Causa Oregon -- News and Comment

Causa Oregon Takes National Lead Role in Securing Residency for Central Americans

2012-01-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2012

CONTACT:
Francisco Lopez, Causa's Executive Director (503)269-5694

Central American and Latino Organizations throughout the U.S. launch Campaign to Ask for Permanent Residency for Central Americans with Temporary Protected Status in the U.S.

Press Conference
Date: Monday, January 30th, 2012
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Mickey Leland Federal Bldg at 1919 Smith, Houston TX 77002

Houston, TX (January 27, 2012) -- Nearly 14 years ago,Central America was hit with several devastating natural disasters which had a significant impact on entire communities throughout the region and led to hundreds of thousands of Central American families establishing roots in theUnited States. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch, one of the deadliest hurricanes in Central American history, ravaged Honduras and Nicaragua and resulted in the loss and displacement of thousands, as well as a collapse in the physical infrastructure. Due to this devastation, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was designated to both countries in 1999.

The 2001 earthquakes inEl Salvadorresulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives and resulted in the displacement of thousands more, in addition to extensive destruction of the physical infrastructure and severe damage to the country’s economy. Reconstruction efforts have been slowed and hindered by subsequent Hurricanes, including Stan (2005), Felix (2007), Ida (2009) and the most recent tropical rain last October.

Very recently, all of the countries were extended their designation for temporary protected status for another 18 months. The Secretary of Homeland Security determined that an extension is warranted because the conditions that prompted the initial designation of TPS continue to be met, in particular inadequate or fragile infrastructure and weak economies which at this moment would be unable to adequately handle the return of its nationals from the U.S.

TPS has allowed its beneficiaries to remain in theU.S.since then with mandatory renewal every 18 months to maintain this status. The costs associated with this renovation are high and burdensome for many families. Thousands of families who have lived here nearly a decade or more are in a state of limbo, because they do not know what could happen to them after the 18 month period that their status is valid. The only way to secure a more stable and safe future for them is to enable them to become Permanent Residents and which will consequently, put them on the path to U.S. Citizenship. Currently, TPS beneficiaries formCentral Americainclude: approximately 64,000 Hondurans, 212,000 Salvadorans, and 3,000 Nicaraguans.

Community organizations from all throughout the country have formed a coalition and are launching a campaign to promote Permanent Residency for TPS beneficiaries fromCentral America. While a comprehensive immigration reform is not foreseeable in the near future and the current administration has adopted a step by step approach in tackling the unfair and confusing immigration practices, we are here as TPS beneficiaries and supporters to advocate for legislative action that will allow them to stay in the US as permanent residents. The Coalition will hold a press conference on Monday, January 30, inHoustonTexas, at11:00 a.m.atHouston’sFederalBuilding. During the press conference we will announce the launch of this campaign and will invite our TPS community, legislators, community organizations and activists, congregations, unions, and all those who support a fair and viable solution for immigrant families in the U.S..

We come together to support vibrant futures for families that have not only contributed to our national economy, but have been a critical and positive force in the reconstruction of their home countries by sending remittances to family members. These families are productive members of our society with the same dreams and hopes as many of us, and have worked very hard to provide for their families, buy their first home here in theU.S., or open their own business. Every 18 months during the renovation process, they have gone through background checks and have proved that they are law-abiding and of good moral character and that they pay their income taxes every year.

It is critical to understand that TPS, this important but temporary immigration benefit, is not the path towards self-sufficient, stable immigrant communities. Permanent Residency is the only solution to ensure the progress of our families, communities, and nation, and end the uncertainty that these thousands of families are living everyday.

The campaign is a joint effort of the following organizations: The SHARE Foundation (Berkley, CA); Oregon’s Latino Immigrant Rights Coalition, Causa (Salem, OR); CARECEN-DC, CRECEN-Houston; CARECEN-LA; Centro Romero (Chicago, IL); Sunflower Community Action (Wichita, KS); East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (Berkley, CA); CEUS (Union City, NJ); Centro Hispano Cuzcatlan (Jamaica, NY); America paraTodos (Houston, TX); Voluntarios por El Salvador (Houston, TX); Comite Amigos en Accion (Houston, TX); Comites de beneficiaries del TPS (Houston, TX); Centro CivicoSalvadoreño (Dallas, TX); Wind of the Spirit, NJ; Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (Chicago, IL); North Carolina Latin American Coalition (Charlotte, NC); and SALEF (Los Angeles, CA)

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State Representatives, anti-immigrant groups want flawed E-verify in Oregon

2012-01-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

Anti-Immigrant groups with the support of Oregon State Representative Kim Thatcher (R), Oregon State Representative Jeff Barker (D) and others (listed below) will be introducing a bill (HB 4052) to force state agencies in Oregon to use the flawed E-verify system to "verify employment eligibility of applicants".

E-Verify, an internet based computer database run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has a troubled history that would spell disaster for Oregonians and Oregon's struggling budget.

It has been pointed out time and again by advocacy organizations and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that the accuracy rate of E-Verify is unacceptable. Each error means that a U.S. citizen or legal U.S worker could be denied employment and a paycheck because the federal government database contains an error. E-Verify is a problematic program that has harmful consequences for Oregon workers and our state's economy.

The state of Oregon, like the Federal Government, already verifies the eligibility of job applicants and prohibits those of undocumented status from receiving employment. Forcing the state of Oregon to use a deeply flawed program will just cause more money to be taken away from vital services that Oregonians on. The introduction of this bill amounts to nothing more than creating another problem for Oregon's budget and a play to anti-immigrant groups by members of the Oregon State Legislature.

Our country needs a real solution to upgrade it's obsolete immigration system. The Thatcher-Barker E-Verify bill seeks to remove immigrant workers out of Oregon’s economy. Immigrant workers are an important and vital part of many industries and Oregon’s economy. The real solution is for the U.S. Congress to create a fair and just way to make undocumented workers and families right by the law, and create a system they can go through, and not around, to make them full members of our society and economy.

If passed, HB 4052 would cause lawful Oregon workers to lose their jobs or be denied employment, an increase the risk of government intrusion, drive jobs into the underground economy, deprive the government of tax revenue, and impose additional costs on the State of Oregon—all without meeting the program's stated purpose of ending the hiring of undocumented workers.

Members of the Oregon State Legislature need to get serious about our state's problems, and quit playing to anti-immigrant groups and creating problems where none exists.

We urge people to call the following legislators and tell them to oppose any legislation like HB4052 that would hurt Oregon workers and further damage Oregon’s economy:
OR State Representatives

Kim Thatcher (R–Keizer , District 25) 503-986-1425

Jeff Barker (D-Aloha District 28) 503-986-1428

Vicki Berger (R-Salem District 20) 503-986-1420

Katie Eyre Brewer (R-Hillsboro District 29) 503-986-1429

Sal Esquival (R-Medford District 6) 503-986-1406

Tim Freeman (R-Roseburg District 2) 503-986-1402

Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio District 17) 503-986-1417

Jim Thompson (R-Dallas District 23) 503-986-1423

Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver District 53) 503-986-1453

Matt Wingard (R-Wilsonville District 26) 503-986-1426

Undocumented Workers Are Taxpayers, Too

2012-01-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

Today, Oregon Center for Public Policy released a report, Undocumented Workers are Taxpayers, Too (PDF). OCPP does in-depth research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues. Their goal is to improve decision making and generate more opportunities for all Oregonians.

Undocumented Workers Are Taxpayers, Too

It's essential that Oregonians recognize the important contribution undocumented workers make to our state's economy. Undocumented immigrants perform vital work in certain industries. Together they earn roughly $2.3 billion to $4.5 billion a year, much of it undoubtedly spent on goods and services purchased from Oregon businesses. And beside labor and purchasing power, undocumented immigrants contribute to Oregon's economy in the form of taxes.

This issue brief updates OCPP's estimates of tax contributions by undocumented Oregon workers. Specifically, OCPP estimates (1) how much undocumented workers pay in state and local income, property and excise taxes; and (2) how much they pay in federal Social Security and Medicare taxes. In addition, we estimate the taxes paid by employers in the name of undocumented workers. These include the employer's share of Social Security and Medicare taxes and the amount employers pay in state Unemployment Insurance taxes in the name of undocumented workers.

Dowload a copy of this issue brief:
Undocumented Workers are Taxpayers, Too (PDF)

Estimated annual tax contributions of undocumented workers in Oregon
Estimated number of undocumented immigrants in Oregon	110,000 – 220,000
Estimated total annual income of undocumented workers	$2.3 billion to $4.5 billion
Total of estimated taxes paid by undocumented workers:	$154 million to $309 million
State and local income, excise and property taxes	$68 million to $136 million
Social Security taxes	$70 million to $140 million
Medicare taxes	$16 million to $33 million
Total of estimated taxes paid by Oregon employers in the name of undocumented workers:	$121 million to $243 million
State Unemployment Insurance taxes	$35 million to $70 million
Social Security taxes	$70 million to $140 million
Medicare taxes	$16 million to $33 million

continue reading>> http://www.ocpp.org/2012/01/25/iss20120120undocumented-workers-are-taxpayers-too/
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Related materials:
Read the 2007 version of Undocumented Workers are Taxpayers, Too, also available in Spanish (PDF)

PHOTOS: 400 Turn out to Immigrant Action Day in Salem

2012-01-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

January 21, 2012

Salem, Ore.-- Today, over 400 people from around Oregon and Southern Washington turn out to Causa's 14th Annual Immigrant Action Day to hear about work being done to restore driver’s licenses for all, stop local law enforcement collaboration with ICE, improve education and promote equality for all members of our community.

Today's event was sponsored by the Multicultural Center and the group JUNTOS at Chemeketa Community College, the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality and with the support of Voz Hispana and Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas.

News Coverage:
Immigrant Advocates Plan Their Approach (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
Immigrant action day held at Chemeketa (Salem Statesman Journal)

OR Latinos Meet for Immigrant Action Day

2012-01-20T05:06:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2012

OR Latinos Meet for Immigrant Action Day
Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
AUDIO: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-24341-1.mp3

SALEM, Ore. - It's the closest Oregon's Latino community comes to having a convention. At the annual Immigrant Action Day tomorrow in Salem, delegations from about 20 Oregon cities will meet to discuss their issues and action plans for the year.

The group says its top priorities are restoring driver's licenses and allowing in-state college tuition for all Oregon residents, no matter what their immigration status; and asking that Oregon reject the Secure Communities program, in which local law enforcement officers serve as the eyes and ears of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Francisco Lopez, executive director of Causa, says not all of their priorities will end up as bills in this legislative session - but it's an election year, and their focus will still be on getting lawmakers' attention and cooperation.

"This is the time when we will tell legislators, 'Do you want to come and ask for the Latino vote? We want to make sure that you make a commitment for those issues that are important for us - driver's license, tuition equity, and the relationship between ICE and local law enforcement.'"

Lopez says it will be 2013 before his group revives its push to restore driver's licenses to 80,000 immigrant workers, which the Oregon Legislature revoked in 2008. Until then, he says they'll ask the governor to okay temporary plans to allow them to drive and be insured. To Lopez, it is an issue of safety and economics.

"What they have done is created one more burden to the difficult economic recession - because what it does is, it limits the mobility of the economic activity of the state. People that could take their kids to school, to the doctor, to do grocery shopping."

This weekend's annual event is equal parts pep rally, live entertainment and political strategy session. Christian Baeff, who organized it this year, says people often bring their families, and they leave with new ideas and energy.

"People are excited to see what's going to happen, and always hopeful, but some people find out that this process is not as easy as they thought, too. And sometimes, it takes time for legislation to pass."

Immigrant Action Day takes place on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Chemeketa Community College, 4000 Lancaster Dr. N.E., Building 2, Salem.

Eugene Assembly to Address Public Safety and Crucial Services for Families

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

MEDIA ADVISORY
January 17, 2012

Contact:
Francisco Lopez, Executive Director 503-269-5694
Erik Sorensen, Communications Director, 503-488-0263

Eugene Assembly to Address Public Safety and Crucial Services for Families

Eugene, Ore. -- Join members of Faith, Labor, and Community Organizations and Education sectors of Lane County on Tuesday, January 24th for a Leaders’ Assembly at the First United Methodist Church in Eugene. The assembly will address two important issues to members of Lane County including Driver's License Access Restoration for all Oregon Residents and Restoration of Funding to Centro LatinoAmericano, an organization that provides crucial services to working families in Lane County and the Southern Willamette Valley.

Lane County Leaders' Assembly
Building an Alliance for the Common Good

Date & Time:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Location:
First United Methodist Church
1376 Olive Street
Eugene, OR 97401-3939

During the assembly, members of the community will offer testimony and urge the Oregon State Legislature to create safer roads by restoring driver’s licenses for all Oregon residents regardless of immigration status. They will also call on Governor Kitzhaber to provide administrative relief until the Legislature passes legislation.

Another important issue of focus of the event and of critical importance to Lane County, is the urgent funding restoration for Centro LatinoAmericano. Centro LatinoAmericano is the single largest and most established community-based organization in Lane County (and the southern Willamette Valley) serving the needs of low-income individuals and families.

On June 30, 2011, Centro LatinoAmericano lost its main source of funding for crucial human services putting families and individuals at risk. This reduction of services has left families with fewer resources to address their most basic needs--food, heat, and shelter-- that are crucial to assist them with becoming more self-reliant, and to protect them from violence and abuse. Centro LatinoAmericano serves more than 2,000 Lane County Latino families per year.

Centro LatinoAmericano (Centro) was formed in 1972 by a group of activist Chicano students from Lane Community College and the University of Oregon to meet the needs of Mexicano immigrant families in Lane County. In 1978, Centro became a bilingual and multicultural non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, and has continued to serve as the main avenue for the social and civic integration of the Latino population in Lane County.

Invited guests to the assembly include elected officials from City, County, and State Government.

Those bringing a delegation from a Church, Synagogue, Union Local, Public School, Community Organization and University, needing to RSVP or needing more information should contact Causa's Lane County Organizer Ranfis Villatoro at (971) 242-9964

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Causa, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization, 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/

RESOURCES:

Flyer: http://www.causaoregon.org/event-flyers/2012-lane-co-leaders-assembly-eng.pdf

Statewide Immigrant Action Day in Salem this Saturday

2012-01-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2012

Contact:
Francisco Lopez, Executive Director 503-269-5694
Erik Sorensen, Communications Director, 503-488-0263

Statewide Immigrant Action Day to be held in Salem on January 21st

Salem, Ore.-- On Saturday, January 21st , Causa will host their 14th Annual Statewide Immigrant Action Day in Salem. The day long event will bring together delegations from Portland, Gresham, Cornelius, Hillsboro, Eugene, Springfield, Beaverton, Bend, Redmond, Madras, Sisters, Woodburn, Independence, Dayton, Dallas, Silverton, Lincoln City and St. Helens and Vancouver, Washington.

Immigrant Action Day 2012
Saturday January 21st, 10am- 2pm
Chemeketa Community College Building 2
4000 Lancaster Dr NE
Salem, Oregon

The focus of this year’s Immigrant Action Day will include the following topics:

Restoring driver’s licenses for all in Oregon
Stopping local law enforcement collaboration with ICE
How to get involved with our children’s education
Getting your voice heard in the elections
Equality for all members of our community

Lunch and childcare will be provided to those attending the event.

Please RSVP with Christian Baeff by contacting him at 503-737-7014 or christian (at) causaoregon.org

Sponsored by the Multicultural Center and the group JUNTOS at Chemeketa Community College, the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality and with the support of Voz Hispana and Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas.

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CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization, 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/

Report: Low Marks for OR Lawmakers on Racial Equity

2012-01-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2012

Report: Low Marks for OR Lawmakers on Racial Equity

Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
AUDIO: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-24236-1.mp3

SALEM, Ore. - As a group, Oregon lawmakers have not done much to ensure that non-white Oregonians have anything close to the same chances for success as white Oregonians. That's the finding of a new report that gives the state Senate a grade of "C" - and the House a "D" - based on their votes last session on bills that could have improved the financial security, health or educational opportunities for people of color.

Kalpana Krishnamurthy, director of the RACE Program at the Western States Center, says that is important because Oregon has become a real melting pot.

"A place like Malheur County is 36 percent people of color. Lake County is 13 percent; Jefferson County is 38 percent people of color. We're not just talking about I-5 and urban centers. We're talking about the entire state, and the demographics of our state really changing."

The report examines the fate of 23 pieces of legislation. Some of them, like home loan modifications, could benefit all families, no matter what their race.

According to the latest census, people of color make up more than 21 percent of Oregon residents. Joseph Santos-Lyons, a coordinator with the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), says public policies in the state have not kept up with the changing demographics.

"We believe that the Legislature has to understand that Oregon's future prosperity is linked to our ability to provide fair opportunities and economic stability to all residents - and there's a wide gap between white Oregonians and Oregonians of color."

Krishnamurthy says there are ways to minimize racial disparities - although in another tight budget year, the Legislature also risks making the problems worse.

"Oregon has some very tough decisions to make about what we fund, and about how to find a balance between revenues and expenses. But if we do these cuts in ways that don't look at racial equity, we will exacerbate some of these growing opportunity gaps in our state."

The report says statewide poverty figures reflect the legislature's inaction on some issues. For whites in Oregon, the poverty rate is about 13 percent, but for Native Americans, it is 23 percent. It's almost 29 percent for Latinos, 39 percent for African Americans and just over 40 percent for Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.

The full report, "Facing Race: 2011 Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity in Oregon," is available at http://www.westernstatescenter.org/

Leaders' Assembly in Eugene on January 24th

2012-01-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Lane County Leaders' Assembly

Faith, Labor, Community Organizations and Education sectors
Building an Alliance for the Common Good

Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 7:45pm
Location: First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive Street, Eugene, OR 97401-3939

Issues:
Safer Roads for Lane County Residents: Ensure Driver’s License Access for ALL county residents
Social Services for Working Class Families in Lane County: Urgent Funding Restoration for Centro LatinoAmericano

Invited guests include elected officials from City, County, and State Government

If you are bringing a delegation from a Church, Synagogue, Union Local, Public School, Community Organization and University or for more information please contact Lane County Causa Oregon organizer Ranfis Villatoro at (971) 242-9964

RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/279594432084250/

FLYER IN ENGLISH: http://www.causaoregon.org/event-flyers/2012-lane-co-leaders-assembly-eng.pdf
FLYER EN ESPANOL: http://www.causaoregon.org/event-flyers/2012-lane-co-leaders-assembly-span.pdf

What is Causa working on in 2012?

