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, 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 10 th -National Day of Action  Mid-April- Senate bill is introduced  May 1 st 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 SIREN Zelica Rodriguez-Deams (408) ext. 103