Peña Cultural at PCUN on March 27th

PCUN, Mid Willamette Jobs with Justice, VOZ Hispana Causa Chavista, Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas, and CAUSA invite you to a Peña Cultural on Saturday, March 27th. The theme of this Peña is "Solidarity with Immigrant Workers".

Date & Time: Saturday, March 27, 2010 7pm – 9pm
Location:
PCUN Labor Hall
300 Young St.
Woodburn, OR

Join us for an evening filled with progressive music, poetry , dance, and delicious food and learn more about:

The plight of Immigrants in the US

How communities are organizing to defend our rights

What it will take to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform

History: The Peña tradition started in Latin- America in the early sixties. The main idea is to create a gathering place where artists and musicians gathered to make connections between art and politics. Peñas also make connections between local, national and international efforts for equity, a true democracy and self-determination for all people.

For information contact Samuel Dávila at 503-931-1060 or Carmen Gonzalez at 503/982-0243

Sponsored by: PCUN, Mid Willamette Jobs with Justice, VOZ Hispana Causa Chavista, Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas, and CAUSA

Resources:
Flyer in English
Flyer in Spanish

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New Study Confirms Positive Impact of Immigration on Wages of Native-Born Workers

This 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. Through its research and analysis, IPC provides policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate information about the role of immigrants and immigration policy on U.S. society.

For Immediate Release
February 5, 2010

Contact:
Wendy Sefsaf at 202-507-7524

New Study Confirms Positive Impact of Immigration on Wages of Native-Born Workers

Blaming Immigrants for Native-Born Labor Declines Doesn't Add Up

Washington D.C. - The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) yesterday released a new study, Immigration and Wages, which confirms what many other economists have found: "that immigration has a small but positive impact on the wages of native-born workers overall."

This report comes on the heels of other economic reports, from across the ideological spectrum, that explain how comprehensive immigration reform will lift the wages of U.S. workers, increase tax revenue and boost consumer purchasing power.

The EPI report affirms that foreign-born and native-born workers "complement" each other in the labor market through the differing skills and abilities they bring with them to the workplace. When one fully accounts for the many differences between foreign-born and native-born workers in terms of education, occupational experience, and English-language ability, it becomes clear that they cannot simply be swapped for one another like batteries. In fact, the presence of specialized immigrant workers in the labor force tends to increase the productivity, and therefore the wages, of their native-born counterparts.

The report makes clear, the plight of low-wage native-born workers can not be blamed on immigrants as some groups have attempted to do: "Declining job quality for the least-educated American workers is due to a host of factors aside from immigration, including declining unionization rates, the eroding real value of the minimum wage, and trade practices that expose U.S. workers with low levels of education to competition from much lower wage workers around the globe." In short, scapegoating immigrants for the nation's economic woes will do nothing to help American workers.

To read a blog post on the EPI report at ImmigrationImpact.org click here.

To read the EPI report in its entirety click here or visit www.EPI.org.

For more economic studies on immigration reform see:

An IPC/CAP study Raising the Floor for American Workers conducted by UCLA's Dr. Raul Hinojosa shows comprehensive immigration reform that includes a legalization plan for the unauthorized workers already in our economy would contribute a cumulative $1.5 trillion to the Gross Domestic Product over ten years, as more tax revenues are collected, wages increase for U.S.-born and legalized workers, and immigrant workers spend more in our economy.

The libertarian Cato Institute's report Restriction or Legalization? Measuring the Economic Benefits of Immigration Reform also shows that "legalization of low-skilled immigrant workers would yield significant income gains for American workers and households."

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For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at 202-507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org

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Desktop Raids, a New Policy of Obama Administration comes to Oregon

For Immediate Release
June 19, 2009

Contact:
Francisco Lopez, Executive Director: (503) 269-5694
Erik Sorensen, Communications Director: (503) 488-0263
Desktop Raids, a New Policy of Obama Administration comes to Oregon
Salem, Ore.--This week, evidence came to light that a new type of worksite raid has occurred in Oregon.

An investigation conducted by Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (Northwest Treeplanters and Farmworkers United) PCUN discovered that close to 250 workers were dismissed at a farm in Dallas, Oregon. According to their report, workers at Meduri Farms were notified in May that they were being terminated due to 'invalid or fraudulent Social Security numbers'.

The procedure is being coined a "Desktop Raid" and appears to be part of a national trend.