2012-01-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

A short video on what Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization will be working on this year

Causa, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization, is the largest Hispanic civil and human rights and grassroots 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/

Immigration Rule Change Could Keep OR Families Together

2012-01-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Immigration Rule Change Could Keep OR Families Together

Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
January 9, 2012

SALEM, Ore. - It's a relatively small change but, for Oregon's immigrant community, it represents a big step to keep families together as their immigration issues are resolved. A new immigration regulation will allow some people to remain in the United States who typically have had to return to their home countries to apply for a visa or to get what is called a "family unity waiver." Either decision can take months.

Portland attorney Stephen Manning of the Immigrant Law Group says it affects at least 200 families his firm is working with right now. He describes one of them:

"Nice family, good family, good people. He needs to get his immigrant visa to get right with the law and, under the old system, he's probably going to be outside the country for at least 18 months. With two kids in elementary school, it's just not a good deal."

The new rule will apply only to spouses and children of people who are already American citizens. Francisco Lopez, executive director of the immigrants' rights group Causa, hopes it will be expanded to include others in similar situations.

"Not just U.S. citizens that are petitioning for family members, but also green card holders, people with permanent resident status. But also, we want to make sure that this is a good beginning to continue the conversation about a legalization program."

Lopez notes the rule change means that people applying for visas and family unity waivers can stay home while they wait for their U.S. Consulate hearings to be scheduled, and then leave the country for a few days instead of months. The rule change will minimize the time family members are separated, but not prevent it, adds Manning.

"The process is still the same. It's just a change in the timing, so it's where you're going to have to spend the time. So, it's not an amnesty. People should not be tricked into thinking it's amnesty, you know; if you're made promises that sound too good to be true, they're probably too good to be true."

Manning says the current system has meant a lot of expense and stress, particularly for parents when one has to leave for an extended time period. He points out that the Department of Homeland Security rule change is not in effect yet and could take up to a year to become final.

Immigration Waiver Process Change Will Keep Some Families Together

2012-01-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

January 6, 2012

Immigration Waiver Process Change Will Keep Some Families Together

OR Immigrant Rights Organization Applauds New Regulation for Stateside Processing of Family Unity Waivers and Calls on Administration to Extend Process to Legal Permanent Residents

Salem, Ore.--Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new regulation that will direct certain visa applicants to file their applications for family unity waivers within the U.S., to be adjudicated by a specially trained and designated team of professionals.

Currently, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents face unnecessary and dangerous bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining lawful permanent resident status for their spouse or child. Those applying for a Visa would either need to return to their country of origin or apply for a waiver to be able to remain in the U.S. while completing the Visa process. Getting a waiver can take weeks, months or even over a year to be completed. Meanwhile, families are separated and spouses and children are forced to wait in potentially dangerous situations until a waiver decision is made.

The new procedures announced today will only apply to U.S. citizen spouses and children, who will still have to meet the burden of showing that a lengthy bar from the U.S. would cause their U.S. citizen spouse or parent “extreme hardship”. This welcome development will allow husbands, wives and children of U.S. citizens to remain united with their family members while awaiting a decision on their waiver.

“We applaud today’s announcement by DHS”, said Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of Causa, Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Organization. “This is a much needed change in the current flawed policy – making it one that favors keeping families together. For far too long, families were going through this process separated from one another, and often being placed in dangerous situations. Today’s announcement is another welcome step forward in moving toward a fair and humane immigration process. We look forward to the Obama Administration and Congress continuing to improve our immigration system for immigrants and families.”

The new regulation does not apply to lawful permanent residents, many whose spouses and children face the same obstacles and dangers when required to wait abroad for their waiver adjudications. Causa joins with leaders and organizations around the nation in calling on the Obama Administration to extend the process to legal permanent residents.

Francisco Lopez, Causa's Executive Director will be available for interviews today. He can be reached at 503-269-5694 or at francisco@causaoregon.org

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Causa, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization, is the largest Hispanic civil and human rights and grassroots 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/

14th Annual Statewide Immigrant Action Day in Salem on January 21st

2012-01-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

Join us at our 14th Annual Statewide Immigrant Action Day in Salem on January 21st!

Immigrant Action Day 2012
Saturday January 21st, 10am- 2pm
Chemeketa Community College Building 2
4000 Lancaster Dr NE
Salem, Oregon

Topics include:

Restoring driver’s licenses for all in Oregon
Stopping local law enforcement collaboration with ice
How to get involved with our children’s education
Have our voice heard in the elections
Equality for all members of our community

We will provide lunch and childcare

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CHRISTIAN BAEFF: 503-737-7014

Sponsored by the Multicultural Center and the group JUNTOS at Chemeketa and the Coalitión Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality. With the support of Voz Hispana and Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas.

RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/198625810225293/#!/events/198625810225293/

Día de Acción del Inmigrante 2012
Sábado 21 de Enero 10 am – 2 pm
Chemeketa Community College Edificio 2
4000 Lancaster Dr NE
Salem, Oregon

Temas a tratar:

Como está la situación para restaurar las licencias de conducir para todos en OR
Como terminar la colaboración entre la policía local y ICE (Inmigración)
Como envolverse en la educación de nuestros hijos
Como tener una voz en las elecciones
Como conseguir igualdad para todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad

Se proveerá almuerzo y cuidado de niños
PARA MAS INFORMACION CONTACTE LORENA MANZO: 503-984-4823

Auspiciado por el Centro Multicultural y el grupo JUNTOS de Chemeketa y la Coalición de Salem-Keizer por la Igualdad.

Con el apoyo de Voz Hispana y Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas

RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/198625810225293/#!/events/198625810225293/

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CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, 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

Over 2500 March in Alabama for Repeal of Anti-immigrant Law

2011-12-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

December 20, 2011

Causa's Francisco Lopez with children, students and famlies at rally in Alabama

Montgomery, Ala. -- Last weekend, members of Causa, Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Organization were in Alabama for Fair Immigration Reform Movement's (FIRM) Immigrant National Convention. The convention brought together immigrant rights groups from around the country and leaders from Alabama to train and plan on how to beat back anti-immigrant bills, push for pro-immigrant legislation, and continuing the fight for humane, comprehensive immigration reform.

On Saturday, organizations and individuals from all over the Nation held rally and march for the repeal of Alabama’s Anti-immigrant law known as HB 56. The turn-out, which included Freedom Riders, DREAM students, leaders from civil, immigrant and labor rights organizations and families, was estimated between 2500 and 3000 people.

The Alabama law was passed in June by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature and signed by GOP Gov. Robert Bentley. Parts of the law took effect in late September while other parts were blocked by federal courts after successful lawsuits by the Obama Administration and immigrant rights and faith-based organizations.

On December 14th, Human Rights Watch issued 52 page report detailing how the Alabama law denies unauthorized immigrants and their families, including US citizen children, their basic rights, threatening their access to everyday necessities and equal protection of the law. The report is based in part on first-hand accounts by 57 Alabama residents, including citizens and permanent residents, who reported abuse or discrimination under the law.

The law has even drawn national attention over a couple embarrassing incidents with workers from Alabama’s Honda and Mercedes plants. Earlier this month, it was reported that Republicans who passed the law are facing backlash from the Alabama business community after two foreign workers were stopped by police for not carrying “proof of legal residency”. Many believe the incidents have turned public opinion against the draconian law.

After the incidents, the Republican attorney general called for some of the strictest parts of it to be repealed. The Birmingham Business Alliance told the Associated Press that the law is tainting Alabama's image around the world, while Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day said the law is rekindling the memories of Alabama's civil rights past saying "It's bringing back old images from 40 or 50 year ago."

Gatherings to Raise Awareness about Abuse, Discrimination and Injustice against Immigrants

2011-12-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

December 16, 2011

Gatherings to Raise Awareness about Abuse and Injustice against Immigrants

Portland, Ore--Starting this Sunday, members of immigrant communities, their supporters and those from diverse faiths will participate in a series of Posadas or “welcoming”gatherings in support of immigrant rights. The event is being hosted by Vecinos en Alerta (Neighbors in Alert) and the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement (ONSM)
This is third year that ONSM has organized a posada to draw public attention to the need for immigrant justice and an end to the abuse, discrimination and exploitation of immigrants in the United States.

“We are doing this to build community, solidarity and relationships of mutual welcome and hospitality between immigrants and people of faith and conscience”, said Beth Poteet of the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement. “As immigrants and allies, we want to draw public attention to the need for immigrant justice and an end to the abuse, discrimination and exploitation of immigrants in the United States.

Welcoming the Stranger: Portland Posada 2011
Date: December 19th and 20th
Time: 7pm - 8:30pm.
Location: 6840 NE Killingsworth, Portland, Oregon

Go to the Hacienda office and look for signs to direct you to the Posada.

Each evening there will be a celebration with food, fellowship, art and action.

For more information, please visit www.oregonsanctuary.org or link to their flyer here: http://www.oregonsanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/posadasonsm-1.pdf

DOJ Report Finds Arpaio Engaged in Practice of Civil Rights Abuses, Racial Profiling

2011-12-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2011

This release comes from the American Immigration Council. The American Immigration Council's mission is to strengthen America by honoring our immigrant history and shaping how Americans think about and act towards immigration now and in the future.

DOJ Report Slams Sheriff Joe Arpaio and DHS Restricts 287(g) and Secure Communities Programs
Washington D.C. - After a three-year investigation into the abusive practices of Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office (MCSO), the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that it had found a pattern and practice of civil rights abuses, including extreme cases of racial profiling. The enormity of the violations, the majority of which were experienced by immigrants and Latinos, has led the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend its cooperation agreement (under section 287(g)) with the sheriff’s office and restrict the MCSO’s access to immigration databases through the Secure Communities program.
The dual announcements from DOJ and DHS reinforce what many in Arizona and the broader immigration community have long argued: the practice of allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law increases the likelihood of racial profiling and pretextual arrests which leads to disastrous results for entire communities.
The DOJ’s Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez commented on the investigation noting “MCSO’s systematic disregard for basic constitutional protections has created a wall of distrust between the sheriff’s office and large segments of the community, which dramatically compromises the ability to protect and serve the people. The problems are deeply rooted in MCSO’s culture, and are compounded by MCSO’s penchant for retaliation against individuals who speak out.”

The DOJ has requested a response from Maricopa County and writes “If MCSO is not interested or if we deem that MCSO is not engaged in good-faith efforts to achieve compliance by voluntary means, we are prepared to file a civil action to compel compliance.”

The report contains a review of the constitutional abuses rampant in Maricopa County including an analysis by a leading expert on measuring racial profiling who examined MCSO traffic stops and found that “Latino drivers were between four to nine times more likely to be stopped than similarly situated non-Latino drivers. Overall, the expert concluded that this case involves the most egregious racial profiling in the United States that he has ever personally seen in the course of his work, observed in litigation, or reviewed in professional literature.”

Today’s announcements also highlight the critical issues at stake in the upcoming Supreme Court review of Arizona’s SB 1070, a law that institutionalized the role of state law enforcement in federal immigration matters. Even under the best of circumstances, ceding immigration authority to state officers presents an array of complex and politically charged issues. Under the worst of circumstances, as illustrated by Sherriff Arpaio’s MCSO, state and local law enforcement agencies enforcing federal immigration laws can be disasterous.

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OR Immigrant Rights Organization Comes Out Strong for LGBT Equality

2011-12-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2011

OR Immigrant Rights Organization Comes Out Strong for LGBT Equality

Portland, Ore.-- Yesterday, around 100 people attended Causa’s Coming Out Party at theSlate in NW Portland. The party showcased Causa’s LGBTQ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer) work and highlighted the importance and history behind creating alliances and conversations between the LGBTQ community and the Latino community.

The event was co-sponsored by Basic Rights Oregon, Oregon Health and Science University, Latino Network, and the Northwest Worker Justice Project.

Emcees posing with Causa's Francisco Lopez

Guests were treated to live Cuban music by Xavier y Su Banda Clasica, jazz and Broadway tunes by David Hastings and the very energetic Emcees, El Hispanic News publisher Melanie Davis, and Star Empress 34 FabuLanzaa. Food was served up by La Bonita Taqueria and Mayahuel Catering.

"Last night's event was a great success and a great time celebrating LGBTQ Latino Equality with all our friends”, said Christian Baeff, Causa’s LGBT Alliance Building Organizer. “The event was a heart warming one and we enjoyed seeing everyone in the same spirit of supporting Causa's work. We look forward to the future as we work towards equality and immigrant rights."

Organizers set a goal to raise $1500.00 for the event but in the end fell short by just $2.00. Causa was promised a matching grant of $1500.00 for the $1500 raised. The good news is, there is still time to help us make the goal of $1500. Anyone who donates just $2.00 turns $1500 into $3000 instantly. If you would like to help, please link here: https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5535/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=607

A Special Note of Thanks:

Thank you to La Bonita Taqueria and Mayahuel Catering for delicious food and appetizers. And to our sponsors Basic Rights Oregon, Oregon Health and Science University, Latino Network, and Northwest Worker Justice Project for their generous donations.

Thanks also to the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock for a generous matching donation, the Slate for providing our venue, and to Por Que No Taqueria, Mother's Bistro & Bar, Bijou Cafe, and Darcelle XV for their donations. And Thank you to Oregon Beverage Services and All Star Rentals

Thanks to our performers David Hastings and Xavier & Su banda Clasica and our fabulous emcees, Melanie Davis, Published of El Hispanic News, and Star Empress 34, FabuLanzaa. Thanks to program participants Jeana Frazzini and Jensi, Carmen and Felipe for sharing their stories.

Finally, thanks to all the volunteers and many other organizations and individuals that made this event possible!

RESOURCES:

PHOTOS http://s516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/CAUSAOregon/Coming%20Out%20Party/?albumview=slideshow

USA Today: Deportations tear some families apart

2011-12-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Appearing on the front page of today's edition of USA Today is the heart wrenching story about Liliana Ramos, an Oregonian who was deported after living in the U.S. for 21 years. Liliana has been separated from her children since September of this year. Francisco Lopez, executive director of Causa Oregon and Barbara Ghio (Causa Board Member) are both mentioned in the story.

Deportations tear some families apart
By Dania P. Maxwell, for USA TODAY

TIJUANA, Mexico – Few words are needed when Liliana Ramos talks by phone with her youngest daughter, age 11, back in Oregon.
"Mostly we cry," she says. "All the time we cry and say, 'I love you, I miss you.' "

After living for 21 years in the U.S., Ramos, 39, was deported to Mexico in September, separated from the two daughters and son she has raised as a single mother since her ex-husband left them seven years ago

Continue reading here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-04/illegal-immigration-deportation-obama-gingrich-homeland-security/51646680/1

Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization to Throw Party for LGBT Equality

2011-11-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

November 29, 2011

Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization to Throw Party for LGBT Equality

Salem, Ore.--On December 8th, Causa, Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Organization, will host a “Coming Out Party” marking our year of work towards LGBT equality. The event will showcase Causa's LGBTQ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer) work and highlight the importance of and history behind creating alliances and conversations between the LGBTQ community and the Latino community.

December 8, 2011 | 6:00-8:00 pm
Causa’s Coming Out Party
theSlate
2001 NW 19th Ave #104
Portland, Oregon

While Causa has always been supportive of LGBTQ issues, in this past year we have been intentional about our work for LGBTQ equality, and are moving this work forward as part of our organizational identity. This is the first time in Causa's history that our organization has hired an organizer to do LGBTQ alliance building work with the Latino community and the only group to organize LGBT Latin@s in the mid-valley.

“Even though we’ve taken action in support of LGBT equality for years, we feel this year was our ‘Coming Out’ year because we started our work for LGBT equality in a more integrated, public way,” says Steinbauer. “The Coming Out Party will be a fun time to celebrate this work and recognize the leadership and contributions of LGBT Latinos and Latinas.”

“Causa was honored to accept this year’s Equality Champion award at Basic Rights Oregon’s (BRO) 2011 Annual Dinner,” said Francisco Lopez, Causa’s Executive Director. “This award along with feedback from our staff and supporters has helped us recognize the many ways our alliance has made us stronger, from joint fundraising to strategizing on legislative and electoral campaigns to mobilizing our bases in support of each other’s issues. We are excited to celebrate our "Coming Out" as an organization, while recognizing the LGBTQ Latino immigrant community.”

Tickets for the event are $15 advance, or $25 at the door. Those interested in purchasing tickets can link here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/201409, visit Causa's website at www.causaoregon.org or contact Causa’s LGBT organizer, Christian Baeff at 503-737-7014 or christian@causaoregon.org

For media inquiries, please contact Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of Causa at 503-269-5694 or Erik Sorensen, Communications Director at 503-488-0263

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Bring Isaac and Jonathan home for Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

DreamActivist has an urgent call to action to bring Isaac Barrera and Jonathan Perez home to their families for Thanksgiving. Take action now!

During the National Immigrant Youth Alliance's Week of Action, 15 undocumented youth and parents were arrested for standing up for themselves and our community in protest of unjust laws like Alabama's HB56. 13 of these undocumented youth and parents were released, while 2 undocumented youth were transferred to a detention center and are awaiting deportation.

On Thursday Nov. 10th, Isaac Barrera and Jonathan Perez walked into a Mobile, Alabama Border Patrol office protesting against HB56. Both were detained and, within hours, transferred to the Basile immigration detention center in Southern Louisiana. Isaac and Jonathan are now doing what they do best, organizing from within the detention center where they are gathering stories of others detained, those not connected to a larger network.

TAKE ACTION-- SIGN THE PETITION AND MAKE A CALL

Another Anti-immigrant Extremist Loses Seat

2011-11-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

We reported last week about the defeat of Russel Pearce, Arizona State Senate President, self proclaimed "Tea Party President" and the mastermind behind Arizona’s racial profiling and anti-immigrant Senate Bill 1070.

It appears yet another anti-immigrant extremist has joined Pearce in losing thier seat. Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy gave up his bid for re-election after investigators found problems with his use of public money. Levy's heir apparent, Republican Angie Carpenter, was handily defeated by her Democratic rival ending a decade of extremism and hate.

While in office, Levy built a reputation as one of the most notable anti-immigrant public officials in New York state. According to America's Voice,

"During Levy’s tenure, New York’s Suffolk County was something of a 21st century breeding ground for racial violence: Latino immigrants were routinely beaten, pelted with rocks, and spit at. They were harassed by police officers and racial epithets were scrawled on their homes. They were afraid to leave their houses and lived under constant threat of assault. High school students casually talked about “beaner jumping,” where attacks on Latino immigrants were treated as a common pastime.

Huffington Post reported that

"In 2009, the Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups, said Suffolk County political leaders, including Levy, "fanned the flames" of racial hatred before the stabbing death of Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero by a group of young white men."

