http://www.hardbeatnews.com

Florida Resident to March for Immigrant Rights


Hardbeatnews, Miami, Florida,Fri. Feb. 17, 2006
Immigrant right activists here are set to rally against what they term the 'anti immigrant Sensenbrenner bill,' tomorrow at a rally set for at Bayfront Park.

Florida Immigrant Coalition members, the organizers of the rally, say the stiff, anti-immigrant legislations being considered in Congress will directly impact the nearly 3 million immigrant residents of Florida and major industries including agriculture, tourism, construction, and trade.

The rally is set for 11a.m. and activist will stress support for the Secure America & Orderly Immigration Act. Next week, Senator John McCain, one of the co-authors of the act, will join activists for another rally for more humane policies at the Miami Dade College in downtown Miami from 6 p.m.

"This is not a campaign for immigrants. It is a movement for civil rights and defending common human values," say Ramon Saul Sanchez of Movimiento Democracia, stated.

While Winnie Cantave, director of Unite for Dignity, added, "Haitians, Latinos, and immigrants throughout Florida are united to ensure these reforms provide us with the dignity and respect we deserve."

FLIC is a statewide network of over 50 immigrant member organizations "that promote, through a unified voice, fair treatment and policies for Florida's immigrants."

The rally comes as the Senate considers the 'Sensenbrenner Bill,' which has already passed the House and if it becomes law, will make being an undocumented in the US a felony and make felons of citizens who associate with the undocumented.

President Bush, for his part, has reiterated that the economy is dependent on immigrant labor and that lawmakers should pass a temporary guest workers permit to workers who need it. But many immigrant activists say earned legalization is a better alternative, especially to help the millions living undocumented currently in the U.S., to adjust their status.