Leaders from PCUN and Causa join with others in Alabama to Renew Call for Civil Rights

For Immediate Release
March 5, 2012

Contact:
Ramon Ramirez, ramonramirez@pcun.org 503-989-0073
Larry Kleinman, larrykleinman@pcun.org 503-781-1132

Leaders from PCUN and Causa join with others to Renew Call for Civil Rights

Groups Call on Alabama to Repeal its Anti-Immigration Law

(March 5, 2012) — Latinos, Blacks and a host of civil rights, labor and immigrant rights groups will participate in a historic reenactment of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March from March 4 to March 9 in Alabama. These events will mark the coming together of a broad movement for a renewed call for civil rights in America. A core part of the agenda will demand the repeal of the Alabama’s vehemently anti-immigrant law, HB56.

The 1965 march was a key moment in the civil rights movement. Unfortunately, the fight for civil rights continues today in a state with a dark history of racial discrimination. How Alabama’s legislature responds, and pending decisions before federal district courts and the Supreme Court on immigration laws like HB56, will hold profound implications for all communities.

“This March is a profound opportunity to stand in solidarity and return to the cradle of the civil rights movement at a time when the civil rights advances of the last century are being rolled back in communities across America.

“HB56 is not just a Latino issue, or just a labor issue. It is affecting everyone and sets a dangerous precedent for other states,” said Ramon Ramirez, President of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN) and Board President of Causa. “Not only has it legitimized racial profiling and terrorized persons of color regardless of legal status, it is also harming the state’s economy.”

According to a recent report, the state stands to lose between 70,000 and 140,000 jobs, and up to $10.8 billion in economic output due to the enactment of HB56.

“Unless business, labor and civil rights and human rights groups, and other communities come together to rein in this growing intolerance, acts of intimidation against foreigners will continue and our economy will suffer,” said Ramirez.

The march will be held from March 4-9. On March 8, immigration rights will be the focus of the marchers. On March 9, a rally will be held at the steps of the State Capitol.

For more information about PCUN and Causa, go to http://www.pcun.org/ and http://www.causaoregon.org/

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Posted in: Alabama,Anti-immigrant Legislation,Direct Action,Events