at home because their families face being torn apart by a broken immigration system. This bill will protect those families, just as these servicemen and women protect ours."
Joining Senator Menendez in announcing the introduction of the bill was Army Specialist Jack Barrios and his wife Frances. Frances was brought to the United States when she was only six years old. A recent documentary, "Second Battle," profiled Frances and Jack Barrios' story. Frances lacked immigration status and was facing deportation until she was granted an adjustment of status from the Department of Homeland Security last week. While this documentary had a direct impact in securing some relief for the families featured in the film, there are many other families undergoing similar crises with the broken immigration system. (The film "Second Battle" is available at www.intheirboots.com.)

Army Specialist Jack Barrios stated, "What we went through, no American family should have to go through. I think about all my fellow soldiers who might be going through the same pain and stress of being worried about their wife or family, and I know that we need better immigration laws. We need to fix this problem now."

While the estimate of the number of US Military families currently facing similar crises because of the broken immigration system range from hundreds to thousands, a report released yesterday by the Immigration Policy Center finds that there are over 114,000 immigrants currently serving in the US Armed Forces. Last year, over 10 thousand were naturalized as US citizens. Over 12 thousand are serving our nation, while still waiting to become naturalized as American citizens. Since Sept 11, 2001, over 53 thousand men and women in the services have become US citizens.

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CAUSA: Emergency Relief Needed in El Salvador

Today it is being reported that severe flooding and landslides have left at least 144 dead across El Salvador in the wake of Hurricane Ida. At least, 72 people are reported to be still missing.

According to civil protection authorities, the number of people seeking emergency shelter is around 12,930. 1800 homes were damaged or destroyed and 18 bridges and many roads were washed away by the floods.

The email below comes from the SHARE Foundation whom CAUSA's Executive Director is a board member, detailing the disaster. SHARE supports the empowerment of historically impoverished and marginalized communities in El Salvador, as they strive to meet both their most immediate needs and construct long-term sustainable solutions to the problems of poverty, underdevelopment and social injustice.

Those wanting to help people suffering in El Salvador can make a secure online donation via SHARE's website

Emergency Relief Needed in El Salvador in the Wake of Hurricane Ida

While the National Hurricane Center in the United States has downgraded Hurricane Ida to a Tropical Storm, El Salvador has experienced the full brunt of hurricane force winds and rain. Over the weekend, the storm destroyed more than 7,000 homes and damaged many more. The most recent data, reported this morning in the Prensa Gráfica, indicates that approximately 130 people have been killed by the storm, and thousands more injured. This total is sure to rise as emergency relief workers continue to work their way through damaged buildings and areas that have experienced landslides.

The community of Verapaz in the department of San Vicente was left badly damaged by mud, rocks and derby after a mudslide from the San Vicente Volcano. Because the heavy rains rapidly made the land on the foothills of the volcano quite unstable, water quickly engulfed much of the town and many people did not have time to prepare or escape.

As is often the case in these sorts of situations, the most immediate problems include access to emergency shelter, access to potable water, and food. SHARE Foundation, in collaboration with its partners in the three zones of San Salvador, La Paz and San Vicente, will be working to provide emergency relief. This will include distribution of plastic sheeting and wood for temporary housing; food and water.

We ask that you lend your support to this effort by making a contribution for emergency relief in response to Hurricane Ida. You can do this by way of a secure online donation via our website, or by mailing a check to:

SHARE Foundation
P.O. Box 29620
Washington, DC 20017 (please write Hurricane Ida relief in the memo line)

Other ways you can help:

Organize fundraising efforts within your local churches and other community groups.

Post a note to your facebook, twitter or other social networking websites calling attention to the crisis in the wake of Hurricane Ida and encourage your friends and family members to make a contribution to the relief efforts via our website.

Pray for the victims of Hurricane Ida and their family members affected by this weekend's tragedy

Please do not hesitate to call our office at 202.319.5540 or send an email to jose@share-elsalvador.org if you have any questions.

As always, thank you for your continued solidarity and partnerships. We cannot do this without you.

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U.S. House Passes Historic Bipartisan Health Care Reform Bill

Late last night after a long day of debate, the U.S. House passed an historic bipartisan health care reform bill. At 11:15pm EST, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) by a vote of 220, which included 219 Democrats and 1 Republican.

According to a press release from Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), the bill includes “a public option, adds coverage for 37 million people, insures 96% of Americans, and provides advance care planning - a provision Blumenauer authored - all while reducing the deficit.”

For almost 100 years and despite countless attempts, neither chamber of Congress has ever before passed comprehensive health reform.

The passage of the bill brought Americans one step closer to secure, affordable care while extending health care to 36 million more Americans including 323,000 more Oregonians.

It is now up to the Senate to take up their version of healthcare reform legislation. According to ABC News, two bills have already moved through committee and now must be merge into a single, unified bill. Democratic Leaders pledge they will have a bill on the President’s desk before the end of the year.

Correction: Original article reported U.S. Congress passed Historic Bipartisan Health Care Reform bill. For clarity, it was the U.S. House of Representatives that passed the Historic Bipartisan Health Care Reform Bill.

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Senate kills divisive Vitter Amendment seeking to wreck Census

Today, the Senate voted and achieved cloture with a 60-39 vote to cut-off further debate on the Commerce-Justice-Science Spending Bill killing the Vitter Amendment that sought to use the 2010 Census for anti-immigrant politicking.

In response to the Senate's action, the Service Employees International Union Executive Vice President Eliseo Medina issued the following statement.

"Today U.S. Senators put working families ahead of the politics of division and hatred. Joining a chorus of former U.S. Census Directors and advocacy leaders , the Senate voted down Senators Vitter and Bennett's misguided attempt to undercut 2010 enumeration efforts and mar this critical process with hateful, anti-immigrant politics.

"The Senate's move to protect the 2010 Census will help ensure we achieve an accurate count of our nation's diverse population-protecting billions of dollars in federal funding for local communities and ensuring reapportionment is based on a factual representation of who we are as a nation.

"As we approach the March, 2010 launch of the U.S. Census, SEIU will continue our efforts to support an accurate, timely count of Latinos and other traditionally undercounted communities. When entire communities are left out of decisions about allocation of federal funds, all working people suffer. When Latino and immigrant communities are left out of political redistricting conversations, our democracy suffers."

SEIU was partnered with AAJC, CAP, Demos, HNBA, LCCR, LDF, LULAC, MALDEF, NALEO, NDN, PFAW in the Don't Wreck the Census campaign. Since launching, the campaign helped drive thousands of letters and calls to the Senate, urging them to block the divisive Vitter-Bennett amendment

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CNN refuses to run ad calling for Lou Dobbs' ouster

Last Thursday America's Voice began airing a new ad on MSNBC continuing the call for CNN to drop Lou Dobbs. According to their website, dispite raising the funds to air the ad on CNN, CNN executives refused to air their PSA titled "Drop the Hate, Drop Dobbs".

America's Voice has been raising money at their website to run the ad. Since the beginning of the campaign, the organization has already raised $16,000 from online donations.



For more information, visit America's Voice at http://www.americasvoiceonline.org/.

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