Semana de acción para la reforma migratoria – 12-15 de enero, 2010

EVERETT – 15 de ENERO – ¡MARCHA PARA JUSTICIA!

El 15 de enero, marche con OneAmerica para demostrar a los líderes electos como el labor de inmigrantes fortalece a la economía del estado de Washington y pedir que el Representante Rick Larsen apoye la Reforma Migratoria ahora!
· Nuestro labor fortalece a la economía del estado de Washington.
· ¡Llegue vestido en su ropa del trabajo y traer algo que representa tu trabajo! Flores, herramientas, etc. ¡Sea creativo!

MARCHA A LA OFICINA DE RICK LARSEN
Una marcha para simbolizar la fuerza del labor de los inmigrantes y contribuciones de inmigrantes a la economía del estado de Washington.
CUANDO: 15 de enero, 2010, 9:30 a.m.
DONDE: Clark Park, 2400 Lombard Ave., Everett, WA 98201
QUIEN: Trabajadores inmigrantes, grupos de fe, estudiantes, sindicatos, negocios y gente que apoya la reforma migratoria.
PARA PARTICIPAR: Contacte al 206.452.8422 & Kendra@weareoneamerica.org

Cambio Ahora. Unirse. Organizar. Actuar.

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Bellevue – 13 de enero, 2010

Pida encarecidamente al Rep. Reichert que Apoye una Reforma Migratoria

El 13 de enero, una delegación diversa de personas religiosas, de negocios, derechos civiles y de a comunidad visitaran las oficinas del Rep. Reichert para pedir encarecidamente su apoyo para una reforma migratoria amplia.

QUE ES LO QUE PUEDE HACER:
PETICION Y MENSAJE DE TEXTO
Firme un petición para decirle a su representante que apoye una reforma de immigración amplia.  Unase a nuestra red de mensajes de texto enviando la palabra “justicia” al 69866 y usted recibirá un mensaje el día de nuestra reunión pidiéndole que llame al Rep Reichert para darle el mensaje que apoye CIR!

LLAME AL REP. REICHERT
si usted vive en el Octavo Districto Congresional, llame a su oficina el 13 de enero para decirle porque la reforma de immigracion amplia es importante para usted.
Llame al (206) 275-3438 el 13 de enero, 2010, y hagale saber a Reichert que necesitamos una reforma que:

• Provea un camino justo para obtener una legalización que reconozca el trabajo fuerte de los inmigrantes y nuestra tradición como una nación de leyes;
• Promueva y respete la unidad de la familia que mantenga esposos juntos y niños con sus padres;
• Proteja oportunidades para la educación y el servicio a traves de una “DREAM ACT” ampliada;
• Proteja el derecho a un proceso legal justo para todos;
• Mejore nuestra seguridad nacional a travez de concentrar nuestras medidad de seguridad y policial en serius criminales, traficantes de drogas y terroristas;
• Promueva la integracion de los immigrantes.

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Tri-Cities – 14 de enero, 2010

Diga al Rep. Hastings es Tiempo de Appoyar la Reforma de Immigración

El 14 de enero, una delegación del Cuarto Distrito del estado visitará la oficina del Rep. Hastings para promover su apoyo para la reforma de inmigración amplia. Pase por su oficina en Tri-Cities (2715 St. Andrews Loop, Suite D, Pasco) y digale a sus empleados que el necesita apoyar la reforma de immigración! Traiga algo que simbolice su trabajo(como los productos que usted siembra, el vino que hace, o una manzana o un lápiz si usted es un maestro.  Por favor sea crativo!)

QUE ES LO QUE PUEDE HACER:
PETICION Y MENSAJE DE TEXTO
Firme un petición para decirle a su representante que apoye una reforma de immigración amplia.  Unase a nuestra red de mensajes de texto enviando la palabra “justicia” al 69866 y usted recibirá un mensaje el día de nuestra reunión pidiéndole que llame al Rep Hastingspara darle el mensaje que apoye CIR!

