The August Recess has begun for Congress. A lot of us are wondering what they have to “rest-up” from since so little seemed to be accomplished this year. But recess is no time to rest for those of us struggling for immigration reform. In fact, yesterday began 40 Days of Action for reform.
Dozens of leaders of unions and immigrant groups were arrested for civil disobedience in Washington yesterday. The simple message was that the House of Representatives must act immediately to pass immigration reform with a clear path to citizenship for the undocumented. This was the kick-off event for our campaign to pressure Congresspeople returning to their districts to act on immigration reform.
On Monday, August 5, we’ll be at Peter King’s office in Massapequa Park to welcome him home to Long Island. King has been one of the few Republicans to openly support the path to citizenship without onerous restrictions. We want to show him that his district supports his moderate stance on immigration reform. Join Long Island Wins, LICET, Make the Road, La Fuente, Jobs With Justice, CARECEN, LIIA, MinKwon and a dozen other groups at 5 PM at 1003 Park Blvd in Massapequa Park. Similar “welcome homes” are planned for returning Republicans all around the country. Some of them won’t be so friendly.
We also ask you to call Peter King’s office every Tuesday to thank him for his support. A couple of weeks ago we confirmed over 200 called on one day. We need to have at least that number every week.
We also ask that if you find out that your Congressional Representative will be attending a town hall or other community meeting that you attend and speak to him or her about the need for immigration reform.
Long Island Wins is organizing a speakers bureau. If you would like a speaker on immigration reform at your organization’s next meeting, give us a call at 516-333-7331.
We all need to get active if immigration reform is going to overcome the types of prejudices we heard mouthed by Iowa’s Steve King.
