COMMON SENSE

IMMIGRATION REFORM 2013

To empower low-income immigrants and refugees in Santa Clara County through direct services, community organizing and policy advocacy.

We believe that all people, regardless of legal status or nationality, are entitled to essential services, human dignity, basic rights and protections, and access to full participation in society.

SIREN’s Core Strategies

Immigration Services Program

Organizing Policy Advocacy

- 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States

- Families are facing decade long waits and separation

- Record Number of detentions and deportations

- ICE enforcement tactics are violating constitutional rights and are increasingly relying on local law enforcement agencies

- Restrictive laws are reinforcing a climate of fear, scapegoating, racism and discrimination against immigrants

Election Results:•Immigrant Voters turned out in great numbers

•A new poll finds that 62 percent of those surveyed support immigration reform

•more Republicans — 49 percent — support a path to citizenship than oppose it — 45 percent.

•74 percent of Democrats support it

•Independents support it by 61 percent

New Developments on Immigration

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) – June 15,2012

• 601 Waiver – January 2, 2013

As of today there is a "Gang of 8" Senators working on immigration reform

• Including Democrat Senators Schumer, Durbin, Bennet, Menendez, and Republican Senators McCain, Graham, Marco Rubio and Senator-elect Jeff Flake of Arizona.

•Senate bill is expected to be introduced next week-Mid April!

President Obama on January 2013, gave a speech in Las Vegas urging Congress to take action or he will introduce his own bill.

Senators have expressed that they are very close to finalizing bill which includes:

A program to bring tens of thousands of low-skilled workers into the country as part of a guest worker system. 

A pathway to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants

A 10-year wait for a green card, and a total 13-year wait to apply for citizenship. 

Strengthened border security, likely tied to the pathway to citizenship. 

Requiring employers to use E-Verify to check immigration status of workers. 

Overhauling the legal immigration system, authorizing more visas for high-skilled workers. 

April 10th-National Day of Action Mid-April- Senate bill is introduced May 1st National Marches May-June-Hearing and Amendments to Bill(Large scale advocacy and organizing events) Maybe June-House introduces bill July-August-Hearing and Amendments to Bill(Large scale advocacy and organizing events)

CA can pull the largest number of votes in support of CIR!!!

11 new democrats Republicans lost 7 of 18 members of

Congress who oppose the Dream Act (inlcuding Elton Gallegly)

38 potential votes +2 senators= 40 potential votes

Call your Congressperson Sign a postcard Share a story with the media Presenting on how to get prepared for

CIR Beware of notario fraud AND…. Participate in local efforts!

Contact SIRENZelica Rodriguez-Deams(408) 453-3003 ext. 103