OR State Representative wants to send immigrants to jails in China?

Oregon State Representative Dennis Richardson, a Republican from Central Point (District 4), wants to send undocumented immigrants to Chinese jails.

Richardson wrote in his January 21st newsletter that sending "illegals" to be jailed in China would save money and "free up bed space". And even though he admits that there could be "federal issues with moving prisoners across international borders", he encouraged "creative thinking".

Here is the passage from his newsletter:

Dennis Richardson

"For instance, how about considering the effect on both cost and recidivism for Illegals who are sent to do their time in a private prison in China. With contractual agreements regarding care, treatment, nourishment, basic living conditions, etc., Illegals could be incarcerated for less than $10,000 per year-a fraction of current costs in Oregon. Plus, it would free up bed space and thereby avoid having to build or expand Oregon prisons. California contracts with Tennessee prisons, so why how about Oregon contracting with its number one export partner, China. (Certainly there might be federal issues with moving prisoners across international borders, but creative thinking is about "what if" and not "no, because.")"--Oregon State Representative Dennis Richardson

Is this the type of "creative thinking" we can expect from Mr. Richardson and his friends down at the Oregon State Legislature? To advocate breaking up families and sending them to jails in a country known for human rights abuses?

How about instead of coming up with nonsensical ideas and trying to create a polarized climate in Oregon, maybe Representative Richardson should support ideas that will actually give some benefit to Oregonians. A good start would be to back legislation that would allow all children in Oregon to have access to healthcare by eliminating barriers to enrollment. Maybe he could work toward increasing state funding for safety net clinics and community clinics, amplifying their ability to serve more uninsured families across Oregon.

Some other ideas? He could help sponsor a tuition equity bill allowing all students who have graduated from high school or received their GED in the State of Oregon the opportunity to pay in-state tuition to continue post-secondary education regardless of immigration status. Maybe he could even get behind recovery programs such as economic development, job training, and job creation programs, and ensure that these programs address the needs of the Latino community.

Working on these ideas at the Oregon State Legislature should surely keep him busy.

Those wishing to encourage State Representative Dennis Richards to support the common sense solutions we have offered above can contact his office at 503-986-1404

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Over 400 turn out to Immigrant Action Day

Salem, Ore--On Saturday, CAUSA held its Annual Immigrant Action Day at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. Over 400 CAUSA Oregon leaders, organizers and supporters from Salem, Woodburn, Dayton, Portland, Eugene, and Central Oregon made a commitment to lead CAUSA's legislative agenda.

Speakers discussed a range of topics including driver’s license access, health equity, tuition equity, LGBT and immigrant justice, immigration reform and the SB1070-type bills introduced in the Oregon Legislature by State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer). Local speakers and organizers were joined by national speakers, including Mayron Payes with the Center for Community Change and Yahaira Carrillo, DREAM Activist and LGBT leader.

Click HERE to watch the video of Yahaira Carrillo speaking (en español) on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality within the immigrant rights movement.

Click HERE to watch the video of Mayron Payes speaking (en español) on immigration reform.

The goal of CAUSA's Annual Immigrant Action Day, now in its 13th year, is to increase civic participation and build community for the common good. With Saturday’s excellent turn-out, CAUSA leaders and organizers stand at the ready to take action and make an impact in the 2011 Oregon legislative session.

To see a photo slideshow of CAUSA’s 13th Annual Immigrant Action Day, please like HERE

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A special thank you to the volunteers, participants, speakers and sponsors listed below who helped make CAUSA's 13th Annual Immigrant Action Day a success
Chemeketa Community College Multicultural Center, Plaza Morelia, Juntos, Social Justice Fund, Northwest Health Foundation, MERIT, Tu Casa, Taqueria Guadalajara – Woodburn, Oregon Beverage Service, Key Bank, Farmer's Insurance, Dahlstrom's Chiropractic, Wells Fargo, Vic's Jewelry, Muntz & Ghio Attorneys at Law

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PHOTOS: Annual Immigrant Action Day

Today, CAUSA held its Annual Immigrant Action Day at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. Over 400 CAUSA Oregon leaders, organizers and supporters from Salem, Woodburn, Dayton, Portland, Eugene, and Central Oregon made a commitment to lead CAUSA's legislative agenda.

