Saturday May 19, 2007

In this Washington CAN! e-newsletter, you will find:

1. Family Values & Real Immigration Reform (Take Action)
2. 2007 Summer Leadership Conference (Register Today)

1) Family Values & Real Immigration Reform

The deal reached on Thursday in the Senate ignores our American values of putting families first. It transforms the family based immigration system into a "“Rich man’s immigration system” that would limit future immigration to wealthy people and those with college degrees.  It's time to remind the Senate that family values are American values, and that all citizens will be affected by limiting their chances to be reunitied with their loved ones.

Based in the information given so far, the following are the main points we find unnaceptable:

• Family Immigration - Future and current permanent residents and citizens won’t be able to petition for parents, siblings or adult children outside the country. Denies American citizens the right to be reunited with their families and cuts off petitions filed after May of 2005. This means the end of the family-based immigration system created in 1965 that opened the doors to working class, low-income, and people of color. It creates an elitist immigration system that favors wealthy, privileged workers.

• Guest Worker Program - The proposal includes no meaningful path for guest workers to become lawful permanent residents. Creates a permanent underclass of workers with limited worker protections. Advocates fear a repeat of the Bracero experience.

• Point System - The proposal bases future immigration flows on a point system where high skill, income, and education levels determine eligibility for immigration. Opponents stress that the point system does not meet the needs of the economy and separates families.

• Legalization - The "Z visa plan" would provide probationary legal status for undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S. with eventual eligibility for legal permanent residency for qualifying applicants. They would wait between eight to thirteen years, pay fines of up to $5000 per person, have to fulfill a “touch back” requirement, provide proof of work history and getting a biometric identification card.

• Triggers - The system will not take effect until the enforcement piece is implemented, which means security of the borders, new detention centers, more immigration agents.

America’s family-based immigration system reflects American values – it honors family ties, which promote integration, entrepreneurial ambition and love for this adopted home. Recognizes current and future Citizens' and Legal Permanent Residents' right to family  reunification. We stand for a straightforward path to citizenship for undocumented and temporary workers, worker rights, civil liberties, and family reunification for all.

Take Action!

1. Keep calling. Our Senators need to hear from you.
2. Participate on Tuesday, May 22nd in a 24 Hour Fast & Solidarity Vigil at Seattle's Federal Building. 

NATIONAL

CALL-IN DAYS

 Fri, May 18 – Fri,  May 25

Call and urge Senators Murray & Cantwell to support
Real Comprehensive Immigration Reform!  
Support family unity for all and protect workers!

1-800-417-7666

Message: “Act now in favor of Real Comprehensive Immigration Reform! Keep the families visas system that benefits current Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents and provide a path to citizenship for all immigrants! ”

Comprehensive Immigration Reform is the solution to fixing our broken immigration system, and now is the time to act.  Families, workers, and communities across the country are counting on Congress to get it done, get it right, and do it now.  You can help make it happen with your call – join the effort!


Come and joing us at Seattle's Federal Building in urging Senators Murray & Cantwell to support Real Comprehensive Immigration Reform and support family unity for all and protect workers!

Tuesday May 22nd
24hrs Fast & Solidarity Vigil at
Seattle's Federal Building

The Fast will kick off at Noon at 915 Second Avenue Seattle, WA with a press conference and the Solidarity Vigil will be at 7PM. Even if you cannot join us for the Fast please join in the Solidarity Vigil with those who are fasting. 

We are asking for donations of sleeping bags, tents, blankets for those that will fast. Donations can be drop off at our offices -3530 Bagley Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 - 206-389-0050 -

2) 2007 Summer Leadership Conference

Join community leaders from Washington, Idaho, Oregon & Montana at our 2007 Summer Leadership Conference.  

August 3-5, 2007

Seattle University

Register Today!  Registration deadline is Monday, June 11th.  Registration is FREE, so visit http://action.washingtoncan.org or call 206-389-0050 x109 to register today.

• Learn how you can make a difference in your community!
• Attend inspiring issue workshops on Health Care for All, Immigrant Rights & Police Accountability!
• Receive dynamic training on community organizing skills!
• Participate in a March & Rally for Health Care Justice!
• Youth are encouraged to participate in a dedicated youth organizing track!

Register Today! Registration deadline is Monday, June 11th.  Visit http://action.washingtoncan.org or call 206-389-0050 x109 to register today.

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With over 30,000 members across the state, Washington CAN! is the state’s largest grassroots community organization. Washington CAN! fights for progressive social change at the local, state, and national levels, with a focus on issues that most directly affect the lives of Washington residents. Our mission is to achieve economic fairness in order to establish a democratic society characterized by racial and social justice, with respect for diversity, and a decent quality of life for those who reside in Washington State. www.WashingtonCAN.org

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