Then County Executive Levy dismissed the murder of Marcelo Luceroas, stating it was a “one-day story”.

Elected officials around the nation promoting anti-immigrant and anti-Latino agendas have to be taking notice and wondering if they are next. One thing for sure, Americans are sick, tired and disgusted with those promoting agendas of hate. It is only a matter of time before they are run out of office, as well.

To read the full article by America's Voice, "Anti-Immigrant Extremist Steve Levy’s Seat Won By Democrat, Another Vote Against Excess" please link here

Uniting Communities: Supporting ALL Latinos

2011-11-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

November 14, 2011

Uniting Communities: Supporting ALL Latin@s
by Aeryca Steinbauer

It’s been a year since Causa launched our Uniting Communities initiative! In this newsletter we bring you an update on our work to integrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality into the core work of Causa. While we have always worked as an ally with LGBT organizations, in this past year we included the struggle for LGBT equality as a core part of our organizational values.

Our understanding of and commitment to LGBT issues has grown in many ways.

We educated ourselves on the issues that LGBT Latin@s face, and forged relationships with LGBT Latin@ groups such as SOMOS, whose leaders helped organize our most recent Equality Assembly in Portland. Causa’s own LGBT Latin@s group has expanded to meeting every Monday in Salem, currently the only group to organize LGBT Latin@s in the mid-valley.

We increased the broader Latin@ community’s understanding of LGBT issues by bringing queer DREAM Activist Yahaira Carrillo to speak at Immigrant Action Day and including Causa’s LGBT Latin@s group in the May Day program. We launched a new series of leadership classes and community Equality Assemblies that include LGBT issues. In partnership with Basic Rights Oregon, we launched a Spanish-language radio advertising campaign that addressed the importance of family acceptance and marriage equality.

Throughout this year we’ve been asked many times why we’re doing this work. We work for LGBT equality because it’s a part of our organizational values of dignity and respect for all. We work for LGBT equality so we can better serve all members of the Latin@ community, especially since LGBT Latin@s are disproportionately affected by issues such as immigration reform, driver’s license access, and health equity.

Finally, we support LGBT equality because it is strategic. We simply can’t move forward a pro-immigrant agenda in this political climate alone. We must build alliances around common values with many sectors, including the LGBT community. Alliance building already made us stronger in our ability to mobilize, raise funds, and develop leadership in our base. Alliance building will be crucial in achieving driver’s license restoration, tuition equity, immigration reform, and justice for ALL Latin@ families, including LGBT families.

We were honored to accept a 2011 Equality Champion award at Basic Rights Oregon’s annual dinner, and we recognize the many ways our alliance has made us stronger, from joint fundraising to strategizing on legislative and electoral campaigns to mobilizing our bases in support of each other’s issues.

To recognize Causa’s year of working for LGBT equality more intentionally and publicly, we are throwing a Coming Out Party! Join us on December 8th to celebrate and support this work. Causa’s Coming Out Party will take place from 6:00-8:00 pm at theSlate (2001 NW 19th Ave #104 Portland, OR). Learn more about the event and purchase tickets for $15 online by linking here or contact Christian at christian@causaoregon.org or (503) 737-7014.

Non-Citizens Eager to Serve in U.S. Military Blocked by Government Bureaucracy

2011-11-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Today, while we celebrate and honor those who have proudly served in the U.S. military, we need to remember that among those veterans are immigrants who fight and die on behalf of Americans every single day

The article below was originally posted at Immigration Impact. Immigration Impact is a project of the American Immigration Council whose mission is to strengthen America by honoring our immigrant history and shaping how Americans think about and act towards immigration now and in the future.

Non-Citizens Eager to Serve in U.S. Military Blocked by Government Bureaucracy
BY MARGARET D. STOCK, COUNSEL TO THE FIRM, LANE POWELL PC
November 11, 2011

This Veterans Day, we celebrate those who have proudly served in the U.S. military, including immigrants. Immigrants have long served in all branches of the U.S. military as infantry soldiers, medics, foreign-language translators, and in every other job open to them. At last count, foreign-born service members made up about 8% of the 1.4 million military personnel on active duty. However, some highly qualified non-citizens have been blocked from serving due to the Obama Administration’s suspension of a recruiting program called the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI). Frustrated by the government bureaucracy responsible for halting MAVNI, those non-citizen volunteers are petitioning the government in hopes of reopening the program.
Started under the Bush Administration in 2008, MAVNI was a highly successful military recruiting program open to certain legal aliens who were also U.S. licensed medical professionals or who spoke certain strategic languages. Applicants were required to pass special immigration and security screening before being approved for enlistment and were put on an accelerated path to U.S. citizenship. If they failed to serve honorably for five years, they could lose their U.S. citizenship.

Although MAVNI was highly successful and saved the Pentagon hundreds of thousands of dollars, the program came to an end in 2010 when newly confirmed Obama Administration political appointees failed to extend it, even though MAVNI was scheduled to continue for several more years. Many blame government inefficiencies at the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at the Department of Defense, which is primarily responsibility for the program and has reportedly experienced turbulence in the last year.

In the meantime, hundreds of frustrated MAVNI applicants began a White House petition, asking family members, friends, and colleagues for their signatures in a quest to get the attention of the Obama Administration and get the MAVNI program re-opened. Under White House petition rules, the MAVNI applicants need 25,000 signatures on their petition to earn a response. At this point, they have about 700.

Unlike many White House petitions that ask for legal changes or budget appropriations, the MAVNI petition does not seek Congressional legislation or taxpayer money. Leon Panetta, the Secretary of Defense, can put the program back into operation immediately by signing a memo. One would hope that the White House petition process might get Secretary Panetta’s attention, as MAVNI applicants report that letters and Congressional inquiries have not yet resulted in any action.

There is no question that MAVNI is critical in filling military shortages of medical professionals and foreign language speakers. In fact, senior military leaders testified repeatedly before Congress about the value of the program. MAVNI recruits many highly educated people who would not normally find an easy path to serving America due to America’s dysfunctional legal immigration system.

This Veterans Day, let’s hope the administration recognizes the vital role immigrants have and continue to play in the U.S. military and makes a greater effort to reopen the MAVNI program.

Photo by USACEpublicaffairs.

Rep. Blumenauer Meets with Latino Community Members in NE Portland

2011-11-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

November 10, 2011

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)

Portland, Ore.—On Wednesday, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR, 3rd District) met with members of the Latino Community at a NE Portland Church. The meeting was one of many organized Leaders' Assemblies taking place around Oregon where members of the community talk to their elected leaders about issues important to them.

Among the issues raised during the hour long meeting with Congressman Blumenauer included Legalization and the Dream Act, Making Prosecutorial Discretion Work, Local Law Enforcement and ICE Collaboration on Immigration Enforcement, Uniting families (hardship waivers for the 3-/10-year bars), Immigration Detainers/ICE Holds, Detention Reform, and Customs and Border Protection Reforms.

Leaders' Assembly Participants

During opening remarks, Causa’s Executive Director Francisco Lopez highlighted the support Congressman Blumenauer has given to the DREAM Act, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act (H.R. 4321, CIR ASAP) and the Family Reunification Act. He also praised the Congressman for a recent letter he signed on with other legislators addressed to President Obama asking for the elimination of the Secure Communities Program.

Several members of the NE Portland Community also had a chance to tell their personal stories to Congressman Blumenauer. Among the issues they have been touched by in their personal lives includes the difficulty for people to obtain citizenship through the current broken immigration system, having their families torn apart by programs like Secure Communities, the need for passage of the DREAM Act so children of immigrants can realize their full potential and the need for restoration of driver's licenses so that familes can take their children to the doctor and drive to work so they can support their familes.

During his address, Congressman Blumenauer highlighted the special skills and contributions that immigrants bring to the United States and their importance in the fabric of the community. Blumenauer confirmed that he would continue working towards positive solutions for immigrant families in 2012 and would fight against anything in congress that represents hate, division or right-wing anti-immigrant ideology seeking to destroy the values of this country.

Architect of Arizona's Anti-immigrant Law SB1070 Thrown Out of Office

2011-11-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

November 9, 2011

Architect of Arizona's Anti-immigrant Law SB1070 Thrown Out of Office

Organizations around the nation react, offer warning to those promoting an anti-immigrant agenda

Last night during an historic recall election in Arizona, State Senate President, self proclaimed "Tea Party President" and the mastermind behind Arizona’s racial profiling and anti-immigrant Senate Bill 1070, Russell Pearce was defeated by Jerry Lewis.

Many around the nation are warning that the result of yesterday’s recall election is a new dawn and that those who use divisive politics and destructive demagoguery against immigrants and Latinos will be voted out of office.

Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of Causa Oregon said last night about the results, “The message out of Arizona is loud and clear: If you attack Latinos and Immigrants, pass destructive laws that hurt our communities and promote an anti-immigrant agenda, you will be voted out of office. Many around the country should take notice and learn from the example Russell Pearce represents. Americans want sensible and humane policies not divisive and anti-immigrant laws that divide families, hurt communities and damage public safety.”

Petra Falcon, Executive Director of Promise Arizona in Action said, “This election was a contest of values, and it is a victory for all of us who still believe in the promise of America and democracy. Hispanic voters, like most voters across Arizona, are tired of the angry rhetoric and the extremist positions that typified Pearce’s record on immigration issues. Latinos, like everyone else, want sensible, federal solutions to real issues that our families confront everyday. We want elected officials who best represent these values, and get the job done.”

In a release, Angelica Salas, Executive Director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), had this to say "Russell Pearce’s demise should be a warning call to all anti-immigrant zealots intent on climbing the mountain of discord and resentment by blaming, criminalizing, and insulting immigrant families. State legislatures, members of Congress and Presidential contenders alike should pay attention to District 18 voters when they say common sense, justice, and sound politics wins votes not hard-line, obstinate, and punitive bluster."

Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council said, “Arizona’s business, faith, and immigrant rights communities came together to organize a successful recall election against one of the nation’s most notorious anti-immigrant legislators, State Senate President Russell Pearce. The recall election highlighted Pearce’s extremist agenda and anti-immigrant demagoguery, which have damaged the state’s reputation and economy, and the voters spoke clearly in rejecting it.”

More statements to follow.

Border Fence Display Exposes Hate Dividing Salem and the Nation

2011-11-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2011

Salem, Ore.-- Today, members of Willamette University's Causa Chapter sponsored a display at the college outside the Mark O. Hatfield Library. The Border Fence Project exposes the hate that is dividing the Salem Community and the Nation.

On Tuesday, the fence will be on display at the Oregon State Capitol between noon and 5pm. Join students and community leaders at the Capitol to reflect on the hate driving immigration policy.

Tuesday November 8th, 2011
The Border Fence Project
Border Fence Display at the Oregon State Capitol
12pm-5pm
900 Court Street NE
Salem, Oregon

For more information contact Jenne Ristau at jristau@willamette.edu

PHOTOS: Drawing the Line Between Police/ICE Collaboration

2011-11-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

November 6, 2011

Salem, Ore.-- On Saturday, 75 people from around Oregon attended the Confronting the Polimigra: Drawing the Line Between Police/ICE Collaboration Summit at Willamette University in Salem. The goal of the day-long summit is to strengthen the network of community organizations working across the state to address the damaging connection between ICE and local law enforcement. It also gave the chance for community advocates to come together and learn from one another as we work to end the criminalization of our communities and improve the lives of immigrants in Oregon.

For more details on how you can get involved in this work, please contact Robin Wright at robin@causaoregon.org

DOJ Responds Forcefully to Civil Rights Disaster in Alabama, What Will DHS Do?

2011-11-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

This release come from the American Immigration Council. AIC's mission is to strengthen America by honoring our immigrant history and shaping how Americans think about and act towards immigration now and in the future.

DOJ Responds Forcefully to Civil Rights Disaster in Alabama, What Will DHS Do?

November 4, 2011

Washington D.C. – This week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it was filing suit in South Carolina to block Act No. 69 (formerly SB 20), South Carolina’s new anti-immigrant law—modeled on Arizona’s SB1070. DOJ argues—like it did in Utah and Alabama—that the law is unconstitutional and interferes with the federal government’s ability to set and enforce immigration policy and is likely to result in civil rights violations. Following the legal challenge, the DOJ Civil Rights Division also sent a letter to Alabama’s public schools reminding them of their duty to provide public education to all children in the state regardless of immigration status.

The DOJ is challenging state legislatures that pass immigration enforcement laws that interfere with the federal government’s role in enforcing immigration laws and setting priorities. The DOJ’s effort on this case reflects their commitment to protecting constitutional principles and individual rights, a commitment that should extend to pursing vigorous challenges in other states that have passed similar laws, including Utah, Georgia, and Indiana.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also has a strong role to play and should respond to the civil rights crisis taking place in the states and make good on Secretary Napolitano’s assurance that her agency will not be complicit in enforcing Alabama’s new law through federal immigration enforcement actions.

If one agency of the government is arguing that Alabama’s law is unconstitutional, another agency, DHS, should act consistently and closely review the cases of all immigrants brought to their attention as a result of Alabama’s new law and exercise appropriate discretion. Good government requires consistency across agencies. DHS, like DOJ, should treat implementation of Alabama's new anti-immigrant law as the civil rights crisis that it is and respond swiftly.

New Report Reveals Families Shattered by Immigration Enforcement

2011-11-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

November 2, 2011

Groundbreaking National Report by the Applied Research Center Releases First Data on the Intersection Of Immigration Enforcement And Child Welfare Systems

New York, NY--A new report from the Applied Research Center (ARC) conservatively estimates that there are more than 5,000 children currently living in foster care whose parents have been either detained or deported. To date, there has been no national data available on the numbers of children impacted by the intersection of immigration enforcement and child welfare systems. http://arc.org/shatteredfamilies/

"Shattered Families" offers groundbreaking national research on the perilous intersection of immigration enforcement and the child welfare system. Historic levels of detention and deportation, combined with a clear lack of child welfare policies are resulting in the separation of thousands of families across the United States. These families face formidable barriers to reunification, and in many cases will be permanently separated. ARC projected that at least 15,000 more children will face these threats to reunification in the next five years, if the same rate holds true for new cases.

“Immigration enforcement greatly increases the chances that families will never see each other again,” said ARC President Rinku Sen. “Detaining and deporting parents shatter families and endanger the children left behind. It’s unacceptable, un-American, and a clear sign that we need to revisit our immigration policies.”

In fiscal year 2011, the United States deported a record-breaking 397,000 people and detained nearly that many. According to never before released federal data acquired by ARC through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, a growing number of deportees are parents. In the first six months of 2011, the federal government removed more than 46,000 mothers and fathers of U.S.-citizen children.

For the first time, ARC’s “Shattered Families” provides evidence on the scale and scope of this growing national problem. These impacts are not confined to border jurisdictions or states. In fact, ARC identified at least 22 states across the country where children in foster care are separated from their parents because of immigration enforcement. http://arc.org/shatteredfamilies/

“Our research found time and again that families are being left out of decision-making when it comes to the care and custody of their children,” said Seth Freed Wessler, author and principal investigator of “Shattered Families.” “As a result, children of detained and deported parents are likely to remain in foster care when they could be with their own family.”

“Shattered Families” analyzes these problems, identifies key barriers, and presents policy recommendations for Department of Homeland Security, various levels of legislature, state child welfare departments, and juvenile dependency courts on how we can better protect families from separation and reunify families in a timely way.

About ARC - The Applied Research Center (ARC) is a 30-year-old racial justice think tank that uses media, research and activism to promote solutions. ARC’s mission is to popularize racial justice and prepare people to achieve it. ARC also serves as the publisher of Colorlines.com. For more information on ARC’s work, please visit www.arc.org.

Restrictionist Lawyer Reveals Long-Term Assault on Immigrant Children

2011-10-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

Originally posted at Immigration Impact on October 28, 2011. Immigration Impact is a project of the American Immigration Council whose mission is to strengthen America by honoring our immigrant history and shaping how Americans think about and act towards immigration now and in the future.

Restrictionist Lawyer Reveals Long-Term Assault on Immigrant Children

Today, the head of the legal arm of one of the most notorious restrictionist groups in the nation boldly admitted his work on Alabama’s new anti-immigrant law aims to end public education for the children of immigrants. Michael Hethmon of the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI), an offshoot of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), made no bones about being the author of the education provision in HB 56—which on its face requires public schools to determine the immigration status of enrolling students and their parents, but in reality chips away at children’s ability to get an education.
In fact, FAIR’s long-term vision to erode any and all rights afforded to the children of immigrants becomes increasingly clear with each new FAIR initiative—from attempts to repeal access to birth certificates at the state level through their state legislative arm (State Legislators for Legal Immigration) to IRLI’s litigation strategies in the courts that attempt to turn U.S. policy against immigrant children.

In defense of the education provision, Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange assured a judge that the provision would require nothing more than data collection and that “no child will be denied an education based on unlawful status.” However in the same New York Times article, Hethmon of IRLI admitted that HB 56’s education provision is just a first step:

The man who wrote the schools provision … that it is not meant as a deterrent — at least not yet. It is, however, a first step in a larger and long-considered strategy to topple a 29-year-old Supreme Court ruling that all children in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, are guaranteed a public education.

Hethmon then goes on to explain why this data collection provision is an important part of bigger plans and why they were careful no to go too far in HB 56:

Mr. Hethmon said the problem with these challenges is that they have not taken the trouble to gather the evidence the court found missing in Plyler.

“The toughest question has been obtaining reliable — and I mean reliable for peer-reviewed research purposes — censuses of the number of illegal alien students enrolled in school districts,” he said. “That information could be compared with other sorts of performance or resource allocation issues.

That information is then passed on to the State Board of Education not only to prepare an annual report with the data but also to “contract with reputable scholars and research institutions” to determine the costs, fiscal and otherwise, of educating illegal immigrants.

Because no one is actually barred from attending school and the data is not passed on to law enforcement, the provision passes constitutional muster, Mr. Hethmon said.

But it also potentially enables a fresh challenge to Plyler v. Doe, and the idea that schools are obligated to provide a free education to illegal immigrants.”

There is no doubt the “reputable scholars and research institutions” Hethmon refers to include FAIR’s research arm and sister group, the Center for Immigration Studies. If the Alabama Department of Education continues to collect data on the immigration status of immigrant children and makes it public, it won’t be long before FAIR and CIS produce data on the “fiscal costs of educating the children of immigrants in Alabama.”

While the New York Times article also quotes well-respected legal scholars who feel the chances of a repeal of Plyer V. Doe are highly unlikely, the damage that would be done by allowing these anti-immigrant groups access to private student data is undoubted. FAIR will exploit this information in order to wage a public relations campaign against the children of immigrants.