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Immigrant Action Day 2011

Immigrant Action Day: Uniting Communities for the Common Good
Date: Saturday, January 22, 2011
Location: Chemeketa Community College Multicultural Center in Salem
Time: from 10:00 a.m. PST (Live Broadcast)



The goal of this year's Immigrant Action Day is to train CAUSA's base of supporters and to mobilize them to take action in the 2011 Oregon legislative session.

Among the pressing issues to be discussed are those facing the Latino immigrant community, including driver's license access, health equity, tuition equity and immigration reform, among other things. Local speakers and organizers will be joined by national speakers, including Mayron Payes with the Center for Community Change and Yahaira Carrillo, DREAM Activist and LGBT leader.

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Immigrant Action Day Unites Oregon Latinos

Immigrant Action Day Unites Oregon Latinos
Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
January 21, 2011
Audio Download

SALEM, Ore. - The ability to get a driver's license or get health care for a child are things most Oregonians take for granted. But for undocumented immigrants, they are barriers to success and eventual citizenship. At Saturday's Immigrant Action Day, the Latino community will outline its plans to seek legislation to restore drivers' license access for all Oregonians.

Aeryca Steinbauer with CAUSA, the immigrant rights coalition, says the current state law was designed to keep undocumented immigrants from driving.

"We are going to be working to make sure that all Oregon drivers can be licensed and insured, regardless of their ability to prove legal status. We believe that's a key issue of public safety and economic prosperity for our state."

Those who disagree say licensing undocumented people poses a security risk by allowing them an official form of identification. However, CAUSA says studies show that licensing all drivers prevents accidents because they are tested and registered and must be insured. CAUSA estimates more than 120,000 undocumented immigrants live in Oregon.

At this year's event, Latinos also will reach out to the gay and lesbian members of their community. And they want the state to make good on its promise to "cover all kids" with health care, by extending the Oregon Healthy Kids program to children of immigrant families.

Steinbauer says they're counting on state lawmakers to help.

"There are absolutely supporters and champions on both issues, of health equity for the Latino community and drivers license access - and we're grateful for all the support we've gotten so far."

Immigrant Action Day is a way to build community and get organized for the new state legislative session, she adds. The event takes place Saturday at Chemeketa Community College, 4000 Lancaster Dr., N.E., Salem, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/18000-1

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New report examines deficits, lawsuits, and diminished public safety from SB1070-type laws

Salem, Ore.--Last week, State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, District 25) introduced several bills in the Oregon Legislature. Particularly concerning is the proposed legislation mirrors the extreme policies of Arizona's SB1070 and would create a divisive political climate and hurt minority and immigrant communities in Oregon. The legislation would also force state officials to take the role of federal agents and put an economic burden on state and local government, businesses and local law enforcement.

Your State Can't Afford SB1070

To educate the public and policy makers on the harmful effects of Arizona-style SB1070-type legislation., the National Immigration Forum has introduced a new report titled Deficits, Lawsuits, Diminished Public Safety: Your State Can't Afford SB 1070.

The report examines the legal, political, and economic cost incurred by Arizona in the wake of the passage of SB 1070. It also discusses the threat SB 1070 poses to public safety in Arizona communities. A number of states are considering similar legislation, including Oregon, and this report takes a look at the political environment in those states.

Based in Washington D.C., the National Immigration Forum advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to the nation. Link here to download the full report from the Forum's website: http://www.immigrationforum.org/images/uploads/2010/SB1070Report.pdf

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Reflecting on the words of Dr. King

As we continue to mourn the tragic murders that took place in Arizona during the assassination attempt on the life of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), we also take this day to remember Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, his words, his life, his legacy.

While Arizona, a state that once opposed the creation of a federal holiday honoring Dr. King, grapples with how to move forward after last week's tragedy, and the looming division within the community over SB1070, we take time to remember the strength and perseverance that Dr. King brought to the civil rights movement and work for social and economic justice.

In the words of Dr. King

“There are certain things in our nation and in the world which I am proud to be maladjusted and which I hope all men of good-will will be maladjusted until the good societies realize — I say very honestly that I never intend to become adjusted to — segregation and discrimination. I never intend to become adjusted to religious bigotry. I never intend to adjust myself to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few. I never intend to adjust myself to the madness of militarism, to self-defeating effects of physical violence.”

