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NAHR Immigration Summit: Washington, D.C. Jan 20 & 21, 2007
Written by Daniel Maldonado
Monday, 08 January 2007
Saludos!

The National Alliance for Human Rights (NAHR), in conjunction with numerous other organizations, will be holding a two-day summit on January 20 and 21, 2007 in Washington, D.C. that is designed to advance comprehensive immigration policy. In addition, on January 22, Summit participants will be encouraged to garner support for the defined proposal by lobbying legislators on Capitol Hill. Wrapping-up the Summit activities that afternoon, will be a reception to welcome the elected officials representing all Mexico’s political parties, and headed by newly elected PRD Congressman Jose Pepe Jacques Medina. Late last year, both Mexico’s Houses voted unanimously on a Resolution asking the United States Government to honor the request of Elvira Arrellano to stay in this country with her United States born son. There has never been a more compelling time in the history of this country for the development and passing of ethical immigration law.

Throughout 2006, hundreds of thousands of Latina/os turned out onto the streets of this nation to protest inhumane legislation such as H.R.4437, which was being proposed in the name of justice; yet nothing could have been further from the truth. This type of Xenophobic, bigoted legislation would not only be devastating to the immigrant population but to the United States as well. By the year’s end, in a moment of desperation to obtain immigration reform, there were those who even contemplated supporting the Kennedy/McCain bill and/or the Hagel/Martinez amendment; however, in fact, neither provided what could be considered as moral laws. During 2007, we who are committed to protecting the rights of the more than 12 million seeking to stay in this country without persecution and also for those who will continue to come here due to the strife in their country’s of origin, can help mold righteous immigration law.

The January 20 to 21 Summit on Developing Humane Immigration Law should be viewed as the first step of many that will be needed if we hope to replicate the mass demonstrations for action that were carried out in 2006. We must, however, not depend solely on street protests, but expand our efforts to include the drafting and lobbying of laws that we know to be honorable. For the last four months NAHR, under the direction of its National Coordinator Armando Navarro, has been moving aggressively to pin-point the ideal time for this kick-off. This conference could not be happening at a more propitious time.

In Washington, there is new control of both houses; meaning, Democrats are now the majority and therefore can swing which way immigration law will go. Moreover, throughout the country there are protests both in the courts as well as in communities working to redefine immigration policy. For example Elvia Arrellano’s movement in Illinois to ensure that she, like so many other parents who happen to be undocumented are not deported, leaving behind their children who are citizens of this country. There is also the movement in FloridaU.S. born children are deprived of their civil rights when their parents are deported to their home countries. Lastly, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has a new chair, Representative Joe Baca, who has stated publicly that he will work to have enacted fair and just immigration law. where in the courts attorney Alfonso Oviedo has filed a class action suit, arguing that

It is imperative that you make every effort to answer this URGENT CALL. We will need everyone’s participation if we hope to develop a comprehensive immigration platform. Regarding logistics, there is still time to secure low-airfares, using Expedia.com. We are in the process of confirming several hotels that can accommodate such a large group and for the least cost, considering that most of us will be traveling on tight budgets. I will continue sending you emails detailing the agenda as well as on travel, such as and lodging and public transportation information.

Muchsimas Gracias.
Maria Anna Gonzales, NAHR Project Coordinator