LLAME AL REP. HASTINGS
si usted vive en el Cuarto Districto Congresional, llame a su oficina el 14 de enero para decirle porque la reforma de immigracion amplia es importante para usted
Llame al (509) 543-9396 el 14 de enero, , y hagale saber que necesitamos una reforma que:

• Provea un camino justo para obtener una legalización que reconozca el trabajo fuerte de los inmigrantes y nuestra tradición como una nación de leyes;
• Promueva y respete la unidad de la familia que mantenga esposos juntos y niños con sus padres;
• Proteja oportunidades para la educación y el servicio a traves de una “DREAM ACT” ampliada;
• Proteja el derecho a un proceso legal justo para todos;
• Mejore nuestra seguridad nacional a travez de concentrar nuestras medidad de seguridad y policial en serius criminales, traficantes de drogas y terroristas;
• Promueva la integracion de los immigrantes.

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Spokane – 14 de enero, 2010

Digale a la Rep. McMorris-Rodgers es Tiempo de Appoyar la Reforma de Immigración

El 14 de enero, una delegación diversa de personas que viven en el Quinto Distrito visitaran a la Rep. McMorris-Rodgers para pedir encarecidamente su apoyo para una reforma migratoria amplia.

QUE ES LO QUE PUEDE HACER:

PETICION Y MENSAJE DE TEXTO
Firme un petición para decirle a su representante que apoye una reforma de immigración amplia.  Unase a nuestra red de mensajes de texto enviando la palabra “justicia” al 69866 y usted recibirá un mensaje el día de nuestra reunión pidiéndole que llame al Rep Reichert para darle el mensaje que apoye CIR!

LLAME AL REP. MCMORRIS-RODGERS
Si usted vive en el Quinto Districto -Spokane, llame a su oficina el 14 de enero para decirle porque la reforma de immigracion amplia es importante para usted.

Llame al 509-543-9396 el 14 de enero, y hagale saber a Reichert que necesitamos una reforma que:

• Provea un camino justo para obtener una legalización que reconozca el trabajo fuerte de los inmigrantes y nuestra tradición como una nación de leyes;
• Promueva y respete la unidad de la familia que mantenga esposos juntos y niños con sus padres;
• Proteja oportunidades para la educación y el servicio a traves de una “DREAM ACT” ampliada;
• Proteja el derecho a un proceso legal justo para todos;
• Mejore nuestra seguridad nacional a travez de concentrar nuestras medidad de seguridad y policial en serius criminales, traficantes de drogas y terroristas;
• Promueva la integracion de los immigrantes.

Week of Action for Comprehensive Immigration Reform – Jan. 12-15, 2010

Everett – Jan. 15, 2010 - March for Justice

On January 15, march with OneAmerica to show our  elected leaders how immigrant labor strengthens  Washington’s economy and ask Rep. Rick Larsen to support Comprehensive Immigration Reform Now!

•  Our labor strengthens Washington’s economy.
•  Come dressed in your work clothes and bring something
to represent your work! Flowers, tools, etc. Be creative

MARCH TO REP. LARSEN’S OFFICE
Join a march symbolizing the strength of immigrant labor and immigrants’
contributions to Washington’s economy.

WHEN: Jan 15, 2009, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Clark Park, 2400 Lombard Ave., Everett, WA 98201
WHO: Immigrant workers, faith groups, students, unions, businesses,
and supporters of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
TO PARTICIPATE: RSVP at 206.452.8422 & Kendra@weareoneamerica.org
The Time for Change is Now! Unite. Organize. Act.

Download Flyers – Help Spread the Word! DOWNLOAD

Bellevue – Jan. 13, 2010 – Urge Rep. Reichert to Support Immigration Reform -

On Jan. 13, a diverse delegation of faith, business, civil rights and community members will visit Rep. Reichert’s office to urge his support for comprehensive immigration reform.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

PETITION & TEXT
Sign a petition to tell your representative to support comprehensive immigration reform.  Join our text network by sending the word “justice” to 69866 and you’ll receive a message the day of our meeting asking you to call Rep Reichert and give him the message to support CIR!

