Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Immigration update

Immigration issues are still on the forefront of politics and news, some updates below:

Democratic Representative Kirsten Gillibrand, who will be taking Senator Hillary Clinton's seat, has come under fire for her restrictive stance on immigration issues. Gillibrand, who was appointed by Gov Paterson, has consistently opposed former Governor Spitzer's proposal to allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses. She has also supported English-only initiatives and opposed any amnesty measures for undocumented immigrants. She also opposes many gun control measures. Her appointment was viewed by many as a slap in the face to immigrant New Yorkers, and many Democrats have expressed disappointment and upset over her appointment, even threatening to run against her next year. Full NYT article here

One week ago, Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) organized over a thousand immigrant rights supporters to march and rally in Washington, DC on Obama’s first day in office. Marchers gathered at L’Enfant Plaza and proceeded to ICE headquarters where faith leaders from across the country called for an end to raids that are destroying immigrant communities and fComment Moderationor “just and humane immigration reform.”

Members of the Restaurant Opportunities Center New York accompanied by Judson Memorial’s Jeff Mansfield, traveled to DC for the march. For a film clip of the rally look here

For more information, please visit these organizations:
FIRM: www.anewdayforimmigration.org
ROC-NY: www.rocny.org

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