Standing Up For Fairness In Immigrant Rights
Many member activists and staff from the ACLU of Southern California were among the nearly 1 million people marching through downtown Los Angeles on March 25 in support of immigrant rights.
The event drew crowd estimates ranging from 500,000 to 1 million, a peaceful yet enthusiastic gathering that stretched nearly 30 blocks – a clarion call against attempts to impose draconian criminal penalties against undocumented immigrants and those who provide assistance to them.
“The solidarity was overwhelming as we approached the demonstration, driving past thousands of people wearing white shirts, a symbol of peace and strength,” said Carolyn Love, a board member for the ACLU/SC Orange County chapter. “American flags were abundant. Marchers proudly waved them, wore them on their hats, and draped them around their shoulders. Flags from other countries, such as Mexico and El Salvador, were flying as well, sending the message to Washington that the United States is a country built by a viable immigrant population that is the foundation of its prosperity.”
The next day, more than 5,000 people rallied in front of the Federal Building downtown as part of an event sponsored the United Farm Workers Union and co-sponsored by the ACLU/SC and other organizations. It included a mass celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels honoring the legacy of Cesar Chavez and the struggle to secure justice and dignity for all workers.
“It was very powerful and inspiring to see so many people of all ethnicities and ages, including my high school age brother and 2-month-old niece, in support of immigrant rights,” said Elvia Meza, a public policy associate at ACLU/SC. “This is one of the important civil rights battles of our time.”
The ACLU/SC has taken a strong stance against the innocuously titled “Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006.” Sponsored by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), the bill would overturn critical judicial decisions protecting immigrants while violating their fundamental civil liberties. It would expand the government practice of indefinite detention of immigrants who cannot be repatriated, eliminate many opportunities for immigrants to have a fair hearing in a court of law, and prevent some from challenging wrongful convictions.
In late March, the Senate Judiciary Committee curbed that dangerous bill by approving legislation clearing the way for undocumented immigrants to seek citizenship, and kicking back some of the proposed criminal penalties without compromising security. The committee approved a new, temporary program that would allow agriculture workers a way to earn legal status. Importantly, it shields humanitarian organizations from prosecution should they provide assistance to undocumented immigrants.
For more information, and to Take Action on this critical issue, visit the ACLU/SC alert here: http://www.aclu-sc.org/Action/