FAIR and company, also known as the Tanton Network, are continuing to build an elaborate infrastructure and execute a long term plan that systematically chips away at the rights of immigrant children. It’s time Americans, beginning with Alabamians, put their collective foot down against this.

Photo by cybrarian77.

NW Immigrants' Groups Link Arms for Regional Clout

2011-10-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2011

NW Immigrants' Groups Link Arms for Regional Clout
Chris Thomas
Public News Service-OR
AUDIO : http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-22833-1.mp3

SEATTLE - Immigrants' rights organizations in the Northwest are taking a new approach to their concerns by working on them regionally, instead of separately by group or state.

At the National Immigrant Integration Conference this week in Seattle, groups from Oregon, Washington and Idaho are pointing out that more than 1.4 million Latinos live in the Pacific Northwest. Francisco Lopez, who heads the Oregon group Causa, says working together makes sense.

"The Pacific Northwest has a regional economy. Many of our workers go between states to work in the fields. There are so many issues that are impacting our community that we need to start looking at the issues for Latinos at the regional level."

Their primary goal is to keep anti-immigrant laws out of the Northwest, explains Lopez, as well as to preserve the progress they have already made on some issues. Of the three states, for instance, only Washington allows an undocumented immigrant to have a driver's license. The groups say not allowing that is a public safety risk, and they can learn from Washington's experience as they work to change the more restrictive laws in Oregon and Idaho.

Groups in individual states have collaborated on some national issues, like comprehensive immigration reform, but not local concerns. Hilary Stern, executive director of the Washington group CASA Latina, says the Hispanic demographics in the northwestern states are similar and so are many of their priorities.

"It's a really good combination for us. It has been a little complicated because there are different state laws, but by understanding what the other states are doing, we're able to get some other ideas."

The groups say they will focus on tuition equity, access to affordable health care, jobs and wage theft by some who employ farm laborers and construction workers.

The National Immigrant Integration Conference runs through Oct. 26 at the Westin Seattle, 1900 5th Ave. Information is available at www.integrationconference.org.

Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/22833-1

Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization Takes Organizing Model Regional

2011-10-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2011

Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization Takes Organizing Model Regional

Seattle, Wa.—This Sunday, Causa, Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Organization will host a reception and presentation--The 2011 Latino Story in the Pacific Northwest: Home for more than 1.4 Million Latinos.

During the presentation segment, Causa’s Executive Director, Francisco Lopez will discuss the growth of the Latino community in the Pacific Northwest region and the reasons for that growth. Lopez will also highlight how Causa’s organizational model can work at the regional level for organizing around important issues to the Latino Community like driver’s license access, tuition equity and quality higher education, healthcare access and affordability, and jobs.

With anti-immigrant laws being passed in states like Georgia, Alabama and Arizona, the conversation will also focus on how organizations are working together in Oregon, Washington and Idaho to stop such destructive measures from being passed in the Pacific Northwest region.

Reception & Presentation
2011 Latino Story in the Pacific Northwest
Home for more than 1.4 Million Latinos
Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 5:30pm

Casa Latina
317 17th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144

Dinner, drinks and music will be provided to all participants. Please RSVP to Luis at 503-999-5940 or luis@causaoregon.org

The presentation will feature speakers from Causa, CASA Latina (Seattle, WA) and the CAPACES Leadership Institute (Woodburn, OR).

Sunday’s reception is a kick-off to the 2011 National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC). NIIC is the flagship event for the National Partnership for New Americans, a partnership of twelve immigrant rights coalitions from across the country. The Partnership’s mission is to advance the integration and active citizenship of immigrants across the nation to achieve a vibrant, just, and welcoming democracy for all.

For more details on the 2011 National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC) please link here: http://www.integrationconference.org/

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Immigrant Rights Organization Recognized for Work in Oregon

2011-10-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

Immigrant Rights Organization Recognized for Work in Oregon

Sen. Merkley presenting award to Causa

We are honored to announce that Causa was presented with two awards—one from Basic Rights Oregon (BRO) and the other from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

During BRO's "Ignite!" Gala on October 7th, Aeryca Steinbauer and Christian Baeff accepted the Equality Champion-Racial Justice award on behalf of Causa in recognition of our efforts to integrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality into the core work of our organization. The award was presented by US Senator Jeff Merkley.

Examples of the work recognized by Basic Rights Oregon include Causa's LGBT Latin@ leaders group, inclusion of LGBT equality as a priority at Causa's Immigrant Action Day and May Day, leadership classes on issues of equality, and Spanish-language educational radio ads about family acceptance and marriage equality.

Causa Director Francisco Lopez

On October 14th, during AILA's 8th Annual Immigrant Achievement Awards Benefit, Francisco Lopez, Causa's Executive Director was presented with the Oregon Immigrant Achievement Award for his work and his leadership at Causa. The award was presented by Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul DeMuniz.

Past recipients include: Serge D'Rovencourt, Former General Manager, Portland Hilton (1986-2000); Sokhom Tauch, Executive Director of Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); Kayse Jama, Executive Director of Center for Intercultural Organizing; Heinz Rudolf, BOORA Architechts; Junki Yoshida, Founder & President, Yoshida Group; Gert Boyle, Chair of the Board of Directors, Columbia Sportswear Company; and Vera Katz, Mayor of Portland (1992-2005)

We would like to thank both Basic Rights Oregon and the American Immigrant Lawyers Association for their awards and recognition of Causa.

For more details about Causa and our work, please visit http://www.causaoregon.org/

Court Blocks Parts of Alabama's Anti-immigrant Law

2011-10-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

Atlanta, Ga.--According to a report from CNN, a federal appeals court has blocked enforcement of parts of Alabama's controversial anti-immigrant law--HB56.

An injunction was issued today by the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta after the U.S. Justice Department and coalition of immigrant rights groups asked that the law be put on hold until questions of constitutionality could be answered.

The parts of HB56 blocked from being enforced are:
– Section 10, requiring immigrants to carry an alien registration card;
– Section 28, allowing public school students to be questioned about their immigration status.

Read more at CNN: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/14/court-blocks-part-of-alabama-immigration-enforcement-law/

Equality Assembly Draws Crowd to NE Portland School

2011-10-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

October 6, 2011

Portland, Ore.-- It was standing room only at an Equality Assembly held at Rigler School in NE Portland on Wednesday evening. The Assembly was organized by Causa , Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, Vecinos de Alerta, SOMOS, PPE, and La Iglesia de San Miguel.

Among officials attending the event included Oregon State Representatives Mary Nolan and Lew Frederick, Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack, Jill Gray, Legislative Aide to Senator Jackie Dingfelder, Logan Gilles, Chief Policy Advisor to Representative Michael Dembrow and Lt. Derek Rodrigues with the Portland Police Bureau.

During the evening, the audience and officials had the opportunity to hear personal testimony from fellow community members about issues deeply affecting their lives including the need to restore driver's license access to all Oregonians regardless of immigration status, the importance of passing tuition equity legislation so all students regardless of immigration status will have access to affordable higher education, the need to end local law enforcement's collaboration with ICE and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members of the Latino Community.

By the close of the evening, officials in attendance made a public commitment to help in the effort to pass legislation for Driver’s License Access Restoration and Tuition Equity, and to help end the Local Police/ICE Collaboration.

Oregon State Representative Mary Nolan expressed her admiration for those who shared their personal stories and told the crowd that she stands with them and will continue to work for human rights, healthcare for children, protecting access to programs for school children and to defend against workplace raids.

While Oregon State Representative Lew Frederick encouraged those able to vote to get active, contact their legislators and vote saying “Elections matter and if you don’t vote, we can’t get those bills passed in the legislature”. He finished by telling the crowd, “We need to have you involved and active and to help us make the right decisions to help your community grow-- to help the whole community grow.”

Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack added,“We fight for civil rights, we fight for worker’s rights, we fight for women’s rights, we fight for gay rights, we fight for the rights for children, for our right to vote, for our right to go to school, for our right to healthcare, and for our right to have a job to support our families.”

Yesterday's assembly is part of a statewide campaign to speak to local leaders and raise awareness about issues important to the Latino Community.

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Declining Cities Look to Immigrants to Revitalize Economies and Increase University Enrollment

2011-10-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Originally posted at Immigration Impact. Immigration Impact is a project of the American Immigration Council whose mission is to strengthen America by honoring our immigrant history and shaping how Americans think about and act towards immigration now and in the future.

Declining Cities Look to Immigrants to Revitalize Economies and Increase University Enrollment

In a recent speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg highlighted the vital role immigrants play in stimulating economic growth. Bloomberg called for immigration policies that “spur innovation, increase the number of entrepreneurs who start businesses here, and create jobs for Americans on every rung of the economic ladder.” With U.S. unemployment still hovering around 9%, some declining U.S. cities are also looking to harness the economic and entrepreneurial power of immigrants. Small towns, particularly in America’s rust belt, are contemplating programs that attract immigrant growth in hopes of revitalizing their towns and universities.

Take Dayton, Ohio, which is facing its lowest population level since 1920. State legislators are voting this week on whether to pursue the “Welcome Dayton Plan”—a new campaign designed to encourage immigration and economic growth. The plan includes the expansion of integration services, like interpretation services at city departments, as well as public events geared toward immigrants. Tom Wahlrab of Dayton’s Human Relations Department believes the city should welcome such a campaign.

“I believe the city of Dayton is at a crossroads,” said Wahlrab, according to the Dayton Daily News. “We can either welcome them, help integrate them, help them on the path to citizenship, or we can let old stereotypes and fears and preconceptions hinder our success.”

Ohio isn’t alone. Over a decade ago, Iowa faced a declining population and passed proposals to make Iowa an “immigration enterprise zone.” According to the New York Times, “in recent years, immigrants from Bosnia, Sudan, and especially Mexico have been the only reason Iowa’s population has had any net growth.”

These new immigration initiatives also focus on increasing college and university enrollment. In early 2011, Michigan’s governor organized a program called “Global Michigan,” an effort to target international students and skilled immigrants in response to population decline. And for good reason. Back in 2002, the struggling mill town of Lewiston, Maine saw the influx of roughly 3,500 Somali immigrants—a population who not only opened new businesses and contributed to the local economy and job growth, but increased university enrollment by nearly 16% from 2002 to 2007.

As small towns across America continue to face high unemployment rates, sluggish economies and decreasing populations, campaigns that welcome and integrate immigrants rather than drive them away may result in the new business, job and economic growth these declining cities so desperately need.

Photo by Brandon Florkey.

LINK: http://immigrationimpact.com/2011/10/03/declining-cities-look-to-immigrants-to-revitalize-economies-and-increase-university-enrollment/

Film About One Community's Response to Anti-immigrant Violence Comes to Eugene

2011-09-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness

Eugene, Ore.--On October 8th, “Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness”, the third film in the Not In Our Town series, will show in Eugene at the Hult Center. Not in Our Town is a project of The Working Group, whose mission is to highlight stories of communities taking positive action to fight intolerance

"Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness" documents the story of a town coming together to take action after anti-immigrant violence devastates the community. In 2008, a series of attacks against Latino residents of Patchogue, NY culminate with the murder of Marcelo Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant who had lived in the Long Island village for 13 years.

The film will be followed by a roundtable community discussion. Participants will include Dan Tichenor, the Philip H. Knight Professor of Political Science at the University of Oregon and a Senior Fellow at the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, Rhian Miller, Senior Producer and Co-Founder of The Working Group, City of Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy, Ranfis Villatoro, an organizer with CAUSA, Oregon's Immigration Rights Coalition and Juan Carlos Valle, Board President at Centro LatinoAmericano

The program is free and open to the public. Donations accepted at the door.

DATE: Saturday October 8
TIME: 3:00 pm
LOCATION:
Hult Center Studio
1 Eugene Center
Eugene, Oregon

SPACE IS LIMITED--PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY REGISTERING HERE: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/195397

“Dangerous and Intrusive” E-Verify Bill Passes House Committee

2011-09-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

September 22, 2011

This press release comes from our allies at the National Immigration Forum. The National Immigration Forum works to create a vision, consensus and strategy that leads to a better, more welcoming America – one that treats all newcomers fairly.

“Dangerous and Intrusive” E-Verify Bill Passes House Committee

Washington, D.C. On September 21, the House Judiciary Committee approved the Legal Workforce Act, legislation that would force all employers to use the E-Verify electronic employment verification system. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, and was passed amid a growing chorus of opposition from conservative, Tea Party, and libertarian groups. Following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.

“Representative Lamar Smith yesterday came a step closer to forcing every American employer to get permission from the government before hiring. His error-ridden ‘no work list’ is expected to cause hundreds of thousands of American workers to lose their jobs.

It is no wonder that opposition to this bill is coming from opponents of big government. Organizations such as the Tea Party Nation, the Liberty Coalition, the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and other conservative and libertarian groups have been raising their voices against mandatory E-Verify. To them, the government databases from which we will all be forced to seek permission to work are a thinly-veiled national ID system, and will interfere with the right of Americans to work. Forcing the E-Verify system on small employers will be a jobs killer and it will set a ‘dangerous and intrusive precedent’ for using the hiring process to check Americans for other purposes, such as payment of taxes.

E-Verify will also leave crops rotting in the fields, and that is why Congress has heard loud and clear from agricultural producers. Much of the agricultural work force is undocumented, and forcing growers to use E-very without first legalizing their workers will put many farms out of business. Thousands of jobs that depend on the operation of those farms will be lost.

House Speaker John Boehner should think twice before bringing this bill to the floor. By letting Lamar Smith control the Republican’s immigration agenda, he is not only making it more difficult to attract the Latino vote, but he is increasingly alienating key supporters of his own party, including agricultural interests and opponents of big government.”

Equality Assembly to take place on October 5th in Portland

2011-09-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

September 20, 2011

Equality Assembly to take place on October 5th in Portland

Portland, Ore. -- On October 5th, in collaboration with Vecinos de Alerta, SOMOS, PPE, and La Iglesia de San Miguel, Causa, Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Organization will hold an Equality Assembly in Portland. This event is part of a campaign to speak to local leaders and raise awareness about issues important to the Latino Community.

What: Portland Equality Assembly
When: Wednesday, October 5th from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Rigler School, 5401 NE Prescott St, Portland Oregon

Local elected leaders will be present to hear testimony from community members in support of:

Stopping local law enforcement collaboration with ICE
Passing Tuition Equity, so all Oregon students can afford higher education, regardless of immigration status
Supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members of our community
Restoring driver’s license access to all Oregonians, regardless of immigration status

For more information about this event, please contact Aeryca Steinbauer at 503-488-0259 or aeryca@causaoregon.org.

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Oregonians Speak Out Against Job-Killing E-Verify Bill

2011-09-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

September 15, 2011

Oregonians Speak Out Against Job-Killing E-Verify Bill

Portland, Ore.—On Wednesday, members from Oregon’s faith, labor, business, civil rights and immigrant communities spoke out against E-Verify during a press conference in Portland. E-Verify, an internet based computer database run by the Department of Homeland Security, is a voluntary system used by employers to screen prospective employees. The press conference was part of the national day of against the legislation making the flawed program mandatory.

Today, the House Judiciary Committee began to review and vote on Chairman Lamar Smith's (R-TX) House Resolution 2164, the "Legal Workforce Act". HR2164 would make E-Verify mandatory and force employers to perform a computer check for every job applicant against an error-prone government database, before any American worker could start a new job. To resolve any errors, an individual would have to go through a Social Security (SSA) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office, a process that can take, on average, nearly 100 days

This law, if passed, would cause lawful American workers to lose their jobs or be denied employment, an increase the risk of government intrusion, drive jobs into the underground economy, deprive the government of tax revenue, and impose additional costs on small businesses—all without meeting the program's stated purpose of ending the hiring of undocumented workers.

“If E-Verify becomes mandatory, millions of lawful workers will be incorrectly flagged by the system and will have to fight through a government bureaucracy to fix their records. Simple spelling errors or one wrong number can result in a non-confirmation through E-Verify, and it can be a nightmare to get such errors fixed within overburdened federal agencies. It’s likely that a huge number of lawful workers will have their start date delayed or be denied employment,” said Kevin Díaz, Legal Director of the ACLU of Oregon.

“America needs a real solution to upgrade the obsolete immigration system. Lamar Smith's E-Verify bill seeks to remove immigrant workers out of the US economy. The bill is completely unrealistic”, said Natalie Patrick-Knox, Causa’s Portland Organizer. “Immigrant workers are an important and vital part of many industries and the US economy. The real solution is to simply figure out a fair and just way to make undocumented workers and families right by the law, and create a system they can go through, and not around, to make them full members of our society and economy."

Organizers are calling on Oregonians to call their members of Congress and urge them to vote no on the job killing legislation--HR2164.

Speakers during yesterday’s press conference included Kevin Diaz, Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon, Javier Lara, Organizer for PCUN, Oregon’s farmworker union, Jeff Stone, Executive Director of Oregon Association of Nurseries and Co-Chair of the Coalition for a Working Oregon, Promise King, Executive Director of Oregon League of Minority Voters, Ignacio Paramo, MLK Worker Center Director for VOZ Workers’ Rights Education Project and Valerie Chapman, Pastoral Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

###

Causa, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization, 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/

Contact:

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

RESOURCES:

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VuHEc3uNwU

OR Groups Speak Out About E-Verify

2011-09-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

OR Groups Speak Out About E-Verify
Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
September 15, 2011
AUDIO: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-22179-1.mp3
PORTLAND, Ore. - From immigrants' rights groups to religious, labor and business organizations, more than a dozen groups in Oregon joined in a national day of action on Wednesday to voice their united opposition to the Electronic Employment Verification System (EEVS), commonly known as E-Verify. It is a government database that some employers use to check the immigration status of workers or job applicants. In a few states, its use is mandatory, but not in Oregon. However, a bill in Congress would change that.

Immigrants' rights groups are not the only ones concerned about the possibility. Others opposing E-Verify that participated in the day of action include the American Friends Service Committee, CAUSA, the Main Street Alliance, the Oregon Association of Nurseries, PCUN, and SEIU Local 49.

Kevin Diaz, legal director with the ACLU of Oregon, says a person's immigration status won't matter on the job, if their information in the federal database is wrong.

"If for some reason your check doesn't clear because of one of those errors, it could mean that you lose some employment, or you may not be able to start work until that all gets cleared up. That may require you to go to various federal agencies to figure out where the errors are."

Those who support making E-Verify mandatory say the system is not unreliable, and that a survey last year of employers who use it indicated most are satisfied with it. The current controversy is about making it mandatory.

