FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 28, 2006

A Call to Action

Dear Friend:

Like many of you, I am alarmed and deeply troubled by the immigration legislation currently under consideration by the U.S. Congress. Many of the provisions would criminalize millions of undocumented immigrants, workers, and children, including members of our LGBT family.

I urge you to join me in standing up for immigration policies that focus on realistic and positive steps toward legalization and citizenship. Action is needed.

Please join the mobilizations happening in cities across the country on May 1st; march, attend a forum/discussion and contact your Senator.

NCLR offices will be closed on Monday, May 1st in solidarity with those who are targeted by this legislation.

Sincerely,
Kate Kendell, Executive Director

IMAGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO...
drive a car...apply for a job...open a bank account...cash a check...receive health insurance...get a library card...enter a city building

This is the reality for millions of hard-working people who find themselves in these difficult and unfair situations simply because of their undocumented status. They are your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and people who provide needed labor relied upon by U.S. industries.

In the coming weeks, the Senate will debate proposed immigration legislation which would affect an estimated 12 million undocumented individuals, of which an estimated 1.6 million are children, as well as the millions of U.S. citizens and residents who are a part of their lives. This proposed legislation contains harmful provisions that must not pass.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
Take action and speak up

Participate in Community Actions
Join students, community, labor, and faith-based organizations demonstrating on Monday, May 1st to recognize the profound positive impact immigrants have on the U.S. economy.

March with NCLR
If you are in San Francisco or the Bay Area, join the NCLR contingent at noon in front of Diva International located at One Market Street near Justin Herman Plaza. If you are coming on BART, get off at Embarcadero and exit Drumm St./Spear St./Main St. and walk toward the plaza to One Market Street.

Joining NCLR will be OUT 4 Immigration, Ellas en Accion, Transgender Law Center, The San Francisco LGBT Community Center and The Center's Latino Forum.

Contact Your Senators
Contact your Senators and urge them to support truly comprehensive immigration reform - reform that would focus not on punishment and enforcement but on realistic and positive steps toward legalization and citizenship. Click here to send a quick email to your Senators.