Last Week, several bills were introduced in the Oregon State Legislature that would force our state and local government entities to act as federal agents. Particularly troubling is that much of the legislation mirrors that of Arizona's SB1070. In addition to promoting a divisive climate, it represents an economic burden for our state and local governments, businesses, and local law enforcement agencies.

We must stand firm against any attempt to create a divisive political climate in our state. Reflecting on the spirit of the words uttered by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963, we must not adjust to allow passage of legislation that divides communities in our state, but oppose it and propose legislation that instead unites the communities of Oregon. We must also not adjust to allow any injustices against minorities and immigrants, but instead we will propose and support common-sense solutions that promote fairness, economic opportunities, social equality and security for everyone that lives in Oregon.
 

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" --Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Cloee Cooper: This MLK Day remember the importance of 14th Amendment

Originally posted at Imagine 2050. Imagine 2050 is project which includes activists, immigrants, artists and students who are invested in a future nation that embraces multiculturalism and tolerance.

This MLK Day remember the importance of 14th Amendment
January 17, 2011
By Cloee Cooper
www.imagine2050.net

On Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, we should remember the cornerstone of civil rights in the U.S. – the 14th Amendment.

The 14th Amendment was written and enacted to give full rights to former slaves. It is the affirmation that all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are, in fact, U.S. citizens. It is integral to the civil rights of African Americans and women, and is a crucial facet of American identity. Currently, we are in a political climate where the 14th Amendment is under attack.

Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) , and State Legislators for Legal Immigration (SLLI) are behind this attack. Earlier this month, State Legislators for Legal Immigration and Kris Kobach of Immigration Reform Law Institute met at the Press Club in Washington D.C. to announce plans to introduce state legislation to dismantle the 14th Amendment.
In an announcement published on SLLI’s website late last year entitled State Legislators Form Nationwide Task Force to Halt Anchor Baby-Exploited Illegal Alien Invasion, it states:

“The mission of this task force is to deliver a legislative solution that all 50 states can use to shut off a primary economic faucet that encourages pregnant illegal alien women to sneak across the border to have their babies, and in the process, reclaim hundreds of millions of hard-earned American tax dollars that are being fraudulently handed over to countless foreign invaders.”

State Legislators for Legal Immigration and Immigration Reform Law Institute are tied to the Federation for American Immigration Reform and are both part of the Tanton Network. The Tanton Network is criticized nationally by civil rights organizations and reporters for its ties to white nationalism and its efforts to dehumanize immigrants.

It is time to hold anti-immigrant groups accountable for attacking our civil rights.

We can’t allow the anti-immigrant movement to reverse gains that leaders like Martin Luther King fought hard to preserve and advance.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Dr. King said in his letter from Birmingham Jail on April 16, 1963.

In memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. and those who fought beside him to ensure racial justice and civil rights for all, we should stand with those who are challenging the anti-immigrant attack on our civil rights.

The 14th Amendment must be upheld.

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President Obama's Speech in Tucson

Below is the video and transcript of President Obama addressing the victims of last Saturday's assasination attempt on the life of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) .  Of the 20 people shot in the attack, 6 died including 9 year-old Christina Taylor Green, U.S. District Judge John McCarthy Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, Gifford's Community Outreach Director .



Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you very much. Please, please be seated. (Applause.)

To the families of those we've lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants who are gathered here, the people of Tucson and the people of Arizona: I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today and will stand by you tomorrow. (Applause.) >>continue

H/T to The Atlantic for posting the video and transcript of the President's Speech.

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Arizona-style legislation introduced in the Oregon State Legislature

Oregon State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) has introduced legislation that will force our state and local government entities to act as federal agents. The proposed legislation threatens to create a divisive political environment.

We fear that the following list of bills would hurt Oregon's minority and immigrant communities. We are particularly concerned about proposed legislation that mirrors the extreme policies of Arizona's SB1070.

HB 2802 Prohibits restrictions on public body's ability to enforce immigration law to extent permitted by federal law. Authorizes legal resident to bring civil action against public body that violates prohibition.

