Thread: News Flash:March Across NC For Immigrant Rights in April

http://news.mync.com/site/news/story/30 ... de-policy/

Suppose to begin April 5th and cover 100 miles

Activists To March Across NC For Immigrant Rights, Trade Policy
By Witness For Peace, Press Release, 2 days, 10 hours ago
RALEIGH, N.C. -
Beginning April 5, activists from across North Carolina will march 100 miles to advocate for immigrants' and workers' rights, and for a fair trade policy.

"We hope to raise awareness about the injustices that migrants face after crossing the border," said Witness for Peace Southeast Regional Coordinator Gail Phares, who is organizing the event as part of the Carolina Interfaith Task Force on Central America. "In the past few months, North Carolina has seen a rise in immigration raids and anti-immigrant ordinances, and we hope to put an end to the fear and uncertainty that many people feel toward migrants who are coming to the U.S. to escape extreme poverty.

"It is urgent that we develop a just immigration policy at the state and national levels that will allow people to migrate in a legal and safe manner," said Phares.

The marchers, who represent more than 33 organizations and churches, will travel through nine North Carolina cities. At each stop, participants will meet with various leaders and devote attention to issues that are the backbone of the U.S., such as liberty and humane immigration laws.

Highlights of the trip include visits with striking workers in Moncure and to a prison in Graham where immigrants are held. The group will also hold a press conference in Burlington about Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows law enforcement officers to arrest undocumented workers.
Phares and a group of 20 North Carolina leaders recently returned from a ten-day trip to Mexico, where they met with the U.S. Embassy, Mexican leaders and residents to learn why people migrate. This is the 23rd Annual Pilgrimage for Justice and Peace.

Each city the march visits will have specific events addressing various immigration issues related to the area. One crucial aim of the march is to raise awareness of 287 (g), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's program that gives local law agencies access to databases so officers can identify illegal immigrants they have arrested.

The march coincides with Holy Week allowing more than 200 persons of faith and conscious to demonstrate for peace and social justice.

Witness for Peace is a 26-year-old organization that seeks to change American policy in Central America and the Caribbean regarding migration, trade, human rights violations, labor rights, and debt and structural adjustment programs. With North Carolina becoming a hotbed of anti-immigrant sentiment in recent years, Witness for Peace has worked all over the state to highlight issues of trade and immigration. More information on the organization and its many projects can be found at www.WitnessforPeace.org.