Last week, the LA Times reported that over 200 workers were terminated in a similar way at a major food-processing plant in Vernon, California near Los Angeles. According to the report, more than 200 employees from Overhill Farms were terminated after the owner received a letter from the IRS saying that employees provided 'invalid or fraudulent' Social Security numbers.

Like Overhill Farms, the Meduri Farms owner received a letter from the Federal Government saying that there were discrepancies in social security numbers that workers provided at the time of hiring. The workers were given 30 days to prove that they have legal presence to be able to continue working.

According to news reports, in effort to verify the employee's status, Overhill Farms turned to using the flawed e-Verify system. One worker, Lucia Vasquez, who had a valid Social Security Number and regularized immigration status, still received a termination letter. It is unknown how many workers at these farms or others are experiencing the same nightmare.

Most of the workers from Meduri and Overhill have been employed with the companies for years--sometimes up to 20 year or more. Having been loyal, dedicated and hardworking members of the workforce, they kept the companies going daily. Now, they find themselves pushed out with no way to reconcile or to support their families.

Raids on businesses, whether by ICE agents storming a facility or a "desktop" style as we have seen at Meduri and Overhill Farms, come at a serious time for the United States. With the Obama Administration trying to recover the down spiraling economy, the loss of these workers is detrimental to the companies that need them.

"Besides the tragic situation for these families that have lost their livelihood that they need to survive", said Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of CAUSA. "The loss of these workers means a loss of revenue for these businesses and that will not help the U.S. Economy. What we need is real Comprehensive Immigration Reform, not more raids".

The mass termination of these hard working and loyal immigrants calls into question again the larger problem with the immigration policy of the United States. With the Federal Government employing yet another tactic to force businesses to become de facto immigration agents, it is critical more now than ever for Congress and the President to take action and pass fair and human Immigration Reform this year.

Sources:

Computer 'raid' in Vernon leaves factory workers devastated (Los Angeles Times, June 12, 2009)
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-desktop-raid12-2009jun12,0,783064.story

Fired for Working (New American Media, June 17, 2009)
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=23f01c9af6aeb27ec5cacc788e883ca2

Related links:

Meduri Farms www.medurifarms.com
Overhill Farms www.overhillfarms.com

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Report Shows Legalization of Undocumented Immigrants Would Benefit U.S. Economy

That is what a new report out from the Immigration Policy Center says.

According to their report titled, The Economics of Immigration Reform: What Legalizing Undocumented Immigrants Would Mean for the U.S. Economy, without Comprehensive Immigration Reform the United States cannot experience full economic recovery.

Research included in the report found that:

Legalization increases government revenues by bringing more workers into the tax system.

Workers with legal status earn and spend more.

“Enforcement-only” policies are expensive and ineffective.

Legalization increases immigration’s economic benefits.

Among other things, the report shows that legalization would increase tax revenue; whereas "enforcement only" policies have served to force undocumented labor underground causing a a decrease in revenue.

What about those that already pay taxes into the system? The report states that "between one-half and three-quarters of undocumented immigrants now work “on the books” and pay federal and state income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes", however are ineligible to receive the benefits they are paying for.

This is report is just another piece of evidence why Congress needs to be swift in passing Fair and Just Immigration Reform this year.

To read the full report, please link here, or visit the Immigration Policy Center at www.immigrationpolicy.org

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President Obama to Push for Passage of Immigration Bill

President Obama today has announced that he will begin addressing the country’s immigration system this year which includes a path for undocumented immigrants to become legal citizens.

A report appearing in the New York Times said the President’s would recognize millions of undocumented immigrants who have already been working here. According to independent studies of census data, there is no evidence of any wholesale exodus of illegal immigrant workers given the current economic recession in the U.S.

Currently two-thirds of all Americans consistently support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Americans of every political stripe recognize that fixing our broken system is in the country’s interest, and that these immigrants are already our co-workers, our neighbors, and frequently our family members.

For more on this report, please link here.

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Report Finds Immigrant Workers Aid State Economy

This release comes from our allies at OneAmerica. OneAmerica is committed to the vision of a unified nation with justice for all. Their mission is to advance the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, and human rights at the local, state and national levels. For more information, visit their website at www.weareoneamerica.org

OneAmerica report finds immigrant workers aid state economy

'Building Washington's Future' first to examine immigrant worker role in Washington

SEATTLE - A new OneAmerica report - to be released at a news conference Wednesday - outlines demographic trends related to immigrants in Washington; immigrant contributions to the economy through consumption, taxes, and their use of public benefits; the role of immigrants in the workforce and their direct contributions to a variety of industries as "unskilled" workers, immigrant entrepreneurs, and H-1B visa holders.

