Thread: Immigrant activists call for all-night vigil

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... i-news-hed
Immigrant activists call for all-night vigil to protest deportations
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By Oscar Avila
Tribune staff reporter

July 27, 2006, 1:01 PM CDT

Immigrant advocates today mapped out their final plans to try to prevent the deportation of 26 illegal immigrants arrested in April in Chicago during a nationwide sweep at a company called IFCO Systems.

At a news conference in front of immigration court in the Loop, about 25 supporters said they would organize an all-night vigil on Sunday night that will end Monday morning, the day the first group of workers go before an immigration judge.

Supporters, which include ministers, elected officials, the Pilsen-based advocacy group Centro Sin Fronteras and a group called United Latino Family, said they are also working to organize a meeting between elected officials and the Department of Homeland Security in Chicago.

The groups also are calling for a moratorium on all deportations until Congress passes a bill that could legalize millions of illegal immigrants. The supporters say it doesn't make sense to raid workplaces and deport illegal immigrants when many of those arrested workers might be eligible for legalization.

"We want these workers to stay in the country legally," said Elvira Arellano, president of United Latino Family, which works with families potentially split by deportation. "They have every right since they have worked hard, paid taxes and contributed to this nation's economy."

But the U.S. government says enforcement of immigration laws, including raids at workplaces, is a key tactic in reducing the population of illegal immigrants. It is considered highly unlikely the U.S. would suspend deportations.

Flor Crisostomo, one of the IFCO workers facing deportation, called on supporters to attend a prayer service, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday in front of immigration court, 55 E. Monroe St.

"We know that our future is uncertain," she said. "But we have a great deal of faith in our people."

oavila@tribune.com
Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune

They have every right since they have worked hard, paid taxes and contributed to this nation's economy."

They're criminals by definition. They have a right to be deported.

Sounds like they won't go even if our laws are enforced....do we have to herd them up?

moosetracks,

Sounds like they won't go even if our laws are enforced....do we have to herd them up?

Have you read W's excellent article on 'How to Reverse Illegal Immigration in America."? There's a link on the Home page at the top.

Basically, make it so uncomfortable for them to be here, that the illegals self-deport. Start rounding them up and shipping them back to their country of origin. Start going after their employers, who are also breaking current law. Take away social services, etc.

Read W's article. It makes sense.