CALL REP. REICHERT
If you are a constituent of the Eighth Congressional District, call his office on Jan. 13 to tell him why comprehensive immigration reform is important to you.

Call (206) 275-3438 on Jan. 13, 2010, and let Rep. Reichert know we need reform that:

• Provides a fair pathway to earned legalization that honors the hard work of immigrants and our tradition as a nation of laws;
• Promotes and respects family unity to keep spouses together and children with their parents;
• Protects opportunity for education and service through an expanded DREAM Act;
• Protects the due process right of all;
• Enhances our national security by focusing our enforcement and security measures on serious criminals, drug runners and terrorists;
• Promotes Immigrant integration.

Tri-Cities – Jan. 14, 2010 – Tell Rep. Hastings it’s Time to Support Immigration Reform

On Jan. 14, a delegation from the state’s Fourth District will visit the office of Rep. Hastings to encourage his support for comprehensive immigration reform.  Stop by his Tri-Cities office (2715 St. Andrews Loop, Suite D, Pasco) and tell his staff that he needs to support immigration reform! Bring something that symbolizes your work (like the produce you grow, the wine you create, or an apple or pencil if you are a teacher. Be creative!)

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

PETITION & TEXT
Sign a petition to tell your representative to support comprehensive immigration reform.  Join our text network by sending the word “justice” to 69866 and you’ll receive a message the day of our meeting asking you to call Rep Reichert and give him the message to support CIR!

CALL REP. HASTINGS
If you are constituent of the Fourth Congressional District, call his office on Jan. 14, to tell him why comprehensive immigration reform is important to you.

Call (509) 543-9396 on Jan. 14 and let him know we need reform that:

• Provides a fair pathway to earned legalization that honors the hard work of immigrants and our tradition as a nation of laws;
• Promotes and respects family unity to keep spouses together and children with their parents;
• Protects opportunity for education and service through an expanded DREAM Act;
• Protects the due process right of all;
• Enhances our national security by focusing our enforcement and security measures on serious criminals, drug runners and terrorists;
• Promotes Immigrant integration.

Spokane – Jan. 14, 2010 – Tell Rep. McMorris-Rodgers it’s Time to Support Immigration Reform

On Jan. 14, a diverse delegation of constituents of the Fifth District will visit Rep. McMorris-Rodgers to urge her support for comprehensive immigration reform. Help support their effort!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

PETITION & TEXT
Sign a petition to tell your representative to support comprehensive immigration reform.  Join our text network by sending the word “justice” to 69866 and you’ll receive a message the day of our meeting asking you to call Rep Reichert and give him the message to support CIR!

CALL REP. MCMORRIS-RODGERS

If you are constituent of the Fifth District – Spokane, call her office on Jan. 14 to tell her why comprehensive immigration reform is important to you.

Call 509-543-9396 on Jan. 14 and let her know that we need reform that:

• Provides a fair pathway to earned legalization that honors the hard work of immigrants and our tradition as a nation of laws;
• Promotes and respects family unity to keep spouses together and children with their parents;
• Protects opportunity for education and service through an expanded DREAM Act;
• Protects the due process right of all;
• Enhances our national security by focusing our enforcement and security measures on serious criminals, drug runners and terrorists;
• Promotes Immigrant integration.

Hundreds gather to celebrate bill, push for immigration reform

Community members speak out about why they believe change is needed now

Dec. 15, 2009
SEATTLE – Hundreds gathered at Seattle’s Victor Steinbrueck Park this morning for a rally and celebration to show support for today’s introduction of Rep. Luis Gutierrez’s comprehensive immigration reform bill. Replete with a Santa, elves, holiday music and Christmas trees, participants shared their wish for reform on holiday ornaments. Supporters young and old came to the rally from across Washington State, including Mt. Vernon and Cashmere, to support the legislation and urge family unity for the holidays.