HB 2803 Requires county to verify immigration status of person incarcerated in county correctional facility.

HB 2804 Requires evidence of citizenship for persons registering to vote for first time in this state.

HB 2805 Prohibits state agencies from providing employment, products, services or licenses to persons who are not lawfully present in United States.

HB 2806 Limits deductibility of expenses related to employment of workers hired on or after January 1, 2012 to workers whose eligibility for employment in United States has been verified through federal E-Verify employment verification system.

We must take immediate action to ensure that none of these extreme bills have a chance of becoming law. In addition to creating a divisive climate, they also represent an economic burden for our state and local governments, businesses, and local law enforcement agencies—something our state can’t afford.

Please call our newly inaugurated Co-Speakers of the House, Senate President, and Governor at the phone numbers below.

Co-Speaker of the House Bruce Hanna - (R-Roseburg) 503-986-1200
Co-Speaker of the House Arnie Roblan - (D-Coos Bay) 503-986-1300
Senate President Peter Courtney- (D-Salem) 503-986-1600
Governor John Kitzhaber 503-378-4582

Tell them that Oregon is not Arizona. Let them know that we don't want Representative Kim Thatcher or others to create a divisive political climate in Oregon. Explain that we do not want our state officials to take the role of federal agents. We want common-sense solutions to our economic problems and not extremist legislation.

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Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Arizona

Representative Giffords (D-AZ)

Yesterday, a member of Congress was the target of an assassination attempt. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), who was shot in the head at point-blank range during a neighborhood meet-and greet, now clings to life after having emergency brain surgery.

Among the 20 people shot in the attack, 6 are confirmed dead including 9 year-old Christina Taylor Green and U.S. District Judge John McCarthy Roll. According to the child's mother,  Christina was "proud of her country and wanted to know more about the political process".

CAUSA offers our sincere condolences to the family of those killed in yesterday's brutal massacre and offer prayer and support for Representative Giffords, others wounded in the attack and their families. We pray for a speedy recovery for those injured in the senseless attack.

Violence has no place in our democracy and civic life. Furthermore, the level of violent and hateful rhetoric that seems to precede it has no place either. Far too often we hear pundits and political figures on radio, TV and the Internet use language and graphic imagery that seems to promote violence. 

9 year-old Christina Taylor Green
murdered in yesterday's assasination
attempt on Rep. Giffords (AZ-D)

Although we don't know the exact motivations of the gunman or others who may have helped him, the fact of the matter is, words of political figures and pundits have consequences.

In an interview yesterday, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik had this to say.

"When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous. And, unfortunately, Arizona I think has become sort of the capital. We have become the Mecca for prejudice and bigotry. That may be free speech. But it's not without consequence."

The incident of violence directed at a Rep. Giffords and those attending her meet-and-greet yesterday was not the first in Arizona. The district office of U.S. Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) was closed in Yuma after staff found a shattered window and a bullet inside.

We hope that people of good conscience will unite against the violent acts, rhetoric, and graphic imagery used against our elected leaders and citizens. Although there will always be disagreements on how to move our country forward, we must not allow those who use violent acts and speech to divide to our nation.

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Representative Gutierrez calls birthright citizenship bill recycled hatred and bigotry

Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) appeared on the of MSNBC's "The Ed Show" to discuss legislation to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who are undocumented. 

Gutierrez says the the bill (H.R.140), introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-IOWA), is just "Recycling hatred and bigotry and prejudice so they don't have to deal with the fundamental problems facing the American People".

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Protecting the 14th amendment

Originally posted at the Reform Immigration For America blog

As we head into a new year and a new Congress, the immigration debate rages on at the state level. A number of states are considering Arizona-style legislation, despite all evidence that these laws are not only unjust but they are also costly and endanger public safety.

And today, a group of legislators representing 14 states, lead by none other than Russell Pearce (one of the main minds behind Arizona’s racial profiling law), will announce their intentions to repeal the 14th amendment and end birthright citizenship.

A New York Times article today, calls the fight over the 14th amendment the “next immigration battle”. You know what I call it? Well.. a lot of things that wouldn’t be polite to say here, but mostly: archaic.

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