March For America Actions Continue at Republican National Committee

Washington D.C. -- Today, in continuation of yesterday's March For America events, CAUSA and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) were instrumental in helping to organize and lead an action at the Republican National Committee.

About 150 people representing a range of organzations from around the nation went to the offices of the RNC to ask for a meeting with Chairman Michael Steele.

With 100 pro-reform advocates outside, 50 people, including CAUSA's Executive Director Francisco Lopez and Andrea Miller, sat down on the floor in the lobby. After 20 minutes into the sit-in, it was announced that the RNC Chairman had agreed to a meeting set to take place on March 31st.

The goal of the meeting on March 31st is to ask Chairman Steele to reject obstructionist tactics that are alienating mainstream Americans and to press the Republican Party to join Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in passing comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2010.

The action at the RNC came just one day after the March and Rally at the National Mall in attended by immigration reform advocates from around the nation.

The reports on the numbers of those in attendance ranged from 200,000 to 500,000 people. Event Organizers had the number reported by the Parks Department and a Fox News Affiliate at around 500,000. While various others reported 200,000 and over.

Regardless of the exact number, the Marches and Rally at the National Mall yielded renewed commitments from the President and Congressional leadership to advance immigration reform legislation this year.

Sunday's March and today's action at the RNC were a prelude to in-district town halls and meetings during the spring recess. Stay tuned for details on upcoming meetings and townhalls with Legislators around Oregon.

Special Note from Sean Thomas-Breitfeld with Center for Community Change about today's action at the RNC:

"This action would not have happened without the dedicated leadership of FIRM partners. Special thanks go to: Francisco Lopez (who was unwavering in his support for this action) and leaders from CAUSA; Xiomara Corpeno (who added this to her already full plate of responsibilities for the weekend), Angelica Salas and leaders from CHIRLA; Julien Ross and the leaders from CIRC; and Stephen Noble Smith, Josh Hoyt (who conceived of this idea only 10 days ago) and leaders from ICIRR. Many many thanks also to One America, NAKASEC and Voces de la Frontera for turning out great and energized leaders for today's courageous and successful action!"

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Posted in: CAUSA,CHIRLA,Immigration Reform,March For America,Republican National Committee