During the past two months, the Comité Latino has continued to mobilize the community and organize pressure on the elected officials in Congress for a fair and humane immigration reform.
On February 22, they delivered copies of the 5.400 signatures on their petition for legalization now to the offices of California’s two Senators—Barbara Boxer and
Diane Feinstein. Copies were also mailed to President Obama, to the heads of the Democratic and Republican Parties, the Speaker of the House and the Senate majority leader. They are waiting for an appointment with Congressman Raul Ruiz of the Coachella Valley to deliver the petitions to him.
Along with the petitions they delivered a letter containing these questions for each politician to answer: 1) What will you do to stop the deportations that are destroying many families? 2) What will you do to oppose the economic policies, which have caused many people from Mexico and Central America to leave their countries and come to the U.S. to look for work?
On March 5, the Comité organized a community meeting in Coachella which was attended by over 100 people, at which they explained the various proposals before Congress and warned the people not to be tricked by anyone asking for money to fix their papers.
On March 16, the Comité took a delegation of 20 people to the Immigration Reform Summit at UC Riverside. Over 250 activists, politicians and academics were there. They put forward these demands for a just reform which they had gathered from the community: 1) The reform must include a path to citizenship without a long waiting period. 2) In order to unite families, everyone who has left the country,either because of deportation or voluntary or forced exit, and who does not have a criminal record, will be able to return and be qualified. 3) Everyone who is in the U.S. when the new law is approved will qualify. 4) No fines. 5) The law should not allow discrimination against anyone, including lesbians and gays.
On March 23, the Comité took a leading role in organizing a spirited march in Coachella in honor of the birthday of Cesar Chavez and for legalization now. More marches are planned for April and May. A favorite slogan at the march was, “A silent people will never be answered!”
