Raising Awareness

In an effort to raise communal awareness, Border Action Network, a local organization dedicated to protecting human and civil rights along the Arizona/Mexico border, is planning a trip to Washington, D.C., to present their ideas, demands, proposals, and also concerns to members of Congress.

According to Border Action Network's website, hundreds of immigrants from border region, along with several interior communities will meet in Washington. One of the primary concerns is the immediacy to establish a legalized program with access to permanent residency for immigrant workers and families already in the United States. They also want Congress to strongly consider implementing a new program that allows immigrant workers to come to the U.S. legally, and without violence.

In order for massive immigration reform, we need to fully develop programs that allow immigrants to participate in the social and political life of the U.S. It is important that immigrants feel welcome, and is it the responsibility of Congress to ensure they remain fearless when crossing the border.

Another issue is to protect the labor rights of immigrant workers. Many illegal immigrants are able to find work, but because they are not considered legal workers, their labor rights are frequently stripped from them. They have no other source of income, and therefore money remains the objective, no matter the harsh or violent treatment.

Border Action Network would generally like to see an entire revision of current border policies. According to Border Action Network, the policies should be designed to protect the rights of immigrants, and not strictly for enforcement purposes.

In an effort to raise money for the Washington D.C. trip, Border Action Network members are currently working diligently by organizing car washes, selling local concert tickets, and taking orders for home-made tamales. Let's hope they can raise enough money, and take their localized opinions to Congress.

*Border Action Network: http://www.borderaction.org/index.php

*Pictures taken from: http://www.sxc.hu/home