Asked why they want immigration reform, people had a wide range of answers:  “I want families to be able to stay together and build the future of the Americas,” one participant wrote on his ornament. Elementary-school student Cesar Vargas told the crowd, “I am here to fight for my brothers since for nine years I haven’t seen them. I think that everybody – even though we are different cultures and different continents and different states – we are all here, today, in the United States, to fight for the people that we love.” Others said, “I want my family of three kids to be together with their dad. Please give us the gift of unity,” “Nine years without my brother and sister is inhumane,” and “Our current system does not work. I support immigration reform so that everyone will be afforded equal rights and opportunities.”

As the Seattle celebration kicked off, OneAmerica Executive Director Pramila Jayapal joined a packed room in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. for a news conference introducing the legislation. The new bill, titled “Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act” (CIR A.S.A.P.), has already received 82 co-sponsors and includes the following core components:

• Providing a fair pathway to earned legalization that honors the hard work of immigrants and our tradition as a nation of laws;
• Promoting and respecting family unity to keep spouses together and children with their parents;
• Protecting opportunity for education and service through an expanded DREAM Act;
• Protecting the due process right of all;
• Enhancing our national security by focusing our enforcement and security measures on serious criminals, drug runners and terrorists;
• Promoting Immigrant integration.

For a more complete summary of the bill, see the Immigration Policy Center’s summary of the bill. The festive Seattle rally ended with participants taking action to get the reform bill rolling by calling 1-866-974-8813 to tell the White House to keep its promise and act to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

REUNIR! Solo yo quiero para navidad es Reforma de Inmigracion!

El martes, 15 de diciembre-  en el medio de la temporada navideña – el representante Luis Gutiérrez introducirá la “Reforma Migratoria Amplia” (CIR por sus siglas en ingles)  en la casa de representantes . Finalmente, todo nuestro trabajo con su apoyo- ha ayudado ha generar una propuesta de ley  que intenta  arreglar nuestro sistema de inmigración roto. La legislación  intenta proteger   a los trabajadores  y mantener a sus familias unidas, así como  promover nuestra seguridad nacional mientras que se  asegura que mantenemos como verdaderos, nuestros valores como una nación de inmigrantes.

Para celebrar  este  logro, One America está invitado a Santa Claus y a sus duendes a unirse a una demostración publica in el Parque Victor Steinbrueck en el corazón del Pike Place Market. Venga y cuéntele a Santa por que la reforma migratoria es importante para usted y que es lo que usted quiere que esta propuesta de ley haga por usted, su familia y su comunidad. Niños y adultos podrán convertir  estas peticiones en adornos  navideños y colgarlos en nuestros arbolitos de Navidad , también podrá tomarse una foto con Santa.  Después podremos enviar estas fotos a los legisladores para que apoyen la propuesta de ley. Tendremos música  navideña, cascabeles , y chocolate caliente.

Esta demostración publica es una celebración no solo par la Reforma Migratoria Amplia  , pero también una celebración con el espíritu de generosidad, bondad , esperanza y paz que es reflejado en todas las religiones y creencias.  Líderes de varias iglesias y cultos  estarán en la demostración para recordarnos este espíritu durante esta agitada temporada navideña.

¡Venga abrigado y traiga su espíritu  navideño!

Cuando: Martes, 15 de diciembre  de 10:00 – 11:00 am

Donde: Parque Victor Steinbrueck , 2001 Western Avenue en el lado norte  del  Pike Place Market, http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=338

Preguntas? 206-723-2203

Rally: All I Want for Christmas is Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

On Tuesday, December 15 – in the height of the holiday season and just a few days before Christmas – Representative Luis Gutierrez will introduce the “Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009″ (CIR A.S.A.P.) in the House of Representatives. At long last, all of our work – with your support – has helped generate a bill that aims to fix our broken immigration system. The legislation intends to protect workers, keep families together, and promote our national security while ensuring that we stay true to our values as a nation of immigrants.