The ACLU also has privacy concerns about the database, says Diaz. He points out that, even if the error rate is small, it translates to more than 1 million legal workers with inaccurate records.

E-Verify proponents contend it would put more workers on the job legally and drop Oregon's unemployment rate. However, Diaz says that that view assumes jobless workers in other industries would want to relocate and retrain for the kinds of jobs in agriculture or food service often held by undocumented workers. He's convinced mandatory E-Verify would create more problems than it solves.

"Essentially, you're causing the potential to lose jobs for Americans. You've got an extra burden that falls particularly hard on small business. You have the potential to lose tax revenue. And it doesn't even accomplish what it says it's supposed to accomplish."

The legislation (HR 2164) to make electronic work-eligibility checks mandatory is in the House Judiciary Committee in Congress today.

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/22179-1

Oregonians unite against attack on workforce and business as part of National Day of Action Against E-Verify

2011-09-14T01:44:00.000-07:00

September 13, 2011

Oregonians unite against attack on workforce and business as part of National Day of Action Against E-Verify

Members of the business, immigrant, labor, faith, and civil rights community will hold a press conference on Wednesday, September 14 at 11 a.m. in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Ore—On Wednesday, September 14, business, immigrant, labor, faith, and civil rights leaders in Oregon will stand together with others from across the country to tell Congress that forcing employers to use the flawed E-Verify system will harm U.S. workers and employers and undercut the country’s economic recovery. The groups will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 311 SE 12th Avenue, Portland.

Speakers will include Kevin Díaz, Legal Director of the ACLU of Oregon; Jeff Stone, Executive Director for the Oregon Association of Nurseries and Co-Chair of the Coalition for a Working Oregon; Javier Lara, Organizer for PCUN (Oregon’s farm worker union); Ignacio Páramo, MLK Worker Center Director for VOZ Workers’ Rights Education Project; and Valerie Chapman, Pastoral Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

E-Verify is a federal internet-based system used by some businesses to check the work eligibility of employees. Sponsoring organizations point out that requiring employers to use E-Verify will cause lawful American workers to lose their jobs or be denied employment, increase the risk of government intrusion, drive jobs into the underground economy, deprive the government of tax revenue, and impose additional costs on small businesses—all without meeting the stated purpose of ending the hiring of undocumented workers.

The latest proposal to require all employers to use the E-Verify system is currently moving through the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, H.R. 2164, is scheduled for a mark up this Thursday in the House Judiciary Committee.

A mandatory E-Verify system would require employers to perform a computer check for every job applicant against an error-prone government database, before any American worker could start a new job. If a worker’s information is incorrect in the system, that individual would have to go to a Social Security (SSA) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office to address the problem. The worker would not be able to start work until the error was resolved.

“If E-Verify becomes mandatory, millions of lawful workers will be incorrectly flagged by the system and will have to fight through a government bureaucracy to fix their records. Simple spelling errors or one wrong number can result in a non-confirmation through E-Verify, and it can be a nightmare to get such errors fixed within overburdened federal agencies. It’s likely that a huge number of lawful workers will have their start date delayed or be denied employment,” said Kevin Díaz, Legal Director of the ACLU of Oregon.

Due to errors in the system, E-Verify has been found to erroneously identify a significant portion of U.S. citizens and lawful residents as potentially unauthorized to work. Others get fired immediately, without being given the chance by their employers to correct their records. Based on estimates of the E-Verify error rate drawn directly from DHS’ own reports, at least 1.2 million lawful workers would have to get their records fixed or lose their jobs if E-Verify becomes mandatory. Of those, 700,000 would likely lose their jobs. To make matters worse, there is no centralized place to contact to fix records and, according to the GAO, in 2009 the average response time for such requests was a staggering 104 days.

“Mandatory E-Verify will harm all workers and employers, and it won’t stop the hiring of undocumented workers,” said Ramon Ramirez, President of PCUN (Oregon’s farm worker union). “Instead, requiring the use of E-Verify will drive more workers and employers into the shadows, where they are less likely to pay taxes and workers are more likely to be abused.”

Research indicates that E-Verify fails to meet its goal of preventing unauthorized work over half of the time. One study found that E-Verify does not catch 54 percent of the undocumented immigrants who are checked through the system. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that a 2008 mandatory E-Verify bill would decrease tax revenue by more than $17 billion over ten years, as more employers and workers move into the underground cash economy.

“We need our legislators to offer sensible, comprehensive ideas for job creation and immigration reform, rather than attacking and scapegoating workers,” said Ignacio Páramo, MLK Worker Center Director for VOZ Workers’ Rights Education Project.
There is widespread resistance to mandatory E-Verify, and the Portland event is one of many events that are being planned across the country. Portland’s event is co-sponsored by VOZ Workers’ Rights Education Project, PCUN, Northwest Workers’ Justice Project, SEIU Local 49, Main Street Alliance of Oregon, ACLU of Oregon, National Lawyers Guild, Causa Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Organization, Portland Jobs with Justice, American Friends Service Committee, Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, and Oregon New Sanctuary Movement.

Contacts:

Michael Dale, Northwest Workers’ Justice Project, 503-730-1706
Ramon Ramirez, PCUN (Oregon’s farm worker union), 503-989-0073
Kevin Díaz, ACLU of Oregon, 503-227-6928

Lolo Cutumay & Raices de Jaragua in Concert on September 25th

2011-09-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

Come listen to Lolo Cutumay and Raices de Jaragua sing for Social Justice Peace while helping the Salvadorean cause!

When: Sunday, September 25th 2011
Where: 6401 SE Foster Rd. Portland, OR 97206
Time: 6:30 PM

Only $10 per person

For more information contact: Lolo Cutumay at (503)358-1868 | lolocutumay@gmail.com or Luis Guerra at (503) 999-5940 | luis@causaoregon.org

This concert is being supported by Causa, SEIU Local 503 and Salvadoreños Unidos de Oregon “SALUDO”.

Salvadorean food and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase.

All proceeds will go towards an art festival in El Salvador and Causa, Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Organization. The art festival is in memory of the 15th Anniversary of the assasination of the revolutionary singer and poet: Francisco Manzanares (Paquito Cutumay).

Two Groups, One Cause: "Freedom to Marry" Campaign Launches in OR

2011-08-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

Two Groups, One Cause: "Freedom to Marry" Campaign Launches in OR

August 30, 2011
Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
AUDIO: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-21917-1.mp3

PORTLAND, Ore. - The focus is on what unites people, rather than what divides them, in a new campaign in Oregon to promote strong families, no matter what their members' sexual orientations. The immigrants' rights group CAUSA, and Basic Rights Oregon, which advocates for GLBT Oregonians, have launched a new campaign to prompt discussion among Latinos about the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.

Francisco Lopez, executive director of CAUSA, says it's a matter of human rights, already a familiar challenge to immigrants in Oregon.

"We have been struggling for equality for these many years. But we want equality for everybody in the Latino community, regardless of the color of your skin, you know, or your sexual orientation, and that's what we're doing. And this is something that we Latinos understand very very well."

Lopez says the campaign, called "Our Families," includes radio ads, community forums and leadership development in the GLBT community.

In the most recent poll by the Pew Research Center, 41 percent of Hispanics in the United States favor same-sex marriage and 47 percent oppose it, a gap that has narrowed in the past few years.

Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, says the two groups have worked together before, but it's usually been in the face of having to defend their rights against conservative political efforts.

"There have been many years of anti-gay and anti-immigrant ballot measures in Oregon, and so to be doing something that's positive and affirming, and on our own terms, is very fulfilling."

Frazzini says they're still considering whether to put same-sex marriage to a vote on the Oregon ballot in 2012, and that advocates will do so only if they believe there's a reasonable expectation of success. The going could be tough, however, with such groups as the National Organization for Marriage supporting a federal constitutional amendment "defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F21917-1

Labor rights advocates turn out to support justice for Ruby Ridge Dairy workers

2011-08-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

August 30, 2011

Portland, Ore.-- On Saturday, Ruby Ridge Dairy Workers, supported by farmworkers and farm labor advocates, held a march and rally for farmworker justice in Portland. Although workers are seeking better conditions and treatment with respect through a United Farm Workers (UFW) contract, Ruby Ridge Dairy has refused to recognize the union. Participants marched two miles from Portland State University to Darigold to urge the cooperative to press for fair worker treatment at the Pasco, Washington based dairy, a Darigold member.

According to workers, Ruby Ridge Dairy owners have created a "climate of fear at the dairy". In addition to claims about workers being fired for trying to start a union, there are reports that workers received less wages than they were entitled, not given access to drinking water or allowed to go to the bathroom, required to work long hours without rest or lunch breaks, were not allowed sick leave with or without pay, and were required to use machinery without proper instruction or protection.

Those supporting the Ruby Ridge Dairy Workers on Saturday included farmworkers from Oregon and Washington, United Farm Workers (UFW), Oregon Farm Worker Ministry (OFWM), National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM), Portland Jobs with Justice, Oregon New Sanctuary Movement (ONSM), Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (Northwest Treeplanters and Farmworkers United) PCUN, and other farm labor advocates.

Resources
Former employees sue Ruby Ridge Dairy for lost wages http://www.kndu.com/story/10928395/former-employees-sue-ruby-ridge-dairy-for-lost-wages?redirected=true

The Dark Side of Dairies: A broken system leaves immigrant workers invisible -- and in danger.http://www.hcn.org/issues/41.15/the-dark-side-of-dairies/article_view?b_start:int=4&-C=

Spanish radio ads highlight why marriage matters

2011-08-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

New radio ads designed to reach out to Latino communities about the freedom to marry hit Oregon airwaves this month. The ad campaign highlights the strong relationship between two powerful statewide, grassroots organizations: Basic Rights Oregon, which advocates for gay and transgender rights, and CAUSA, which advocates for immigrant rights.

The ads are in Spanish and will run on Spanish-language radio in the Portland region for four weeks. They tell the stories of Latino families coming to terms with having a gay child, and underscore the importance of family supporting each other.

Every gay person is part of someone’s family. As a Latina, I believe in loving my neighbor, in treating others as we would like to be treated, and in never turning our backs on family.
Marriage has brought so much happiness to my life. And I wouldn’t want any member of anyone’s family—gay or straight—to be denied that chance at happiness. [Excerpt from one ad, translated to English]

Listen to an ad in Spanish: Causa-BRO-Radio-Spot-2

“Regardless of the language you speak and whether you are gay or straight, marriage is about love, family and commitment,” said Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of CAUSA. “We hope these radio spark conversations within Hispanic communities and households about why marriage matters.”

As the ads begin airing, CAUSA is coordinating community briefings in the Latino community and has expanded its community education program to generate dialogue in the Latino community about the freedom to marry and the experiences of gay and transgender families.

“Basic Rights Oregon and CAUSA have a rich history of working together to advance human rights and democracy in Oregon,” said Jeana Frazzini, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. “We have spent years united to defend our communities from attacks on our human rights. Together, we are stronger.”

For more information about the work of Basic Rights Oregon, please see http://www.basicrights.org/
For more information about the work of CAUSA, please see http://www.causaoregon.org/

Also posted at: http://www.lovecommitmentmarriage.org/blog/spanish-radio-ads-highlight-why-marriage-matters/

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Opens in Washington D.C.

2011-08-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post reports that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial opens to the public in Washington D.C. today. The design is derived from part of King's famous "I have a dream" speech when he said, "With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope." The memorial sits between the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials. King, who stood as pillar for civil and human rights and economic justice for all people, is the first non-president and person of color to be honored on the national mall with a monument.

LINK: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-unveiled/2011/08/22/gIQAN3CZWJ_video.html

DHS to suspend deportation of DREAMers, others

2011-08-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

A BIG VICTORY FOR OUR MOVEMENT!
DHS to suspend deportation of DREAMers, others

We are pleased to pass on the great news that all of our collective phone calls, faxes, emails, letters, marching and rallying have paid off.

Today, the Department of Homeland Security and officials from the Obama Administration announced that they will be suspending deportations of individuals who fit low-priority categories as outlined in Prosecutorial Discretion memos released in June. Those who fit the “low-priority” category include DREAMers – or individuals who were brought here as children, pregnant women, elderly, disabled, veterans, and long-term Permanent Residents, PROVIDED they do not have felony convictions. Those that do fit the “low-priority” category will be allowed to apply for a work visa.

“Today’s announcement shows that this president is willing to put muscle behind his words and to use his power to intervene when the lives of good people are being ruined by bad laws.” - Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, Illinois Democrat.

This change in policy will only affect non-citizens who are in deportation proceedings and will not apply to individuals who are not currently in removal proceedings. In fact, DHS has not even established any mechanism for individuals to be considered under this process if they are not already in the process of being deported

As President Obama has deported nearly one million people in just two years, we remain cautiously optimistic about today's announcement and hope that these policies are implemented quickly and as promised. Only with these new policies changes can we see families spared the horrors of being forcibly torn apart.

After all of our hard work, we finally have a BIG VICTORY we can celebrate together. We still have much more difficult work to do like continuing the pressure on the Administration to end the fatally flawed and destructive “Secure Communities” Program and pushing Congress forward on reforming our broken immigration system.

To continue this momentum, we need your help. As CAUSA’s work is only as strong as the community that supports us, please take a moment and help us ensure that we will see an end to harmful policies that tear families apart and hurt our communities.

Oregonians to participate in National Week of Action against failed S-Comm Program

2011-08-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2011

Contact:
Eliana Machuca, Portland Jobs with Justice, 503-703-1407,
Natalie Patrick Knox, CAUSA Oregon, 503-915-5701
Erik Sorensen, CAUSA Oregon, 503-488-0263

Oregonians to participate in National Week of Action against failed S-Comm Program

Members of the immigrant, faith, labor and civil rights community to deliver report to elected officials today

Portland, Ore--This Week, the Safe Communities Project, a coalition of immigrant and civil rights organizations, is joining with faith, labor, and community leaders in Oregon and around the country to ask elected officials at every level to stand against the Department of Homeland Security’s fatally flawed and misnamed “Secure Communities” (S-Comm) program.

Already several events raising awareness about the highly controversial program have happened around the country this week including in Los Angeles and Oakland, California, Tucson, Arizona, and Chicago, Illinois.
Today, as part of the national week of action, members of the Safe Communities Project will be going to city, county, and state elected officials, the offices of Oregon’s Congressional Delegation, and sheriff's and police departments in Portland, Salem and Bend to deliver a report released on Monday condemning the S-Comm Program.

RESTORING COMMUNITY: A National Community Advisory Report on ICE’s Failed “Secure Communities” Program, released by NDLON and a National Community Advisory Commission, is a shadow report to DHS’s S-Comm Advisory Committee that was convened to water down the wildfire of opposition. The report focuses on the failed and fundamentally flawed “Secure Communities” program and gives a firsthand account from individuals who have been swept into S-Comm’s deportation dragnet—mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, workers, and students from across the United States.

The full report can be downloaded by linking here: http://altopolimigra.com/s-comm-shadow-report/

On August 5th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that they would unilaterally withdrawal the Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) that they had originally signed with 39 states when implementing the program. Despite increasing national criticism from Governors, law enforcement officials, and community leaders, DHS said that these agreements, which provided a mechanism for states to “opt-out” of S-Comm, were never needed and that the program will continue to expand.

“In light of the widespread criticism of Secure Communities coming from an array of stakeholders, including community groups and public safety officials, ICE should suspend Secure Communities until the misinformation and misapplication that have plagued the program from the beginning are corrected,” said Ashlee Albies, Co-Chair of Portland Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and civil rights attorney with Creighton & Rose. “ICE's recent actions undermine our system of democracy and weaken protection for already vulnerable communities in Oregon."

While sold as a program to target serious criminals, ICE’s own statistics show that 77% of people identified as a result of S. Comm. have been arrested for lesser offences, including traffic violations, while nearly one third of those had no criminal record. Additionally, ICE has consistently rejected calls for greater transparency. A federal judge hearing Freedom of Information Act litigation against ICE over S-Comm stated that “[t]here is ample evidence that ICE and DHS have gone out of their way to mislead the public about Secure Communities.” The program is currently under scrutiny by members of Congress.

Key Facts about the “Secure Communities” (S-Comm) Program:

• S-Comm separates families and destroys communities, violates our due process rights.
• DHS is using S-Comm as a vehicle to meet the agency's deportation goal of 400,000 people per year, subjecting people to detention and deportation regardless of whether or not they committed any "crime," the degree of severity of legal infractions, how long ago any charges occurred, what kind of rehabilitation has taken place, or what ties they have to communities.
• S-Comm compromises our communities' safety by driving a wedge between local police and the communities they are supposed to serve, adding to the already tenuous relationship.
• S-Comm encourages racial profiling and indiscriminately funnels immigrants into an unjust and dysfunctional immigration detention and deportation system.

###

The Safe Communities Project is a coalition of immigrant & civil rights organizations which includes VOZ Workers’ Rights Education Project. Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, Oregon New Sanctuary Movement, Portland Central America Solidarity Committee, North West Immigrant Youth Alliance, American Friends Service Committee, Jobs with Justice and CAUSA , Oregon’s Statewide Immigrant Rights Coalition.

New Report Challenges DHS on Use of Resources and Targeting of Harmless Individuals

2011-08-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

The American Immigration Lawyers Association has just released a new report challenging the claim made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it is focusing its finite resources on the "highest enforcement priorities" - namely those who present threats to public safety and national security.

AILA's report, Immigration Enforcement Off Target: Minor Offenses With Major Consequences, shows 127 cases where people all over America being picked up by police for minor offences like loitering or failing to signal before changing lanes. Others have even been picked up for no offences at all.

According to AILA, the stops were so trivial as to betray the real motive for the stop—namely to question someone about their immigration status. None of the people were stopped or charged for anything that could be considered a “serious crime.” In a few cases, police said they made the stop because the person “looked illegal.”

For more on the report and AILA’s recommendations for DHS, please link here: http://immigrationimpact.com/2011/08/17/new-report-shows-dhs-way-off-target-going-after-harmless-individuals/

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, and advance the quality of immigration law practice.

Economy Takes Center Stage at Bend Town Hall

2011-08-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Economy Takes Center Stage at Bend Town Hall

Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
August 16, 2011
AUDIO: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-21725-1.mp3

BEND, Ore. - A town hall meeting to discuss the sagging Central Oregon economy and possible federal solutions might be lacking one key ingredient this week: Rep. Greg Walden, the Republican congressman for Oregon's Second District, has not yet indicated he will attend to answer the crowd's questions.