Presenters at the news conference will speak to the impact of immigrant workers on their businesses and the state economy. The report is the first state-specific report to examine Washington's contributions of immigrants to the economy. Staff will be available to discuss key findings including Washington's national rank and recent demographic changes in foreign born; data on immigrants, tax revenue, and the use of public assistance; and the role of immigrants in the aging workforce.

WHAT: News conference
WHERE: OneAmerica future offices - 1225 S. Weller, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98144
WHEN: Wed., April 8, 10 a.m.
RSVP: Please RSVP here or email Naomi Ishisaka

PRESENTERS:
Pramila Jayapal, Executive Director, OneAmerica
Sarah Curry, Policy and Research Associate, OneAmerica
Luis Fraga, Associate Vice Provost, UW, Director of Diversity Research Institute
Renee Radcliffe Sinclair, Executive Director, Congressional & Public Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Sergio Salinas, Secretary-Treasurer, SEIU Local 6
Dr. Mo Kyson, Iraqi refugee, served as U.S. Army interpreter, highly skilled dentist, underemployed in construction industry

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS
(contact information will be provided at event):
Jon Wyss, Governmental Affairs, Gebber Farms
Josh Koempel, Owner, Potentiality Farms

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E-Verify is Bye-bye for Now

January 15th was supposed to be the deadline for government contractors to have to start using E-Verify to check the eligibility of employees to work in the United States. According to Federal Times and Portland Business Journal, the requirement has been postponed until February 20th due to a lawsuit filed by the United States Chamber of Commerce and four other business groups.

E-Verify has come under scrutiny by those on both sides of the aisle. Studies have shown that U.S. citizens and/or legal U.S. workers could be denied employment and a paycheck because the government database contains an error.

For more on the suspension of the program, visit Federal Times and Portland Business Journal.

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Setting the record straight on Immigration

In a letter to the editor to the Statesman Journal, Kelly O’Brien, the coordinator for the Coalition for a Working Oregon, has responded to one submitted last month by Lyneil Vandermolen.

According to O’Brien, Vandermolen’s letter was ”riddled with inaccuracies and innuendo”. About Vandermollen’s position, she had this to say:

“Unfortunately, extremists are less about enacting true, meaningful immigration reform and more about confusing an already complicated issue in order to push their own agenda and ideals."

In her article, O’Brien also took apart Vandermollen’s notion that an enforcement only approach is the only way. She said, “this country can't end with just enforcement, because enforcement alone will never solve the larger problem….Only comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level will provide a meaningful and long-lasting solution to this problem."

O’Brien went on to add that Oregonians want a comprehensive approach to immigration reform and that polls reflect these feelings. She finished by saying that “We have to do what is right for our country and our economy”.

The full letter can be read by linking here.

The Coalition for a Working Oregon is “the first consolidated effort by Oregon employers to promote a thoughtful, sensible approach to immigration reform on the federal level. The CWO is comprised of 20 top Oregon employer groups representing well over 300,000 Oregon workers.”

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Advocates to Call Attention to Unfair Working Conditions and Broken Immigration System

MEDIA ADVISORY
June 11, 2008

Contacts:
DeEtte Waleed, (503) 550-3510
Marco Mejia, AFSC Portland, (503) 740-8035
Robert Brown (503) 267-9346
Erik Sorensen, CAUSA (503) 488-0263

Immigrant Rights Advocates to Call Attention to Unfair Working Conditions and Broken Immigration System
Portland, Ore. — Today, the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement, Oregon immigration rights and labor groups, and immigrant families will hold a press conference calling attention to unfair working conditions and our broken immigration system that terrorizes innocent people.

What: VIGIL AND PRESS CONFERENCE

Who: Immigrants, social justice advocates, people of faith and labor unions

When: Wednesday, June 11th, 2008, 10:30 am

Where: Del Monte plant, 9243 N Rivergate Blvd, Portland OR

This morning's press conference and vigil is part of the week of action and prayer for the families torn apart by Fresh Del Monte ICE Raid that occurred one year ago today. On June 11th, 2007, the Fresh Del Monte Produce fruit and vegetable processing plant in North Portland was raided by agents from the Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 167 immigrant workers were torn from their livelihood and their families. Many were taken to a private prison near Tacoma and deported. A small number of women who were pregnant or had very young children were put under house arrest. Today the families are still struggling to rebuild their lives.

