Thread: Rallying immigrant advocates are feeling 'a sense of urgency

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/121516

Published: 03.24.2006

Rallying immigrant advocates are feeling 'a sense of urgency'
By Brady McCombs
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Immigrant advocates across the country want to make sure nobody misses their message: Don't criminalize illegal entrants.

Groups have ramped up efforts this month by organizing large street rallies, holding press conferences and meeting with state and federal lawmakers.

"There is definitely a sense of urgency," said Geoffrey Boyce, spokesman for No More Deaths. "People are feeling like if our voices are going to be heard, now is the time."

On Thursday, Derechos Humanos and the Unidos en Arizona Coalition organized a press conference at El Tiradito Shrine in Downtown Tucson with three out-of-state legislators who spoke out against proposed immigration legislation.

Today, a host of groups including Border Action Network and No More Deaths are organizing a late-morning rally in Tucson where they expect hundreds to attend. In Phoenix, organizers are expecting thousands at the rally there. Previous rallies held this month in Chicago; Washington, D.C.; and Trenton, N.J., have drawn thousands.

A week ago, the Coalition to Bring Down the Walls sent a delegation to Washington to meet with federal lawmakers about their concerns.

"I think the biggest advantage is that people are waking up and realizing that if they don't speak up now it will be too late," said Felix Ortiz, a Democratic assemblyman from New York and president of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislatures.

Ortiz was one of three members of the caucus who came to Tucson this week to see the border and show their support for today's rally. Ryan Guillen, a Texas Democrat, and Minnie Gonzalez, a Connecticut Demo-crat, traveled into Mexico south of Sasabe Thursday to see a staging ground for illegal entrants preparing to enter the United States.

They told about 20 people Thursday that they must stand up against anti-immigrant legislation and demand legislation that respects the dignity and civil rights of illegal entrants. Guillen believes politicians will listen because of the power of the collective voice.

"I think they've woken a sleeping giant, and that's the reason this movement has started," Guillen said.

Jennifer Allen, director of the Border Action Network, said organizers are trying to make sure the rallies take place while the Senate Judiciary Committee is still considering legislation. Today's rally is scheduled to take place near the Tucson offices of Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.

The source of the ire from the immigrant advocacy groups is directed at the Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act, sponsored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., passed by the House Dec. 16 by a vote of 239-182.

The proposal would create 700 miles of fence on along the border, make living in the country illegally a felony and increase penalties for employers who hire illegal workers.
Immigration reform rally

When: Today at 11 a.m.

Where: 7315 N. Oracle (northwest corner of Ina/Oracle)

What: Protesters want lawmakers to hear their displeasure over proposals like House Bill 4437 that they believe would unfairly criminalize illegal entrants and consider bills that would allow those already here illegally the opportunity to attain permanent residency.

● Contact Brady McCombs at 573-4213 or bmccombs@azstarnet.com.


Immigration reform rally
When: Today at 11 a.m.
Where: 7315 N. Oracle (northwest corner of Ina/Oracle)
What: Protesters want lawmakers to hear their displeasure over proposals like House Bill 4437 that they believe would unfairly criminalize illegal entrants and consider bills that would allow those already here illegally the opportunity to attain permanent residency.

Guillen believes politicians will listen because of the power of the collective voice.

"I think they've woken a sleeping giant, and that's the reason this movement has started," Guillen said.

And any politician who DOES listen to illegals over the citizen, is going to lose HIS/HER JOB in November. If they keep dragging it out so the vote takes place AFTER elections, we'll have to go by their FORMER vote record. Sorry, pro-illegal politicians, that trick isn't going to work in your favor!

THE ONLY "SLEEPING GIANT" they woke up was the Mexican Government, which has paid to have this hand in OUR elections. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE.

WE SHOULD BE CONCENTRATING ON MAKING SURE THE GOP KNOWS WE DONT ACCEPT THEIR METHOD OF REGISTERING VOTERS OVER THE INTERNET.

WE NEED TO BE CALLING ICE AND COMPLAINING LOUDLY ABOUT THIS. I BET YOU'LL NEVER HEAR THE OPPOSITION CALL FOR THEIR FOLLOWERS TO CALL ICE!