Greg Delgado, Central Oregon organizer for the immigrant-rights group CAUSA, says members of the Latino community will be there nonetheless, with views on immigration and trade agreements with Mexico that they feel are being ignored. And he says local postal workers who have just learned that their jobs are in jeopardy also plan to show up.

In person or on paper, Delgado says, their messages will be delivered.

"We're not just venting, either. We're going to get everybody's statements and we're going to send 'em to Congressman Walden, and we're going to use these as follow-ups to have this discussion. Let's just get the community voices together and take it to him."

Delgado says the congressman has held one local meeting in the past year, in La Pine, which he describes as not well publicized. He adds people have a lot of questions about how to turn the area's major industries around.

"Construction was a major job creator here in this Central Oregon region - and of course, with the real estate market the way it is, the growth has just collapsed, pretty much. And the other industry that we rely heavily on here is tourism. Also because of this economy, the tourist industry is suffering as well."

Tom Chamberlain, president of the Oregon AFL-CIO, says Walden's turf in Oregon's Second District has some of the highest home foreclosure and unemployment rates in the state, and not everyone there is convinced their views are being heard in Washington, D.C.

"We're very concerned about his position on unemployment extension, on stimulus to create jobs, his position on passing the Transportation Reauthorization Act. And that's why I think it's very important for Congressman Walden to show up at the event."

Rep. Walden has said the best way to revive the economy is to reduce government spending and give small businesses incentives to create jobs. If he does not attend the town hall meeting on Thursday, several groups are planning a panel discussion about job creation, immigration and trade issues. They include Oregon AFL-CIO, CAUSA, the Human Dignity Coalition and the Rural Organizing Project.

The groups say they want the gathering to be respectful and informative. It is scheduled for Thursday, August 18, 6:00 p.m., at Central Oregon Community College, 2600 N.W. College Way, Bend.

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/21725-1

Guess Who Believes Undocumented Immigrants Deserve the Death Penalty

2011-08-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

Guess Who Believes Undocumented Immigrants Deserve the Death Penalty
by Aaron Patrick Flanagan
http://www.imagine2050.net/

Quiz time. Who said this:

“I’m a hawk on this, but that’s how much I value America. I know that is a very drastic stand, but let me put it this way: I expect illegal invasion of our country by foreign entities to be met with deadly force. That’s how I expect to see my country protected.”

Was is it someone from the John Tanton Network of anti-immigrant groups, perhaps? Was it FAIR’s feedback squelching megaphone, Dan Stein? Nope. Was it IRLI’s golden boy, Kris Kobach? Wrong again.

Ok, here’s a clue. This same person also said that undocumented immigrants should be “shot at the border,” and that “If they value their lives, they would leave.”

Mark Krikorian of CIS? Good guess, but no.

These cavities of violent rhetoric were recently spewed by Loren Nichols, who is running for city council in Kennewick, WA. In past posts, our writers have often warned of the social space that is being carved by the more visible figureheads of the anti-immigrant movement, like those from the Tanton Network mentioned above—the kind that is carved explicitly so coded bigotry may flourish. This brand of social space, incidentally, parallels the kind that banner-waving Islamophobes Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer regularly spit, i.e. the sort of social space that Anders Behring Breivik emerged from clothed in police garb and tragedy, wielding an arsenal of deadly weaponry.

And while Nichols has no direct connection to any of those mentioned above, it must be said that those above are steering the social and political machines that are everyday attempting to pull our cultures deeper and deeper into xenophobia, racial bigotry, and Islamophobia. Why else would a city council candidate, who’s not yet officially on the ballot, feel so comfortable outlining his platform to save a town that’s 84% white and only 16% Hispanic or Latino, a town which calls Yingge and Taoyuan, Taiwan, it’s sister cities?

Did I mention it’s also “The Slurpee Capitol of the World?”

Hardly a town trapped in the throes of the failed, racist “Drug War.” But, don’t worry, as Nichols says, “”This is an issue that doesn’t deal with race so I hope it’s not interpreted that way. It has to do with violation of our country.”

Nichols’ logic becomes even more twisted and faulty when he also mentions that “I’m not promoting killing anyone.” When a reporter from the local CBS affiliate, KEPR, asked him if he was in favor of immigrants receiving the death penalty simply for being discovered as undocumented, though, Nichols callously quipped, “Correct.”

Wait, what?
Anyway, Nichols really wants us all to realize that “A lot of the attention is on the illegal immigration agenda, but I am not a one-dimension candidate. I am also concerned about the city having too many high-dollar projects going on at the same time.” This is more sound logic because obviously it costs taxpayers absolutely nothing to execute a prisoner. Oh yeah, that’s right, the costs of death penalty cases passed on to taxpayers are “38% greater than the total costs of life without parole convictions.”

Huh?
Clearly, Loren Nichols is nothing more than an extremely confused bigot who knows just about as much about public policy and the impacts of enacting it as this writer knows about the topography of Pluto. Nevertheless, we must recognize that the likes of John Tanton, Dan Stein, Kris Kobach, and Mark Krikorian are working hard, day-in-and-day-out, to make America a safe place to espouse bigotry.

The likes of Loren Nichols are just the sort they want serving on your city councils, so that when the Tanton Network rolls into our towns peddling their anti-immigrant local-level bills and ordinances – a rack of nearly wholesale failures – they can bleed us for hundreds of thousands of dollars—just like they’ve done in Arizona, Texas, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.

"Secure Communities"...Or Anything But?

2011-08-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

"Secure Communities"...Or Anything But?

August 10, 2011
Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
AUDIO: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-21628-1.mp3

ST. HELENS, Ore. - Oregon's immigrant community is raising concerns about public safety in light of a Homeland Security Department decision that individual states cannot opt out of the "Secure Communities" program.

That program gives local sheriffs the responsibility of turning over immigrants accused of crimes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal immigration authorities. But an Oregon attorney says more than half the detainees are not criminals. Stephen Manning, with the Immigrant Law Group, says the program is alienating local police, who make the initial arrests, from those they are trying to protect.

"Those individuals, if they end up getting booked into the jail, they will be deported, they will be detained; they will be sucked into this very nebulous system. And the police take the blame for that - and it's not the police's doing. It's ICE's doing, and it's the sheriff's doing."

In rural areas, where local law enforcement is often focused on building relationships, Secure Communities has put police and sheriffs' departments at cross-purposes, according to Amanda Aguilar Shank, Columbia County organizer for the Rural Organizing Project, who says the result is less security.

"As we're in this budget crisis, it becomes even more important to have a level of trust and community-building in the community. When you're targeting one minority and making the community unsafe for them, that means that more crimes go unreported."

Manning says a simple traffic stop can throw a person into jail - and that person's family into turmoil.

"People call us in crisis all the time. They don't understand what's happening; it's a completely opaque process. And people call us frequently because people have disappeared - 'We don't know where this person is. They were coming home from work, and then suddenly, we get a phone call and they're now in this detention facility in Texas. How did that happen?' "

ICE sees Secure Communities as an effective partnership that has increased deportations. But three states - Illinois, Massachusetts and New York - have refused to be part of it. Oregon has not taken a stand on it, although Gov. John Kitzhaber has said he sees the need for clear boundaries between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement.

Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/21628-1

DHS tells states they can't opt-out of flawed program

2011-08-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2011

Department of Homeland Security tells states they can't opt-out of flawed program

Salem, Ore. – During a teleconference today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that they are rescinding the Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) on Secure Communities (S-Comm) with states like Illinois, New York and Massachusette that want to withdrawl from the program. DHS maintains that the Secure Communities program is mandated by federal law and that agreements were never necessary. The Department said it intends to implement the program regardless and that it will be made mandatory in 2013. The statement by the Department of Homeland Security contradicts their original position that the program would be optional for cities and states.

CAUSA, Oregon's Statewide Immigrant Rights Coalition, joins with public officials, law enforcement and public safety and immigrant rights advocates around the nation in expressing serious concerns over DHS's and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's continuing to force a program onto states that they recognize as severely flawed.

CAUSA joins with others in calling on DHS and ICE to:

Amend their rules so that states and localities, and not the federal government, decide if Secure Communities is appropriate for them.
Meaningfully address the erosion of public trust in law enforcement created by the Secure Communities Program.
Address the severe flaws in the Secure Communities Program, as it lacks the internal safeguards to prevent profiling. ICE must also address bias and discriminatory practices that are feeding people into the program.

Although no jurisdictions in Oregon have signed any letters to opt-out of the Secure Communities Program, there has been serious concerns raised in many counties around the state including Multnomah and Marion. In community meetings, members of the public have made their serious concerns be known to county law enforcement over the program.

A study recently conducted by the City of Portland Human Rights Commission concluded that, among other disturbing findings, the flawed and costly program makes Oregonians less safe by undermining community trust of police and encourages local police to target immigrants. During a recent interview with Univision Portland KUNP-TV, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber said that a line needed to be drawn between federal immigration enforcement and local law enforcement.

As this controversial program is shrouded in lies and deception, CAUSA maintains that the Secure Communities program must be halted immediately until these and other issues are addressed.

###

CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, 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

For more information contact Erik Sorensen, Communications Director at 503-488-0263 or at erik@causaoregon.org

DHS Acknowledges that U.S. Immigration Policy Needs to Spark Economy and Attract Entrepreneurs

2011-08-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Originally posted at Immigration Impact, a project of the American Immigration Council.

DHS Acknowledges that U.S. Immigration Policy Needs to Spark Economy and Attract Entrepreneurs

By PAUL ZULKIE, PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL

Yesterday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas announced a series of policy initiatives designed to “fuel the nation’s economy and stimulate investment” by attracting foreign entrepreneurs who can invest in fields of high unemployment, create jobs, and form startup companies. It is encouraging that USCIS recognizes that immigrant entrepreneurs and innovators are a key to continued growth and to maintaining America’s competitive edge into the 21st century. It’s important that the agency keep this recognition in mind as it adjudicates visa petitions and applications.

The release of the USCIS guidelines coincided with a meeting in Palo Alto, CA, of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. The meeting, which included a number of Silicon Valley CEOs—including Facebook—highlighted the need for reforms in both educational and immigration policies. As the participants in the meeting explained, the struggling U.S. economy needs more entrepreneurs and highly skilled workers who can help to create jobs. For this to happen, the U.S. educational system must draw more students into high-tech fields, while the U.S. immigration system must attract (and retain) more foreign talent.

Continue Reading at Immigration Impact

PCUN and CAPACES network remember and celebrate the life and example of Richard Chávez

2011-08-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

Our movement joins countless others in honoring Richard Chávez. He passed away in Bakersfield, California on July 27th at the age of 81.

Richard was well-known and rightfully much respected as a co-founder of the United Farm Workers union. We deeply appreciate his life long contributions to the farmworker struggle.

Richard holds a special place in our movement’s history in Oregon and in our hearts. Forty years ago, he joined his older brother, César, and Dolores Huerta on the steps of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. They led the opposition to a bill passed by the Oregon Legislature drastically restricting farmworkers rights to unionize. Thanks to the pressure they organized, Gov. Tom McCall vetoed the bill, though reluctantly.

On April 28, 1994, Richard represented the UFW movement and the Chávez family at the dedication ceremony of PCUN’s headquarters as “Risberg Hall.” He joined Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts and folksinger/activist Pete Seeger on that joyous and historic occasion, PCUN’s 9th anniversary. Richard’s words that day conveyed the respect, the support, and the cariño—the affection—that he, the UFW, and his brother César all had for PCUN.

FHDC staff and board representatives
with Richard Chavez

We last connected with Richard in June 2010 at “La Paz”, the UFW compound in Keene, California. The occasion was the dedication of the new conference center there. He was brimming with joy—as a movement leader and as a builder—to see yet another of the movement’s dreams realized.

Finally, we remember Richard as a master carpenter. When César died suddenly on April 23, 1993, Richard applied his skills and love to the task of building a simple pine coffin for César. We cherish the beauty and the power of that image: a craftsman, dedicated to family, serving La Causa.

Richard Chávez ¡Presente!

Neighborhood Block Party in Woodburn on August 6th

2011-07-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

COMMUNITY NIGHT: NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY!
Join us for a Night of Fellowship, Food, Fun and Games!

When: Saturday, August 6th From 6PM-10PM

Where: Country Lane St. Woodburn, OR 97071

Purpose of Event is to provide:
- Contact Information to create Neighborhood Relationships and a Safer community
- More Information on CAUSA’s work and civic engagement

For More Information, Contact Lorena Manzo at (503) 984-4823

Sponsored by CAUSA Oregon and Country Lane Neighbors

NOCHE DE COMUNIDAD: CONVIVIO EN VENCINDAD!
Acompáñenos para una noche de convivio, comida, diversion y juegos!

Cuando: Sábado, 6 de Agosto, 2011 de 6PM a 10PM

Donde: Country Lane St. Woodburn, OR 97071

Propósito del Evento es para ofrecer:
- Una comunidad mas segura al crear relaciones entre los vecinos
- Más información sobre el trabajo de CAUSA y oportunidades de participación cívica

Para más información, Contacta Lorena Manzo al (503) 984-4823

Patrocinado por, CAUSA de Oregon y Vecinos de Country Lane

Dissecting the HALT Act

2011-07-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

The following release comes from the Immigration Policy Center (IPC). The Immigration Policy Center is the research and policy arm of the American Immigration Council. IPC's mission is to shape a rational national conversation on immigration and immigrant integration.

Dissecting the HALT Act
Last Safety Valves in Immigration System Under Attack

Washington D.C. - Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 26, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement will hold a hearing on the “Hinder the Administration’s Legalization Temptation Act” (HALT Act), a bill that would suspend discretionary forms of immigration relief until January 21, 2013—the day after the next Presidential inauguration.

Today, the Immigration Policy Center held a briefing to describe how the HALT Act systematically attacks many of the discretionary forms of relief available to immigrants. Immigration policy experts described the implications of limiting the Administration’s discretion in prosecuting immigration cases, as well as the impetus behind the bill.

Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center, said:

“The HALT Act seeks to disable or suspend a number of immigration provisions that provide any discretionary relief to immigrants in order to chastise the Administration for a series of policy memos that contemplate using executive branch authority to improve current laws. Its authors seek to discourage the Administration from interpreting the law in ways that are more streamlined or benefit more individuals.”

Beth Werlin, Deputy Director of the Legal Action Center, further explained:

“By taking away the power to grant deferred action, the HALT Act is basically interfering with the Administration’s ability to prioritize its removal cases and focus its resources on serious criminals and those who pose a true security risk.”

Marshall Fitz, Director of Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress, commented on the impetus behind the bill:

“The suggestion that the Administration is 'tempted' to legalize the undocumented population is disconnected from reality. The president can’t legalize undocumented immigrants. The most he can do is delay their removal from the country if there are compelling reasons. President Obama’s Department of Homeland Security has deported more immigrants than any administration in a generation. However, the authors of this bill continue to claim that DHS refuses to enforce the law and is pursuing a stealth amnesty agenda.”

Administrative authority must be preserved in order to ensure that important laws are available when they are needed. For example, the HALT Act would suspend Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—the protection granted to Haitians after the recent devastating earthquake—making it impossible for the Obama Administration to respond to humanitarian crises. Similarly, the HALT Act suspends waivers for the three and ten year bars to admission to the U.S.—exemptions that exist specifically to ensure that U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents would not suffer extreme hardship if their relatives were deported.

The HALT Act is particularly disturbing because it is so blatantly political, suspending important forms of relief only until the next presidential inauguration. This means that its chief sponsors, Congressman Lamar Smith and Senator David Vitter, are interested in using the American public and the immigration system as vehicles for promoting their political dispute with President Obama over immigration policy. The HALT Act would take a broken immigration system and make it even more inflexible and unworkable in order to make a political point. This is not the way to solve our immigration crisis, but only further highlights the necessity for passing legislation that comprehensively overhauls our immigration system, and gives us the flexible and forward looking policies we need to succeed in the 21st century.

###

For more information on the HALT Act, see:
Dissecting the HALT Act: The Impact of Eliminating Discretion from our Immigration System (IPC Fact Check, July, 2011)

For more detailed information on the three and ten year bars, see:
So Close and Yet So Far: How the Three and Ten-Year Bars Keep Families Apart (IPC Fact Check, July, 2011)

For general information on prosecutorial discretion, see:
Prosecutorial Discretion: A Resource Page
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524

Memorial Today for Nathaniel "Nacho" Cordova

2011-07-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

On monday, we posted the sad news with very heavy hearts at the loss of a friend of CAUSA and an ally in the cause for social justice. Our friend, Nathaniel Cordova died on Saturday in a motorcycle accident.

Nacho, as he was known by all who knew him, was a professor and the chair of Rhetoric and Media Studies at Willamette University. He was a strong supporter of CAUSA, attending many of our May Day celebrations and events and being a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a loving father and devoted husband and there is no shortage of people whose lives he has touched as a professor, a colleague, a friend and a fellow human being.
We mourn the untimely departure of our friend, but we celebrate his life and good work. We pray for his family and wish them comfort in this time of great loss.

UPDATED: Due to the outpouring of support, a memorial service will be held today (Wednesday, July 20th) for Nacho at 3:00 in Hudson Hall (Roger's Music Center) on the Willamette University Campus.

In honor of his memory, the family is asking for contributions to be made to one of the funds in the areas that best represent Nacho's children’s passions. Link here for those details: http://nacho-cordova.blogspot.com/2011/07/memorial-contributions.html

More details will be posted at http://nacho-cordova.blogspot.com/ as they come available.

Executive Director of SHARE, Jose Artiga visits Portland

2011-07-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Portland, Ore.-- On Monday, Jose Artiga, Executive Director of the California-based SHARE Foundation. met with a group in Portland to talk about the current economic, environmental, and political struggles in El Salvador and the importance of the upcoming elections. Salvadoran appetizers and live music accompanied the evening of great conversation.

SHARE's mission is to strengthen solidarity with and among the Salvadoran people in El Salvador and the United States in the struggle for economic sustainability, justice, and human and civil rights.

Here are some photos from the evening:

Artiga and Francisco Lopez, CAUSA’s Executive Director, also talked about an exciting upcoming opportunity for people to experience Salvadoran civic engagement first-hand by observing the Municipal Elections of El Salvador in March of 2012. For more information about how you can join the delegation to El Salvador next year, please contact Robin Wright at robin@causaoregon.org

For those that want to learn more, Jose Artiga will be in Salem this evening at 6:30pm. For more details, please link here

Jose Antonio Vargas interviewed on Colbert Nation

2011-07-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Last Night, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas was interviewed by Stephan Colbert of the Colbert Report where he discussed his life as an undocumented immigrant in America.