To celebrate this achievement, OneAmerica is inviting Santa Claus and his elves to join us for a rally in Victor Steinbrueck Park in the heart of Pike Place Market.

What: OneAmerica rally to celebrate introduction of immigration reform bill in Congress. Enjoy hot chocolate and create personalized holiday ornaments with your wish for immigration reform. Speakers will include Bethany United Church of Christ Pastor Angela Ying, plus kids, faith and community leaders.
When: 10 – 11:30 am, Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Where: Victor Steinbrueck Park, 2001 Western Avenue on the north end of Pike Place Market
Who: Community members, little elves, Santa and YOU!
Contact: Click here for more info or call 206-723-2203

Help bring more people to this event! Download our flyer and post in your community! DOWNLOAD

Come tell Santa why immigration reform is important to you and what you want this bill to do for you, your family, and your community. Children and adults alike can transform these requests into ornaments and hang them on our Christmas tree or get a photo with Santa. Then we can send these photos to your legislators for you and ask them to co-sponsor the bill. We’ll have holiday music, sleigh bells, and hot chocolate!

The rally is a celebration not only for CIR A.S.A.P., but a celebration of the spirit of generosity, kindness, hope, and peace that runs through our community and is reflected in all religious faiths. Leaders from different faiths will be at the rally to remind us of this spirit during a hectic holiday season.

For more information on the campaign, visit:

Reform Immigration for America

For more information, visit www.weareoneamerica.org or 206-723-2203.

Secretary Napolitano speaks of “clear need for immigration reform”

This morning, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano addressed the The Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., and highlighted the critical need for comprehensive immigration reform. She acknowledged that “the American people expect us to act” and pointed out that key Congressional members “are taking steps toward legislation that will create an immigration system that works.”

Below are excerpts of her address while the full text of her speech is available in both English and Spanish.

So even as we press to end this recession and get America back to work, we are determined to deal with long lingering problems that cloud our future. And another problem that has been punted from year to year, from Congress to Congress, from Administration to Administration, is the clear need for immigration reform.

We all know the story: A steady influx of undocumented workers, crossing our borders illegally in search of work and a better life. A market among employers willing to flout the law in order to hire cheap labor. And as a result, some 12 million people, here illegally, living in the shadows—a source of pain and conflict.

It is wrong. It’s an affront to every law-abiding citizen and every employer who plays by the rules.

Like the Administration’s other priorities, when it comes to immigration, we are addressing a status quo that is simply unacceptable. Everybody recognizes that our current system isn’t working and that our immigration laws need to change. America’s businesses, workers, and faith-based organizations are calling for reform. Law enforcement and government at every level are asking for reform. And at the Department of Homeland Security, we need reform to do our job of enforcing the law and keeping our country secure.

Over the past ten months, we’ve worked to improve immigration enforcement and border security within the current legal framework. But the more work we do, the more it becomes clear that the laws themselves need to be reformed.

Let me be clear: when I talk about “immigration reform,” I’m referring to what I call the “three-legged stool” that includes a commitment to serious and effective enforcement, improved legal flows for families and workers, and a firm but fair way to deal with those who are already here. That’s the way that this problem has to be solved, because we need all three aspects to build a successful system. This approach has at its heart the conviction that we must demand responsibility and accountability from everyone involved in the system: immigrants, employers and government. And that begins with fair, reliable enforcement.

Secretary Napolitano spoke about the importance of creating a legal mechanism for bringing undocumented immigrants out of the shadows:

…[I]n order to have fully effective law enforcement, we need Congress to create the legal foundation for bringing the millions of illegal immigrants in this country out of the shadows, require them to register and pay all taxes they owe, and enforce the penalties that they will have to pay as part of earning legal status. Let me emphasize this: we will never have fully effective law enforcement or national security as long as so many millions remain in the shadows.