Last year, community leaders, elected officials, faith communities and community organizations came together to denounce the raids in a press conference at Fresh Del Monte in North Portland. Portland Mayor Tom Potter at the time denounced such actions by The Department of Homeland Security saying that “Our nation would be better served if this kind of energy was focused on creating a comprehensive approach to immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship; addresses the immigration backlog that keeps families apart.”

Among those to speak today include David Leslie, Executive Director of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Margaret Butler, Executive Director of Portland Jobs with Justice, Alice Perry, Immigrant Rights Specialist of American Friends Service Committee, and Rev. Kate Lore, Social Justice Ministry Director of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Portland

Organizations co-sponsoring the week of prayer and action include: Oregon New Sanctuary Movement, with Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, Comite de Solidaridad y Apoyo Mutuo, Jobs with Justice, American Friends Service Committee, Portland Central America Solidarity Committee, Witness for Peace NW, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Bridgeport UCC, Zion UCC, the Jobs with Justice Faith-Labor Committee, CAUSA, Ascension Catholic Church, Peace and Social Concerns Committee of the Multnomah Friends Meeting, the Social Justice Council of the First Unitarian Church, Justice Commission of Ainsworth UCC, and the Justice Witness Ministry Team of the Central Pacific Conference of the UCC.

For more information on the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement, visit www.oregonsanctuary.org or call (503) 550-3510 or email portlandsanctuary@gmail.com.

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Resources:
Let My People Stay Calendar of Events

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Photos from Salem May Day Rally and March

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2,500 Immigrant Rights Supporters Call for Change at State Capitol

in the news

Oregon immigration protest draws 2,500 to Capitol
5/1/2008, 5:45 p.m. PDT
By JOSEPH B. FRAZIER
The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Carrying signs reading "Driving is a right, not a crime," a mostly Hispanic crowd of about 2,500 on Thursday protested a new driver's license law they say punishes immigrants and they also called for major changes in federal immigration and workplace laws.
The crowd at the annual event, held in front of the Capitol each May 1, was enthusiastic but somewhat subdued compared to recent rallies when major restrictive immigration bills were alive in Congress.
Speakers demanded rollback of a decree codified by the Legislature in February — Senate Bill 1080 — that requires applicants for driver's licenses to prove legal residence in the country.
Rep. Chip Shields, D-Portland, urged the crowd through an interpreter to support legislators who opposed the driver's license restrictions.
"Today I am here to help your cause," he said, getting cheers. "We all know that SB1080 was not about driver's licenses. It was about immigration."
He said the bill missed the target, and described many immigrants as economic refugees of globalization and regional trade pacts with Latin America that are harming Latin America's agricultural base. >>continue

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May Day: Immigrants and Allies to Rally for Driving Privilege Restoration and Humane Immigration Reform

MEDIA ADVISORY
April 28, 2008

CONTACT:
Aeryca Steinbauer : (503) 984-6816
Erik Sorensen: (503) 488-0263

Immigrants and Allies to Rally for Driving Privilege Restoration and Just and Humane Immigration Reform

Salem, Ore-This Thursday, immigrants, social justice advocates, people of faith, and organized labor will gather in Salem for a day of action and call on elected leaders to reject anti-immigrant proposals at the national, state and local level.

What: MAYDAY MARCH FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

Who: Immigrants, social justice advocates, people of faith and labor unions

When: Thursday, May 1st, 2007, 11:00AM-3:00PM

Where: Oregon State Capitol 900 Court St. NE, Salem, OR

As national and local candidates jockey to prove who is most anti-immigrant, the immigrant community demands a solution for the 12 million undocumented immigrant workers and families who are living in the shadows. We renew our call for just reform, a stop to the criminalization of immigrants and a rejection of all anti-immigrant proposals. We issue calls to the following elected leaders:

Oregon Legislature: Restore Oregon Driving Privileges to ALL Oregon residents

Bush Administration: Stop Workplace Raids and Deportations

New Administration: Provide leadership for just and humane immigration reform in the first 100 days of the new Presidency

Congress: Oppose Anti-immigrant Legislation like the SAVE Act and stop the militarization of U.S. borders

We call on ALL immigrant rights, social justice and labor rights advocates to join us in Salem this May Day (Thursday, May 1st, 2008) to continue building the alliance between the immigrants' rights movement, social justice movement, and the workers' rights movement.

The Rally will begin at 12 noon at the State Capitol (900 Court St. NE, Salem) with a March to follow around 1 pm. Contact: Aeryca Steinbauer at (503) 984-6816 for more information.

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