Vargas made headlines last month after admitting publicly that he has been in the United States without documentation since childhood. On June 22nd, Vargas' personal essay about his life was published in the New York Times Sunday Edition. The award winning reporter hoped that his personal story would raise awareness about the plight of undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as innocent children.

Here is his interview from last night on the Colbert Nation:

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Jose Antonio Vargas
www.colbertnation.com

More Fear and Loathing from the House Judiciary Committee

2011-07-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

The following release comes from the Immigration Policy Center. The Immigration Policy Center (IPC) is the research and policy arm of the American Immigration Council. IPC's mission is to shape a rational national conversation on immigration and immigrant integration.

More Fear and Loathing from the House Judiciary Committee

Committee to Take Up Reps. Smith and Goodlatte's Restrictive Immigration Bills

Washington, D.C. (June, 13, 2011) – Tomorrow, the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to take up two immigration bills that supposedly address community safety, but in reality are simply the latest attempts to restrict immigration and limit due process for immigrants. Neither Chairman Lamar Smith’s (R-TX) “Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2011,” or Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s (R-VA) “Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2011” (SAFE Act) offer solutions to the immigration crisis. Instead, Chairman Smith’s bill would authorize indefinite detention for a wide range of immigrants, while Rep. Goodlatte’s bill would eliminate the diversity visa—a lottery that offers 50,000 visas per year to immigrants from countries that send few people to the U.S. Once more, the House Judiciary Committee is using fear to restrict our immigration system.

While studies have repeatedly shown that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans, “The Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2011” attempts to exploit the public’s fear of crime to advance an anti-immigration agenda. The bill would expand the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to subject certain immigrants to indefinite—that is, potentially life-long—detention, even though the Supreme Court has held that such detention raises serious constitutional concerns. The bill relies on the continued detention of immigrants—many of whom have never committed a crime—as a stand-in for fixing the underlying problems of our broken immigration system. Similarly, the deceptively titled SAFE Act simply eliminates 50,000 visas that currently go to immigrants from many countries in Africa and elsewhere that have less of a tradition of immigrating to the U.S.

Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center, noted:

“The cynical use of public safety to justify dramatic changes in our immigration laws is a tired argument that must be put to rest. Whether the issue is eliminating visas in the name of public safety or justifying the detention of thousands in order to avoid dealing with institutional barriers to returning some individuals to their countries, the bills before the House Judiciary Committee offer no real solutions to our immigration problems. Proposing a bill that would increase governments costs, fail to use DHS resources against actual threats to public safety, put further strain on the judicial system and weaken due process protections by sanctioning indefinite detention does not make us safer. The pressure is on Congress to pass practical solutions to our very real immigration problems, not to use demagoguery and rhetoric—while ignoring the facts—to advance an anti-immigrant agenda.”

For more information, see:

Rep. Lamar Smith’s “Keep Our Community Safe Act of 2011” Creates More Problems than Solutions (IPC Fact Check, July 2011)

Diversity Visa System: A Fact Sheet (IPC Fact Check, April 2011)

###

For more information contact Seth Hoy at shoy@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7509

A Conversation with Jose Artiga of SHARE Foundation in Portland & Salem

2011-07-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

CAUSA and SHARE invite you to join us for an exciting event in a town near you.

Come participate in a conversation with Jose Artiga, Executive Director of SHARE, about the current economic, environmental, and political struggles in El Salvador and the importance of the upcoming elections.

PLUS learn more about an exciting opportunity to see Salvadoran civic engagement first-hand by observing the Municipal Elections of El Salvador in March of 2012!

Join us at one of the events in Salem and/or Portland! Get details below:

WHEN: July 18th from 6:30-8:30
WHERE:
The Leftbank Project
240 N Broadway
Portland, Oregon *

*P.S- This is your chance to come check out CAUSA's new Portland office at The Leftbank Project!

Drinks and Salvadoran appetizers will be provided

Flyer: http://www.causaoregon.org/event-flyers/causa-share-events/causa-share-event-pdx/image
__________________________________________

WHEN: July 19th, 2011 from 6:30-8:30
WHERE:
The Home of Paul Krissel & Carol Papinchak
1675 High Street SE
Salem, Oregon

Drinks and Salvadoran appetizers will be provided

Flyer: http://www.causaoregon.org/event-flyers/causa-share-events/causa-share-event-salem/image

Please RSVP to Robin at robin@causaoregon.org

Oregon Businesses Join Fight Against E-Verify Bill

2011-07-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

Last Week, the Immigration Policy Center's Immigration Impact blog had an article about a coalition of Oregon Businesses joining the fight against a national E-Verify bill being proposed by Rep. Lamar Smith (TX-R) H.R. 2164 would make it mandatory for all businesses to use the flawed E-Verify System-- spelling disaster for the agricultural industry and the economy. The Oregonian was the first to break the story about the group of 22 Oregon Businesses joining the growing national opposition to the enforcement-only bill.

Oregon Business Community Latest to Join Fight Against National E-Verify Bill

This week, business and agricultural communities across the U.S. continued the fight against mandatory E-verify, an electronic verification system requiring employers to use a federal database to verify the immigration status of employees. Over the weekend, thousands of protestors marched on Georgia’s state capitol to protest HB 87—a bill which contains mandatory E-Verify—adding their voice to the state’s agricultural community’s who fear the program will leave them without enough migrant workers to harvest crops. This week, a group of Oregon businesses joined the campaign against an enforcement-only E-Verify bill (H.R. 2164) introduced by immigration hawk Rep. Lamar Smith’s (R-TX) last month. The group called Rep. Smith’s measure a “recipe for disaster.” continue reading

Take the Pledge to Drop the I-Word

2011-07-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

The I-word, you ask? Members of the press and journalists often use the word out of ignorance. Anti-immigrant talk show hosts use it to describe people they say don’t belong in “their country", people of brown skin color or people they hate.

As you might have already guessed, the word is “illegal” and it is more than just a word. It is a disgusting label and it's use has become a way to disparage and dehumanize the human beings it is directed.

The term “illegal” when referring to any human being is legally inaccurate, dehumanizing and a racist label that helps to prop up an ignorant and limited immigration debate, along with all of the violence and unconstitutionality the concept of an “illegal” human being engenders. The slur opens the door to racial profiling and violence and prevents a truthful, respectful debate on immigration.

The fact is, people may be out of status for many reasons, but that doesn't make them “illegal.” No one should adopt dehumanizing terms that are racially charged, legally inaccurate or denies people due process and their human dignity.

Take the pledge today by visiting COLORLINES.COM or linking here. Then ask members of the media to do the same. Tell them,

“I will not call any human being “illegal.” The racially charged slur and related terms confuse the immigration debate, fuel violence and don't reflect my values. I join communities nationwide in challenging all media to do the same.”

LINK HERE TO SIGN THE PLEDGE

Let’s all work to stamp out this epithet that promotes culture of intolerance and violence toward foreign nationals, undocumented immigrants, and people of color.

FBI Prevents States from Opting Out of Flawed Secure Communities Program

2011-07-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

It has now become clear that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) won’t let states that are concerned with the flawed Secure Communities program opt out of participating.

According to Mahwish Khan at America's Voice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is playing a major role and is the reason states are being forced to comply with DHS’ greatly flawed Secure Communities program. Khan says that, "it’s all part of a much larger scheme, with even bigger problems."

Khan points to a report by Elise Foley over at The Huffington Post:

“It looks like the initial driving force for the program had something to do with this technical efficiency for this [Next Generation Initiative] program that they basically want to force states into and they see [Secure Communities] as the stepping stone to do that," said Bridget Kessler of the Immigration Justice Clinic at Cardozo Law School. "With [the Next Generation Initiative] there are, much more than Secure Communities, a whole host of privacy issues."

"While the FBI acknowledged there could be some resistance from local law enforcement agencies, it said they would eventually be forced to comply with the programs -- even though DHS originally presented the program to states and localities as optional."

"Ultimately, [law enforcement agency] participation is inevitable because [Secure Communities] is simply the first of a number of biometric interoperability systems being brought online by the ... Next Generation Initiative," according to a briefing guide from the FBI.

Read the full article over at the blog at America's Voice by linking here

14,000 March in Atlanta Against New Anti-immigrant Law

2011-07-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Atlanta, Ga.--Yesterday, supporters of immigrant rights and comprehensive immigration reform marched in Atlanta, Georgia to speak out against the new extreme anti-immigrant House Bill 87, a bill which mirrors that of Arizona's racial profiling law, SB1070. Civil rights groups say the bill creates "an unwelcome environment for people of color and those in search of a better life".

It is estimated that about 14,000 people participated in the march and rally that surrounded the blocks around the Georgia State Capitol.

Photo: Erik S. Lesser / AP

KUNP-TV: Visita del congresista Luis Gutiérrez

2011-06-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

El congresista de Illinois Luis Gutiérrez visito Oregon para poner presión al Presidente Obama para que detenga las deportaciones que están separando familias.

PERMALINK: http://kunptv.com/multimedia/noticias-locales/39241/5421/visita-del-congresista-luis-guti%C3%A9rrez

Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez speaks to a crowd of 800 in Woodburn

2011-06-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

Woodburn, Ore. -- On Monday evening, Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez spoke to an energetic crowd of over 800 people during a town hall at Woodburn High School. Gutierrez was in Oregon as part of his national tour to spotlight the toll that almost 400,000 deportations annually are taking on American children and families. Since March, the Campaign for American Children & Families tour has taken the Congressman to 24 cities around the U.S..

Gutierrez, a Democrat from Illinois’ 4th District, has been a strong advocate for immigrant families and has worked tirelessly for passage of comprehensive immigration reform, legalization and The DREAM Act. This is the first time in Oregon history that a national leader on immigration reform has visited the state.

During the evening, Gutierrez listened to testimony and stories from Oregonians whose lives have been turned upside down by deportation. The testimony evoked much emotion both from the Congressman and from others in attendance.

As the Illinois Representative addressed the crowd, he pointed out that more immigrants are being deported by President Obama than under George W. Bush or any President since Eisenhower. In recent weeks, the Obama Administration has stepped up its attention to immigration reform by calling on Congress to pass legislation. Meanwhile, the Governors of Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts have moved to withdraw their states from the Obama Administration's signature deportation program, "Secure Communities," while Alabama and Georgia have joined Arizona in passing sweeping new state anti-immigrant measures.

New guidelines issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week go part of the way in addressing the concerns of immigrant communities, but more concrete and direct action by the President is needed. Specifically, under current law, the President can stop deporting DREAM Act students and the spouses and parents of U.S. citizens and can also adjust immigration policies so that spouses and children of U.S. citizen are not required to spend a decade or more in a foreign country waiting for permission to be reunited. Clarification for states and localities on the process to opt out of the "Secure Communities" program is still needed because the program jeopardizes public safety.

Gutierrez says that he is getting the message that Latino voters are looking ahead to 2012, and they're not happy with what they have seen so far from the White House. They're saying, “We want the President of the United States to keep his word. We're disillusioned, we're disgruntled, and we’re saddened.” But almost in the same breath, they say, “But we're ready to make up! We're ready to reconcile. We really want to be with him. We just hope he can be our champion."

Among those attending the Town Hall with Congressman Gutierrez included elected officials, several Oregon State government officials and leaders from Oregon’s business, faith, labor, healthcare advocacy, legal, education, LGBT, immigrant rights and civil rights community.

The gathering in Woodburn was sponsored by CAUSA Oregon, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), Latinos Unidos Siempre, Mano a Mano Family Center, Salem Keizer Coalition for Equality, Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas, and Voz Hispana Causa Chavista.

Photos: Slideshow 1 | Slideshow 2

Immigration Reform Champion Visits OR

2011-06-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2011
Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
Audio: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-20781-1.mp3

WOODBURN, Ore. - Advocates for immigrants' rights in Oregon have had some setbacks in this year's legislature, but a U.S. Congressman is advising them to look at the bigger, national picture. Rep. Luis Gutierrez is in Woodburn today for a community meeting with immigrant families. The Illinois Democrat has championed comprehensive immigration reform.

On a cross-country tour that began this spring, Gutierrez says he's getting the message that Latino voters are looking ahead to 2012, and they're not happy with what they have seen so far from the White House.

"They're saying, 'We want the President of the United States to keep his word. We're disillusioned, we're disgruntled, we're saddened.' But almost in the same breath, they say, 'But we're ready to make up! We're ready to reconcile.' We really want to be with him. We just hope he can be our champion."

Opponents of comprehensive immigration reform see it as a form of amnesty. Gutierrez also supports the DREAM Act to allow children of immigrants to attend college in the U.S. if they were raised here. A similar bill at the state level, allowing children of Oregon immigrants to pay in-state tuition, was held in committee.

Gutierrez believes Oregon's restrictive driver's license law and law enforcement crackdowns on immigrants in some communities are having a chilling effect on families and employers.

"It's important that America understands that it's about people's lives - Washington state and Oregon both depend on immigrant labor - and that the immigrant community is working and contributing to the economy, and they're vital to the economy. Their voices should be heard."

This month, Homeland Security officials issued new guidelines for the "Secure Communities" program, in which local law enforcement shares information with federal immigration agents. They say the changes will prevent deporting people who do not have criminal records. Still, Gutierrez says some states have decided not to participate.

"These are friends and allies in states that elected this president. Yet, all of these friends are saying, 'This isn't working, because it's turning our police departments into immigration agents, and thereby dividing the community from the very population they're there to serve and protect."

Eight counties in Oregon participate in Secure Communities, and four of them have joined since April.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at Woodburn High School, 1785 N. Front St., Woodburn.

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F20781-1

Congressman Luis Gutierrez comes to Oregon on June 27th

2011-06-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Join us for a Community Meeting with Special Guest Speaker Illinois Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez on Monday, June 27th in Woodburn.

Congressman Gutierrez is a strong advocate for immigrant families and has worked tirelessly for passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, legalization and The DREAM Act. This is the first time in Oregon history that a national leader on immigration reform will visit our state.

Flyer in Espanol: http://www.causaoregon.org/event-flyers/esp-gutierrez-flyer-final.pdf

RSVP HERE: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2FjKS5yt5eje%2FzK8bApgHtlBKsqFuXbhG

Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez to speak at Woodburn Gathering on June 27th

2011-06-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

MEDIA ADVISORY
June 20, 2011

Contact:
Francisco Lopez, Executive Director, 503.984.6816
Erik Sorensen, Communications Director, 503.488.0263

Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez to speak at Woodburn Gathering on June 27th

Woodburn, Ore. -- On Monday, June 27th, Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez will speak at a community meeting in Woodburn, Oregon. Congressman Gutierrez is a strong advocate for immigrant families and has worked tirelessly for passage of comprehensive immigration reform, legalization and the DREAM Act.
This will be the first time in Oregon history that a national leader on immigration reform will visit our state.

Congressman Gutierrez is traveling the nation on a Campaign for American Children & Families Tour to speak about:

- Passage of the DREAM Act for our youth
- Legalization & Comprehensive Immigration Reform for Immigrant Families
- The need for President Obama to sign an executive order stopping deportations and the separation of families

Community Meeting for Immigrant Families w/ Guest Speaker Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL)Date & Time: Monday, June 27 at 6:00 p.m.
Location:
Woodburn High School
1785 North Front Street
Woodburn, OR 97071

This event is being sponsored by CAUSA Oregon, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), Latinos Unidos Siempre, Mano a Mano Family Center, Salem Keizer Coalition for Equality, Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas, and Voz Hispana Causa Chavista.

###

Sit-in for Racial Equity staged at Capitol Offices of OR State Representatives

2011-06-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Salem, Ore -- This morning, 75 people staged a sit-in at the Capitol offices of Oregon State Representatives Andy Olson (R-Albany), Vicki Berger (R-Salem) and Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay). Those participating included students, parents, clergy and members of a diverse coalition of organizations including CAUSA, the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Urban League, Center for Intercultural Organizing (CIO) and Latinos Unidos Siempre (LUS).

The Sit-in was in direct response to bills promoting racial equity--those allowing all Oregonians greater access to basic rights like quality health care and affordable education-- being blocked by partisan gridlock and obstructionism.

Participants in this morning’s action called on the leadership from both parties to work with one another and with those legislators, business leaders, community leaders and countless Oregonians who have already united to support these bills and to break from the status quo and advance racial equity.

“The time has come to rise above partisanship and politics and recognize that people of color make up over 20% of the population of our great state”, said Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of CAUSA Oregon. “The issues we bring to our lawmakers will not simply go away with the end of session. They need to do what is right for all Oregonians now.”

Participants agreed to end the sit-in after 30 minutes in exchange for a meeting with the Republican and Democratic House Leadership to discuss the future of Tuition Equity and other legislation that promotes Racial Equity.

Currently, Senate Bill 742 Tuition Equity, one of the important pieces of legislation for Oregon’s communities of color, is still sitting in the House Rules Committee and being obstructed from having an up or down vote in the Oregon House.

View additional photos here:
http://s516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/CAUSAOregon/Sit-in%20for%20Racial%20Equity/?albumview=slideshow

Related News Coverage

Ethnic organizations demand racial equity at sit-in The Oregonian

Protestors try to dislodge stalled in-state tuition bill Salem Statesman Journal

OR Tuition Equity Bill blocked by obstructionists in House

2011-06-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

-- Although the fight for fairness, justice and equality for Oregon students and their families is far from over

Unfortunately, yesterday a petition supporting Senate Bill 742, Oregon's bi-partisan Tuition Equity Bill, was unable to get the necessary signatures to move it from committee to the House floor for a vote. It fell 5 short of the necessary 31 signatures. The fact is, this is just another example of obstructionists in the Oregon State House blocking good legislation this session that would help people of color.

The upside is that this Tuition Equity bill had bi-partisan support and broad support from the business, faith, labor and education communities and made it further in the Oregon Legislature than it ever has in the past. It was what amounted to handful of House Legislators that denied it an up or down vote.

SB742 would have ensured that every Oregon student has fair access to quality and affordable higher education. It will also would had made it possible for all Oregon Students, regardless of their citizenship status, to be able to pay in-state tuition. Besides capitalizing on taxpayer investment in Oregon's K-12 students, it also would boost the education level of Oregon's workforce and boost our state economy.

This won't be the end of Tuition Equity for Oregon. CAUSA and our allies will continue this fight for fairness, justice and equality for Oregon students and immigrant families until Tuition Equity is a reality and Oregon joins the other 13 states that have already passed similar legislation.

