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Actions / Alerts COMMUNITY ALERT ! Posted on May 14, 2006
SAN ALERTS COMMUNITY TO New Immigration Bills will result in increased Deportation, Not Legalization South Asian Network believes that the U.S. government’s proposed “legalization” program is a sham. Very few people will qualify under it and many community members will be penalized and criminalized by it. It is possible that because the two sections of Congress are so divided and because this issue is so controversial, no new immigration law will pass at this time. In many ways, SAN believes that no passage of the current proposals is the best thing that could happen. Here’s why. IS A NEW IMMIGRATION LAW GOING TO BE PASSED? With immigration so much in the news lately, and all the discussion about new immigration laws, rumors have been running rampant in our communities that legalization or amnesty is sure to come. Some people, even in our home countries, have started gathering their evidence, and the usual corrupt lawyers and “experts” are urging community members to come forward and begin “the process”…for a fee, of course. It is understandable that our communities’ desperate need for immigration papers would lead us to believe that a solution is right around the corner. But nothing could be further from the truth. There are actually several different proposals still being debated in both sections of the U.S. Congress. At this point, only the House of Representatives has passed its immigration proposal, known as the Sensenbrenner Bill or HR 4437. It is an extremist bill that, among many other things, would make it a crime to just be in the U.S. without immigration status or to assist anyone who is undocumented. This proposal is opposed to any type of legalization or amnesty. Millions of people have protested in the streets of Los Angeles and other cities against this proposal. The Senate is still discussing its proposal. There is only one proposal in the Senate for a so-called “legalization” program. Remember that proposals or bills do not become law until the two sections of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, agree to it and the President signs it. This may not happen for several months, and it is important that our community’s voices be heard during this process. WILL I BE ABLE TO LEGALIZE? As it stands now, the Senate’s “legalization” proposal divides undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. into three different classifications, based on how long you have lived in the U.S.:
HOW WILL THESE REQUIREMENTS AFFECT MY COMMUNITY? Some of these legalization requirements would particularly impact South Asians. For example, in certain cases, if you entered the U.S. legally, such as with a student, tourist or business visa, but are now out of status, you may NOT be able to legalize. Another reason why you might not qualify for this “legalization” program is if you failed to “comply with any request for information…”. It is possible that this could include anyone who failed to respond to Special Registration notices or orders. And one of the most harmful provisions says that if you have committed “fraud”, you would be ineligible to legalize. This means that if you have ever worked in the U.S. with false documents, used a fake social security number, or lied about your status in order to get a job, you will NOT be able to legalize. Many of us have done this because we need to work in order to survive and support our families. In addition to this harsh measure U.S. citizens with certain criminal convictions would not be able to petition for family members. As the debates and negotiations in the Senate continue, we can expect this “legalization” program to become even more limited, and for even less people to qualify for legalization. WILL I BE DEPORTED UNDER A NEW LAW? All of the proposals include harsh enforcement provisions that in one way or another, would impact everyone. For example, these bills say that:
Thousands of our community members have already been targeted and deported under current enforcement measures. These proposals would increase the targeting, racial profiling, and harassment of our communities and ultimately result in more families being torn apart. WHAT SHOULD I DO? The current Senate compromise is probably the best this Congress can do at this time. The question is: is this good enough? Are immigrants and their families willing to accept this so called “legalization” with all its hidden traps? Are we willing to live with the enforcement provisions that come with it? If this immigration law passes this year, will the millions of immigrants here now who will no doubt not make it down this “path to citizenship” have to wait another twenty years for a chance at justice? Millions of immigrants, their families, neighbors and co-workers have marched and rallied in cities across the U.S. You are making incredible sacrifices to raise your voices for yourselves and future generations, in the face of retaliation and disciplinary actions from employers and schools. We call for the South Asian community to raise our opposition to these bills. We call upon Congress and the Administration to stop masking these proposals as immigration reform, and to listen to the voices of immigrant communities demanding genuine immigration reforms: real legalization, equal inclusion in our society, justice, and respect for human rights. Available for download:
Analysis of the Current Senate Compromise Bills For further information please call SAN at 562-403-0488 FBI Launches “October Plan”Targeting Particular Communities The FBI and Department of Homeland Security recently launched an “aggressive-even obvious-surveillance” plan for massive interrogations, surveillance and possible detentions. The plan is aimed at interrogating persons of “interest”, including their family members who may also be questioned. IMPORTANT: If approached by government agents you may choose the following:
REMEMBER: Citizens and non-citizens have certain constitutional rights. Please be polite and assert your right. You have the right to: § Remain silent § Speak to a lawyer before answering questions If you have recently been contacted/visited by the FBI, IMMIGRATION, or other LAW ENFORCEMENT agencies, please contact SAN immediately.
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