Here it is! This is from last year's attempt to do the same dang thing! I am very familiar with this organization. The headquarters for FLOC/AFL/CIO is here in Toledo and its the group I've been complaining about for the past few months.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 26, 2005
Contacts: Joel Magallan, Asociación Tepeyac: (212) 633-7108 (office), (347) 203-9361 (cellular)
Macrina Alarcon/Kate Chanton, Mexico Solidarity Network: (202) 544-9355
Immigrants’ Rights Demanded After Senators,
President Emphasize Need for Immigration Reform
National coalition plans April 27th rally and lobby day for immigrant rights in U.S. Capitol
On Wednesday, April 27, immigrant organizations and allies will converge in Washington, DC for a national day of action and lobby day for permanent residence for immigrants working in the United States. A press conference will be held at 12:30 pm at Upper Senate Park, and a rally will commence at 3:00 pm at the same location. The events are planned by a broad coalition of more than 50 national and local immigrant organizations, labor unions, and allied groups from around the country (see coalition list below).
"We are at a crucial moment in the struggle for human and labor rights to the millions of immigrants living and working in the United States" said Beatriz Maya of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee. "Immigrants and allies from around the country are heading to Washington to pressure Congress to grant permanent residence to all immigrants working in the U.S."
Senators from both parties are working on a legalization proposal for the immigrant workers who work hard to contribute to the greatness of this country. President Bush is also pushing for a work visa program. However, racist groups like the armed Minuteman vigilante patrols now amassing along the U.S.-Mexican border are pressuring their allies in Congress to stop any initiatives that would favor immigrants. The REAL ID Act, which is sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner and passed the House of Representatives in February, would construct the largest wall yet on border, make it more difficult for genuine refugees to get asylum, further eliminate due process for immigrants, and impede immigrants from getting driver’s licenses. This legislation fails to address root causes, serving only to further criminalize individuals whose work is an essential part of the United States economy, thereby suppressing wages in sectors that employ immigrants and making it more difficult for immigrants to obtain humane working and living conditions.
While gathered in Washington, IMMIGRANTS AND ALLIES WILL MEET WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS to demand permanent residency rights for immigrants who have contributed to the nation’s economy. Despite their important role in U.S. culture, society and economy, undocumented immigrants are subject to abuse and exploitation by unscrupulous employers and others who use the threat of deportation to impose illegally low pay and dangerous working conditions. Legal residence for immigrants would improve wages and conditions for all working-class people by granting basic rights to this most exploited sector of the workforce.
http://www.floc.com/presskit.html Even then they were trashing the Minutemen. Too bad they weren't planning on protesting today as well. I feel like we need some kind of huge counterprotest there as well. Otherwise, this is going to end up as a photo op for the likes of Kennedy and some ILLEGAL ALIEN who crossed the border to do the job some American won't! Or worse, Kennedy's been embracing the illegals who are serving in the military. Didn't Bush do that too? Someone did. They cited an illegal who voluntereed to serve, and who said all they wanted in return was a chance to become an Amercian? Don't get me wrong, it's great that even illegals will chose to serve, but focusing on one of them in order to facilitate amnesty for all, is wrong, imo.
This whole thing is infuriating for me and the feeling of not being able to do anything except send a freeking e-mail is downright maddening.