Making sure these people become full taxpayers and pay their fair share will both benefit our economy and make it easier to enforce the laws against unscrupulous or exploitive employers. A tough and fair pathway to earned legal status will mandate that illegal immigrants meet a number of requirements—including registering, paying a fine, passing a criminal background check, fully paying all taxes and learning English.

These are substantial requirements that will make sure this population gets right with the law. It will help fix our broken system.

Napolitano recognized that any comprehensive approach must include a way to bring families together, echoing refrains from our local communities:

Community and faith leaders have also emphasized to me that we need reform because of how difficult the current laws can be on families, especially families of mixed legal status. Our immigration system is outdated where families are concerned, and we need to modernize and streamline the laws governing this process.

No one should have to wait in a line for years in order to reunite with a spouse or a young child. And we must protect the families of our men and women in the armed forces, some of whom volunteer to serve this country before they even become naturalized citizens. These individuals risk their lives to ensure the safety of all Americans. We have a duty to ensure that their families are treated with dignity when their soldiers return from combat.

OneAmerica honors veterans defending human rights, justice

OneAmerica honors veterans of the United States armed forces and their commitment to defending American values of human rights and equal justice. OneAmerica also recognizes the vital contributions immigrants have made to the armed services throughout U.S. history. Nationally, more than 70,000 immigrants (noncitizens and naturalized citizens) are serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces, according to the 2008 American Community Survey. In Washington State, immigrants make up about six percent of the total number of those serving in the armed forces.

Veterans from across Washington State are still facing barriers to citizenship while others who have become citizens face enormous immigration backlogs after years of trying to unite with their families. For example, Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry – a veteran of the Army National Guard living in Yakima with his wife, a U.S. citizen – is wheelchair-bound due to injuries suffered while on active duty prior to his deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Not only did the government recently deny him U.S. citizenship for failing to disclose 13-year-old misdemeanor charges from Australia, but has placed him in deportation proceedings. In a case illustrating the problems with family unification, Benito Valdez moved to Seattle in 1992 and was granted citizenship along with other Filipino World War II veterans in recognition of his military service. However, the 85-year-old veteran has been waiting ever since to bring his children to the U.S. due to a tremendous immigration backlog.

After his 24 years of service in the U.S. Navy, OneAmerica member Rick Covington did not stop fighting for a country where every person can work and live with dignity. In early 2009, his friend Elizabeth Ruiz – an undocumented immigrant from Oaxaca, Mexico – was unjustly   arrested and detained for two months in a Tacoma detention center. Along with other supportive community members, Covington helped start a petition in her support in Vancouver, Wash., organized a group of more than 100 people to raise funds for a lawyer, and testified at a hearing for Ruiz. At the hearing, Covington told the judge that “it would be an honor equal to my receiving the U.S. Navy’s meritorious service medal to be Elizabeth’s sponsor for naturalization as an American citizen.”

On Oct. 13, 2009, Covington spoke at a rally in Washington, D.C., along with members of Congress, in support of comprehensive immigration reform. The full text of his speech is now available here and video of his speech is here. Immigration reform – which President Obama and leaders in the House and Senate have indicated will be debated late this year or early next year – would affect all segments of the immigrant population, including those serving in the military and veterans.

OneAmerica condemns Ft. Hood attacks

OneAmerica is greatly saddened by and strongly condemns the attack on Fort Hood military base in Texas last week. No religious or political ideology could justify such indiscriminate violence. OneAmerica joins the Council on Islamic-American Relations in urging the nation to remain calm and unified as Americans nationwide react to the tragic events.

OneAmerica supports President Obama’s recognition during his weekly radio address on Saturday, November 7, that veterans “are Americans of every race, faith, and station. They are Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers. They are descendents of immigrants and immigrants themselves. They reflect the diversity that makes this America.”