News Articles:
In-state tuition bill dies in Oregon House
Supporters fail in their late session effort to get immigrant tuition bill to the Oregon House floor

Final Push for Oregon's Tuition Equity -- Please Call NOW

2011-06-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Gresham, Ore.--Last night, students, teachers, community leaders and other supporters of Oregon’s bipartisan Tuition Equity Bill—Senate Bill 742-- gathered at Mt. Hood Community College. The gathering marked the final push to call on Oregon State Representatives to bring Senate Bill 742 to the House Floor for a vote.

The petition to bring Senate Bill 742 to the floor has by today (Tuesday) at 5:00pm to get the necessary signatures. There are already 24 State Representatives signed on. That just leaves 7 more to go. The bill has gone farther than it has in the past with an 18-11 vote in the Oregon State Senate. We need your help now more than ever to make Tuition Equity a reality in Oregon.

Please call the following Representatives as soon as possible, and let them know you support SB 742 and would like them to sign the petition and support it, too!

Rep. Jeff Barker 503.986.1428
Rep. Deborah Boone 503.986.1432
Rep. Brian Clem 503.986.1421
Rep. Greg Mathews 503.986.1450
Rep. Arnie Roblan 503.986.1300
Rep. Mike Schaufler 503.986.1448
Rep. Bob Jenson 503-986-1458

Tell them,

“I Support Senate Bill 742 because it’s important for me, for the future of Oregon students and for Oregon as a whole. Please sign the discharge petition to let SB 742 get a vote in the House and please vote yes on this important bill."

Thank you for your continued support to ensure all our youth have access to Higher education

More photos from last night:

Please make your call for Tuition Equity TODAY

2011-06-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

We need your help between now and tomorrow to ensure Tuition Equity receives a vote in the Oregon State House of Representatives!

Senate Bill 742, Oregon's bipartisan Tuition Equity Bill, has by tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5:00pm to get the necessary signatures of support to move it to the House floor for a vote. This bill has gone farther than it has in the past with an 18-11 vote in the Oregon State Senate. We need your help now more than ever to get it passed in the Oregon House.

Call your Representative as soon as possible, and let them know you support SB 742! Tell them you support SB 742 which would allow all children in Oregon to have an affordable education.

Tell them,

“I Support Senate Bill 742 because it’s important for me for the future of Oregon students and for Oregon as a whole. Please help get SB 742 a vote in the House and vote yes on this important bill."

To find your State Representative, please link here: http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/

Thank you for your continued support To ensure all our youth have access to Higher education!

Join us tonight at 8:00pm at Mt. Hood Community College (AC1051, 26000 SE Stark St, Gresham) for the final push to get SB742 to the House Floor! Link here for more details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215723578449053

Two great articles on Senate Bill 742:
Future of Immigrant tuition bill to be decided soon

AMERICAN GIRL* (*in every way but officially, that is, which may affect Churchill High student's ability to get into college)

Support Tuition Equity for All Oregon Students and Our State

2011-05-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Student Association has released this new video on Senate Bill 742, Oregon's Tuition Equity Bill. SB742 will ensure that every Oregon student has fair access to quality and affordable higher education. It will also make it possible for all Oregon Students, regardless of their citizenship status, to be able to pay in-state tuition. Besides capitalizing on taxpayer investment in Oregon's K-12 students, it will boost the education level of Oregon's workforce and boost our state economy.

Senate Bill 742 has already passed the Oregon State Senate and now is in the House. SB742 is about education, opportunity and advancement for Oregon, AND it deserves a vote on the Oregon House Floor! Check out these amazing supporters testifying for the bill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fStZJ3o_A6o

Link here to contact your State Representative and ask them to support Tuition Equity for ALL Oregon students and for our state.

CAUSA's Zocalo Night Gala, A Complete Success

2011-05-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

At yesterday’s Zocalo Night Gala, we had over 350 people in attendance, great food, great entertainment and great weather. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support CAUSA!

During the evening, CAUSA honored several individuals and organizations with American Dream Awards. The awards are given to individuals who make sure that the American dream is not only a dream, but a reality. Honorees included the Latino Business Alliance of the Willamette Valley, Patricia Cortez, McKenzie River Gathering Foundation (MRG), Recursos para Derechos Humanos (Resoruces for Human Rights), Willamette Family Medical Center, Pastor Gail McDougal and Diana Simons of KUNP Television Portland.

Entertainment included live music by the Woodburn High School Mariachi Band, Salsa Dancing Lessons with Rodolfo Ortega and a performance by Los Chinelos. We also had delicious authentic food from local vendors, handmade piñatas and crafts from southern Mexico.

We have included a selection of photos above. Please link here for additional images: http://bit.ly/jp6eRL

A SPECIAL THANK YOU also goes to all of the volunteers, donors and the following sponsors who made Zocalo Night a great success!

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

Mariscos El Sarandeado

The Zócalo, pronounced "sokalo" in Spanish, is the main plaza or square in the heart of the historic center of many cities across Mexico. It is a place for celebrations, ceremonies, food, dances, live music, and civic engagement.

CAUSA's Annual Gala this Thursday in Salem

2011-05-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

The excitement is continuing to build in anticipation for this year's Zocalo Night Gala!

There are just three days left until Zocalo Night. Some fun things to expect this Thursday include our honoree Gail McDougle, former Pastor of the Salem First Congregational Church, is flying in all the way from Florida! Also, Rodolfo Ortega, salsa instructor at Chemeketa Community College, will lead meringue, cumbia, and salsa lessons. If you don't have them already, you still have time to get your tickets!

At Zócalo Night, we will present CAUSA's American Dreamer Awards, listen to live Latin American music, enjoy the entertainment of folkloric dancers, eat delicious food, and dance salsa! Please join us!

May 19, 2011
5:30 pm

Mission Mill Museum
1313 Mill Street SE
Salem, Oregon

Tickets are $25.00 (until May 18th)

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/144399

Tickets are $30 at the door

All proceeds will support CAUSA's Latino and Latina Integration Initiatives

We want to give a BIG THANK-YOU to the following sponsors for their commitment to Zocalo Night!

Sponsors

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

To join our list of sponsors or for more information, please contact Andrea Miller by calling 503-551-6573 or email at andrea@causaoregon.org

Tuition Equity supporters gather for graduation ceremony and hearing

2011-05-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

Salem, Ore.-- On Wednesday, supporters of Oregon's bi-partisan Tuition Equity Bill (SB742) gathered at the Oregon State Capitol for a graduation ceremony. The ceremony recognized the potential Oregon continues to lose during this time of graduations without passage of SB742.

After the ceremony, the Oregon State House Rules Committee held a hearing where students, parents, teachers, state legislators and members of the business, faith, and the higher education community testified in favor of the legislation. Turn-out for those in favor of Senate Bill 742 was 10-1 over those opposed -- reflecting well the bill's bi-partisan support.

Senate Bill 742 will ensure that every Oregon student has fair access to quality and affordable higher education. It will also make it possible for all Oregon Students, regardless of their citizenship status, to be able to pay in-state tuition. Besides capitalizing on taxpayer investment in Oregon's K-12 students, it will boost the education level of Oregon's workforce and bring in more tax dollars to the state's general fund.

Support for Senate Bill 742 continues to grow in the Oregon State Legislature and around Oregon. Organizations who support passage of the legislation include the Association of Oregon Industries (AOI), Portland Business Alliance (PBA), Oregon Students Association (OSA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Oregon Education Association (OEA), Center For Intercultural Organizing (CIO), CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Stand for Children, Latino Network, The Bus Project, Basic Rights Oregon (BRO), Gresham Youth Advisory Committee, Adelante Mujeres, Jobs with Justice, Oregon Thrives, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Upstream Public Health, Multnomah Youth Commission and others.

Please continue to contact state representatives and urge them to support Senate Bill 742 for Oregon Students and Oregon's Future. Link here to find out how to contact your state representative and members of the House Rules Committee: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5535/t/4202/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1470

Related News Coverage:
Push For In-State Tuition Rates For Undocumented Residents Continues OPB News
Ore. House panel takes up immigrant tuition Associated Press
Tuition bill prompts Capitol rally Statesman Journal

Oregonians to gather in support of bipartisan Tuition Equity Bill at Capitol Today

2011-05-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
May 11, 2011

Contact:
Francisco Lopez, Executive Director, 503.984.6816
Erik Sorensen, Communications Director, 503.488.0263

Oregonians to gather in support of bipartisan Tuition Equity Bill at Capitol Today

Salem, Ore.-- Today, supporters of Oregon’s bipartisan Tuition Equity Bill, which includes students, parents, teachers, and members of the business, faith, and the higher education community, will gather on the Oregon State Capitol steps for a graduation ceremony at 1:30pm. The ceremony will recognize the potential Oregon continues to lose during this time of graduations without passage of Senate Bill 742. The ceremony will precede a hearing on the bill in the House Rules Committee.

“I want to make sure that people understand that education is not just a word, it is a belief that we have in the future.” said Hugo Nicolas, a Salem area high school student, who like many others, supports passage of Oregon’s Tuition Equity Bill.

Senate Bill 742 will ensure that every Oregon student has fair access to quality and affordable higher education. It will also make it possible for all Oregon Students, regardless of their citizenship status, to be able to pay in-state tuition. Besides capitalizing on taxpayer investment in Oregon's K-12 students, it will boost the education level of Oregon's workforce and bring in more tax dollars to the state's general fund.

Matt Courtney, the Community Outreach Coordinator at Woodburn School District had this to say, “I believe that Tuition Equity (SB742) will not only encourage more students to finish high school, but will level the playing field so that some of our best and brightest students can continue their education beyond high school and become the type of adults they want to.”

Support for Senate Bill 742 continues to grow in the Oregon State Legislature and around Oregon. Organizations who support passage of the legislation include the Association of Oregon Industries (AOI), Portland Business Alliance (PBA), Oregon Students Association (OSA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Oregon Education Association (OEA), Center For Intercultural Organizing (CIO), CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Stand for Children, Latino Network, The Bus Project, Basic Rights Oregon (BRO), Gresham Youth Advisory Committee, Adelante Mujeres, Jobs with Justice, Oregon Thrives, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Upstream Public Health, and the Multnomah Youth Commission.

In testimony during today's House Rules Committee Hearing, supporters will encourage lawmakers to pass the bill making Oregon among 11 other states that have already implemented tuition equity. The Committee will begin hearing testimony today at 3:00pm.in Hearing Room E.

Senate Bill 742 (Tuition Equity) Hearing & Graduation Ceremony
Graduation at 1:30pm on Capitol Steps | House Rules Committee Hearing at 3:00pm
Oregon State Capitol
900 Court Street NE | Room 50
Salem, Oregon

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Gathering Honors Mothers and Raises Awareness About Affordable Housing

2011-05-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Portland, Ore--On Saturday, Vecinos en Alerta, CAUSA Oregon and individual members of the NE Portland Community gathered in NE Portland in honor Mothers fior Mother’s Day. Those in attendance showed their gratitude for the special moms in their lives and the work they do. They also raised awareness about the need for affordable housing for Oregon families and respect for all immigrants.

Here are photos from the gathering:

Gathering on Saturday in Portland to Honor Mothers

2011-05-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

Portland, Ore.-- Vecinos en Alerta, CAUSA Oregon and individual members of the NE Portland Community will gather in NE Portland on Saturday, May 7th in honor of Mother’s Day. Those attending the neighborhood gathering will show their gratitude for those special moms in their lives and the work they do. There will also be awareness raised about the need for affordable housing and respect for all immigrants.

Mother’s Day Gathering
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Corner of NE Killingsworth Street and NE Cully Blvd.

Participants will walk to Fernhill Park at the corner of NE Ainsworth Street and Cesar Chavez Blvd for a Rally.

For more information please contact Reyna Lopez at 971.240.7414 or at reyna@causaoregon.org

Annual Advocacy Day draws 100 constituents to Oregon State Capitol

2011-05-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Salem, Ore.-- On Monday, CAUSA held it’s Annual Advocacy Day at the Oregon State Capitol. Around 100 people met with 66 legislative offices throughout the day to discuss important issues affecting Oregonians.

The issues discussed during the individual meetings with legislators included driver's license access restoration, tuition equity & quality education, public safety, healthcare equity, affordable housing, and jobs & economic recovery.

Among the top issues, constituents urged state representatives to support and pass Oregon’s bi-partisan Tuition Equity Bill—SB 742. The legislation, which has broad support from both sides of the aisle, capitalizes on taxpayer investment in K-12 students, moves engaged young immigrants toward citizenship, helps them build productive futures in Oregon and will boost the education level of the workforce of Oregon.

A hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 11th in the House Rules Committee at 3:00pm at the Oregon State Capitol. Those who support the bill are encouraged to attend.

To contact members of the House Rules Committee and your member of the Oregon House of Representatives to urge them to vote "YES" on SB742, please link here: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5535/t/4202/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1470

PHOTOS: 4000 People Attend May Day Celebration in Salem

2011-05-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Salem, Ore. -- Today members of the Latino, Immigrant, Faith, Labor and LGBT Communities, Students and others gathered at the Oregon State Capitol in commemoration of May Day, or International Worker's Day. According to The Oregonian, 4000 people attended the day’s events.

During the rally, speakers discussed important issues facing Oregonians including driver's license access, tuition equity & quality education, voting and equal representation, safe communities, public safety, healthcare equity, immigration reform, justice for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgendered Immigrants, affordable housing, jobs & economic recovery and family unity.

Among the speakers were Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, State Representative Michael Dembrow, Executive Director of Oregon Student Association, Emily McLain, Oregon AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer, Barbara Byrd, James Jacobson with SEIU and several others.

Here are photos from May Day 2011:

May Day Celebration at Oregon State Capitol on Sunday

2011-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Join members of the Latino, Immigrant, Faith, Labor and LGBT Communities, Students and others at the Oregon State Capitol in commemoration of May Day, or International Worker's Day on Sunday, May 1st at 10:30am. Read more here

Causa Oregon -- News and Comment

Causa Oregon Takes National Lead Role in Securing Residency for Central Americans

State Representatives, anti-immigrant groups want flawed E-verify in Oregon

Undocumented Workers Are Taxpayers, Too

Estimated annual tax contributions of undocumented workers in Oregon

PHOTOS: 400 Turn out to Immigrant Action Day in Salem

OR Latinos Meet for Immigrant Action Day

Eugene Assembly to Address Public Safety and Crucial Services for Families

Statewide Immigrant Action Day in Salem this Saturday

Report: Low Marks for OR Lawmakers on Racial Equity

Leaders' Assembly in Eugene on January 24th

What is Causa working on in 2012?

Immigration Rule Change Could Keep OR Families Together

Immigration Waiver Process Change Will Keep Some Families Together

14th Annual Statewide Immigrant Action Day in Salem on January 21st

Over 2500 March in Alabama for Repeal of Anti-immigrant Law

Gatherings to Raise Awareness about Abuse, Discrimination and Injustice against Immigrants

DOJ Report Finds Arpaio Engaged in Practice of Civil Rights Abuses, Racial Profiling

OR Immigrant Rights Organization Comes Out Strong for LGBT Equality

USA Today: Deportations tear some families apart

Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization to Throw Party for LGBT Equality

Bring Isaac and Jonathan home for Thanksgiving

Another Anti-immigrant Extremist Loses Seat

Uniting Communities: Supporting ALL Latinos

Non-Citizens Eager to Serve in U.S. Military Blocked by Government Bureaucracy

Rep. Blumenauer Meets with Latino Community Members in NE Portland

Architect of Arizona's Anti-immigrant Law SB1070 Thrown Out of Office

Border Fence Display Exposes Hate Dividing Salem and the Nation

PHOTOS: Drawing the Line Between Police/ICE Collaboration

DOJ Responds Forcefully to Civil Rights Disaster in Alabama, What Will DHS Do?

New Report Reveals Families Shattered by Immigration Enforcement

Restrictionist Lawyer Reveals Long-Term Assault on Immigrant Children

NW Immigrants' Groups Link Arms for Regional Clout

Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization Takes Organizing Model Regional

Immigrant Rights Organization Recognized for Work in Oregon

Court Blocks Parts of Alabama's Anti-immigrant Law

Equality Assembly Draws Crowd to NE Portland School

Declining Cities Look to Immigrants to Revitalize Economies and Increase University Enrollment

Film About One Community's Response to Anti-immigrant Violence Comes to Eugene

“Dangerous and Intrusive” E-Verify Bill Passes House Committee

Equality Assembly to take place on October 5th in Portland

Oregonians Speak Out Against Job-Killing E-Verify Bill

OR Groups Speak Out About E-Verify

Oregonians unite against attack on workforce and business as part of National Day of Action Against E-Verify

Lolo Cutumay & Raices de Jaragua in Concert on September 25th

Two Groups, One Cause: "Freedom to Marry" Campaign Launches in OR

Labor rights advocates turn out to support justice for Ruby Ridge Dairy workers

Spanish radio ads highlight why marriage matters

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Opens in Washington D.C.

DHS to suspend deportation of DREAMers, others

Oregonians to participate in National Week of Action against failed S-Comm Program

New Report Challenges DHS on Use of Resources and Targeting of Harmless Individuals

Economy Takes Center Stage at Bend Town Hall

Guess Who Believes Undocumented Immigrants Deserve the Death Penalty

"Secure Communities"...Or Anything But?

DHS tells states they can't opt-out of flawed program

DHS Acknowledges that U.S. Immigration Policy Needs to Spark Economy and Attract Entrepreneurs

PCUN and CAPACES network remember and celebrate the life and example of Richard Chávez

Neighborhood Block Party in Woodburn on August 6th

Dissecting the HALT Act

Memorial Today for Nathaniel "Nacho" Cordova

Executive Director of SHARE, Jose Artiga visits Portland

Jose Antonio Vargas interviewed on Colbert Nation

More Fear and Loathing from the House Judiciary Committee

A Conversation with Jose Artiga of SHARE Foundation in Portland & Salem

Oregon Businesses Join Fight Against E-Verify Bill

Take the Pledge to Drop the I-Word

FBI Prevents States from Opting Out of Flawed Secure Communities Program

14,000 March in Atlanta Against New Anti-immigrant Law

KUNP-TV: Visita del congresista Luis Gutiérrez

Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez speaks to a crowd of 800 in Woodburn

Immigration Reform Champion Visits OR

Congressman Luis Gutierrez comes to Oregon on June 27th

Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez to speak at Woodburn Gathering on June 27th

Sit-in for Racial Equity staged at Capitol Offices of OR State Representatives

OR Tuition Equity Bill blocked by obstructionists in House

Final Push for Oregon's Tuition Equity -- Please Call NOW

Please make your call for Tuition Equity TODAY

Support Tuition Equity for All Oregon Students and Our State

CAUSA's Zocalo Night Gala, A Complete Success