The ACLU of California is hosting a series of bilingual town hall-style meetings across the state to help community members learn about the Senate’s Federal Immigration Reform proposal and what it could mean for individuals and the community at large. The workshops will provide an analysis of the Senate’s legislation, S. 744, and many of the amendments being introduced, and opportunities for the audience to get involved.
The ACLU briefings will highlight how comprehensive immigration reform provides the potential to advance the civil rights and liberties of all Californians by setting the stage for a roadmap to citizenship for the two-and-a-half million undocumented immigrants living in the state. The sessions will provide background and analysis, and give community members a forum to learn about their rights and how they can affect the bill’s prospects.
ACLU of California Immigration Reform Workshop Dates and Locations:
- May 21, 6:30 – 8:00 pm – San Diego, CA: Mercado Apartments,
2001 Newton Ave., SD 92113 [contact Beatriz] - May 22, 6:30 – 8:00 pm – San Diego, CA: MAAC Community Charter School, 1385 Third Ave., Chula Visa, CA 91911 [contact Beatriz]
- May 23, 6:30 – 8:30 pm – Santa Paula, CA: Casabella Apartments Community Room, 622 Main St., Santa Paula, CA 93060
[contact Elvia] - May 29, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Sacramento, CA: Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento, 2093 Arena Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834
[contact Angelo]
California is home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s immigrants, and one in ten workers in the state is undocumented. All Californians will benefit from immigration reforms that will lift up the economy by promoting trade and innovation, while at the same time upholding our constitutional values.
While the proposed legislation is long-awaited and is a good starting place, it contains some severe obstacles for many aspiring citizens. The “Roadshow” agenda will cover key ACLU asks that the organization believes should be incorporated into real, comprehensive reform, including:
- Roadmap to Citizenship: Create a fair process for immigrants committed to the U.S. and contributing to its culture to become citizens.
- Restore Due Process: Eliminate mandatory detention, and assure that everyone detained by law enforcement officers has access to counsel, hearings, and judicial review.
- Ensure Privacy: Strike calls for mandatory E-Verify, which has the effect of creating a national ID card, and would harm the privacy rights of all Americans.
- Federal Government Enforces Immigration: Allowing local law officers to enforce immigration laws harms their relationships with crime victims and witnesses.
- Reform Border Enforcement: Establish safe and efficient border crossings and promote public safety while enhancing training, oversight, and accountability of immigration enforcement agencies.
- End Reliance on Criminalization: Stop wasteful and inhumane overreliance on criminal prosecution of immigrants.