Gen. George Casey also sounded the alarm against potential anti-Muslim hate. “I’ve asked our Army leaders to be on the lookout for that,” Gen. Casey told CNN on Sunday, saying “as great a tragedy as this was, it would be a shame if our diversity became a casualty as well.”

As the Spokane family of civilian victim Mike Cahill said on CBS this week, “You can’t blanket a whole group of people. There’s extremists in every religion, and there’s extremists all over the world.” Cahill’s daughter, Kerry, also said, “And I don’t think that we can blanket a whole group of people when this man obviously was ill, I think.”

Free Services Available at October 24 Washington New Americans Citizenship Day

Voting rights, safety and job opportunity are just a few of the benefits that citizenship brings. On October 24, Washington New Americans Citizenship Day will provide free services to legal permanent residents in Washington state who are seeking the American dream.

The Washington New Americans program is a partnership between the State of Washington and OneAmerica, a non-profit dedicated to advancing justice and equality. OneAmerica – along with the Washington Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – administers Citizenship Day, which will be held this Saturday in Bellingham, Centralia, Pasco and Port Angeles. This Citizenship Day marks the first of three offered in 12 Washington state cities. The next two Citizenship Days are scheduled for February and April 2010.

Citizenship Day offers workshops providing assistance to legal permanent state residents eligible for naturalization. The Washington New Americans Program promotes successful immigrant integration by connecting Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) to the information and services they need to successfully pursue citizenship and become active members of their communities. Last year’s workshops provided assistance to 751 individuals and 371 naturalization applications were completed. Individuals attending Citizenship Days came from 84 countries, representing the rich diversity of the United States.

Offered at four locations on October 24, 2009, Citizenship Day will be staffed by volunteer immigration attorneys, paralegals, interpreters and other community members. These teams will prepare naturalization applications at NO COST. Applicants will be able to consult with professionals and ensure that their documentation is complete.

Citizenship offers enormous benefits, including access to better jobs, safety and security, and the right to vote and be fully involved in our democracy. Each year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants, from all corners of the globe, become United States citizens.

Family Unity Ride

LOCAL IMMIGRANTS JOIN NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

Family Unity Ride supports new immigration reform principles to be released by Congressman Gutierrez

SEATTLE – A coalition of immigrant advocacy organizations is sending two busloads of immigrants and allies from Seattle to San Jose, California on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, to join a national campaign in support of immigration reform. Approximately 105 immigrants and allies from Washington, Idaho and Oregon will join the Family Unity Ride. The buses will travel from Seattle to Salem, Oregon, and then on to Santa Clara, California, drawing attention to unfair immigration enforcement that too often separates families. Many of those traveling have been directly affected by our nation’s broken immigration system.

The Family Unity Ride is part of a series of national actions taking place across the country to push for passage of comprehensive immigration reform and to protest increased enforcement efforts undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Riders will join other California immigrant rights, labor and faith organizations at a protest rally and march in Santa Clara, where Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will be speaking at a university event. Napolitano is both in charge of U.S. immigration enforcement as well as the Obama administration’s designated point person on immigration reform efforts.

“Family unity cannot wait,” said OneAmerica Executive Director Pramila Jayapal. “It is time to fix our broken immigration system – for our families, for our workers, for our businesses and for America. Our riders are going to make sure Secretary Napolitano hears that message.”

Coalition organizers will kick off Family Unity Ride with a press conference at OneAmerica’s office this Wednesday at 10:00 AM to announce details of the ride before sending off the buses. Coalition organizers include OneAmerica, CAUSA, Idaho Community Action Network, NWFCO, and Washington CAN.

Family Unity Ride follows the day after Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) and key allies in the House and Senate released a series of principles that outline a comprehensive immigration reform bill that Gutierrez plans to introduce later in this fall. The 840-mile West Coast bus ride and rally also follows a national rally with delegations from several states that was just held in Washington, D.C.