Un Dia Sin Inmigrantes / A Day without Immigrants
This past Monday I was in Davis Square, and a young man I know from my community organizing in East Somerville came over to chat. He told me about graduating from Somerville High in 28 days, the sweet welding job he has lined up for after graduation (he's been a top student in the VoTech program at school), and his plans for saving enough money to put himself through technical college.
But then he dropped the bomb:
"Say, Jesse," he began. "I got a deportation notice in the mail last week and I'm supposed to show up for a hearing in August to argue for why they shouldn't send me back."
He wanted to know, given the work that we had done in the neighborhood together, if I'd be willing to write a recommendation letter to him. Now I've served as a reference before, but usually for former Interns of mine applying for abroad programs or employment. Never before have I had to do so for a young man in a situation like this. Of course I agreed, knowing that this was a good kid; a hardworker who has contributed much and deserves to stay in Somerville.
The fact is, this kid is documented and therefore here legally. I think the legal problem has to do with having missed a deadline for some papers he needed to file with immigration, and the penalty in this time of hardline immigration policy is deportation.
This is a timely issue, given the national debate around immigration in the U.S. And while this guy is, until now, a legal resident, it raises important issues for me. If the original Sensenbrenner immigration bill had passed, I would be liable for criminal penalties simply working with countless undocumented people...some nearly life-long residents who love this country, plan to stay here forever, and are deeply involved in their communities, like helped us fight for free and open gyms in East Somerville so teenagers could have something to do after school and are dissuaded from less "productive" activities like illegal graffiti or joining gangs. What sense does it make for the Government to punish people like this? I know U.S. citizens who contribute less to advancing justice and equality, and who are involved in more troublesome illegal activities than simply coming to this country to provide a better life for their family.
Over the last few weeks there have been many protests around the country, supporting fair immigration laws rather than punitive reforms like Sensenbrenner proposed. Next Monday, May Day, the actions continue but in a new way: around the United States, immigrants and their allies will take place in a national strike, shutting down workplaces and making a statement about how important they are to our economy. With enough immigrants refusing to work, our national economy could crumble. The United States is dependent on undocumented workers, and because of what they contribute those workers are entitled to full human rights, and the rights of representation that citizenship brings.
How you can help:
- Wear a white t-shirt or white armband to signify your solidarity with the strikers
- Participate in a local immigration rights event
- Organize a workshop, prayer service, or rally in your town
- Post a sign in your business, school, or home supporting immigrants
Events are taking place around Massachusetts, including:
- a noon rally on the Boston Commons
- a walkout at Harvard by students and faculty
- a vigil at Foss Park in Somerville, where many undocumented Brazilian workers seek temporary employment each morning
For a full list of events, visit the MIRA Coalition.
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