Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition
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PRESS RELEASE: We Need Immigration Policy Not Politics

Source: MIRA
Author: MIRA
Date: August 23, 2006
8/23/2006 8:26 am - Concord, NH – Representatives of local, regional, and national organizations gathered today at the New Hampshire State House (11:00 AM) to call for immigration reform not immigration politics.
PRESS RELEASE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    

 

August 23, 2006

 

 

Contact:

 

Ali Noorani, MA Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

 

(617) 835-1402

 

Arnie Alpert, American Friends Service Committee

 

(603) 224-2407

 

Eva Castillo, NH Immigrant Rights Task Force

 

(603) 661-2873

 

Chris Collier, NH Citizens Alliance

 

(603) 225-2097 x16

 

 

We Need Immigration Policy Not Politics

 

 

Concord, NH – Representatives of local, regional, and national organizations gathered today at the New Hampshire State House (11:00 AM) to call for immigration reform not immigration politics. 

 

 

On the eve of a  U.S. House Judiciary Committee Hearing (Thursday, August 24, 2006, 10:00 AM) representatives of the faith, immigrant, business and labor communities described a need for urgent, substantive, rational immigration reform that reunites families, protects all workers and allows all immigrants to achieve citizenship.  Participants also announced a rally outside the State House prior to tomorrow’s hearing (start time 9:15 AM).

 

 

“Tomorrow’s hearing will feature dubious testimony for enforcement-only legislation,” said Lillye Ramos-Spooner, a member of the Board of NH Citizens Alliance.  “It will not represent the voice of New Hampshire residents on this important issue.  New Hampshire people - whether newer to this country or longtime residents, conservative or liberal - have a long history of supporting each other's civil and human rights."  

 

 

John Young, Co-Chair of the National Co-Chair Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform and owner of Mapadot Orchard in New Boston said, “I believe a three pronged comprehensive approach is necessary in any immigration legislation: reformed guest worker programs, legalization of the undocumented, and an effective border control. I am hopeful that House Members will return to Washington to work with the Senate to pass comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform.  The time for action is now; we can't wait for another session of Congress.”

 

 

“Congress should be working hard to pass immigration reform that allows all undocumented immigrants the opportunity to become citizens, protects all workers’ rights, and makes our nation safer,” said Ali Noorani, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition.  “Instead, the House Judiciary Committee is playing politics with all of our lives and wasting precious time and money with these unnecessary hearings.”

 

 

On Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 9:15 AM, immigrants and citizens will gather outside the Judiciary Committee Hearing at the New Hampshire State House to rally for comprehensive immigration reform.  Congressman Martin Meehan (D-MA) will join local and national leaders at this event. 

 

 

These events are sponsored by (list developing): NH Citizens Alliance, Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform, Greater Manchester Aids Project, NH Immigrants Rights Task Force, Sisters of Mercy, NH Coalition on Occupational Safety and Health, Arab American Forum, MA Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, American Immigration Lawyers Association, American Friends Service Committee, NH AFL-CIO, SEIU, NH Council of Churches, Child Health Services, Vote Now NH Hispanics, Vision Hispana, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35, Manchester YWCA, Latin American Center and People for the American Way.

 

 

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MIRA works to advocate for the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees. In partnership with its members, MIRA advances this mission through education, training, leadership development, organizing, policy analysis and advocacy.

 

 

 
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