Two More Days to Call - Act Now

HAITI ACTION ALERT - Humanity for Haiti

Only 2 more days to urge President Obama to grant Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in the U.S.

Call the White House Comment Line Today:
1-800-906-5989

If you haven’t done so already, please ACT NOW!

Please be patient and wait to speak to an operator. Call after 9:00 a.m. (EST) and as early as possible after that to ensure that you are able to speak directly to a White House operator.

Please share this alert with friends, colleagues and other groups that can join AFSC in this essential effort.

Our goal is 1000+ calls and we are now at 500 calls that have been answered by a White House operator.

Here’s why this is important and why your call is critical:

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is the most immediate form of humanitarian assistance the United States government can provide.

• The U.S. government has granted TPS to nationals from other countries that face significant hardship and suffering. Storms and hurricanes in Haiti have left scores of people dead, an estimated one million families and children homeless, and destroyed local crops needed for food.

• Presently 70% of the Haitian people are unemployed, while still others wait for relief and assistance. Deporting Haitians in the United States by not granting TPS aggravates the island's political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis.

Read More: NY Daily News Mentions AFSC's Call to Action

With deepest appreciation,

American Friends Service Committee and
Cosponsors: Black Alliance for Just Immigration, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Haitian Women of Miami, Inc., Latin American and Caribbean Community Center.

Human Rights Activist Never Gave Up on Justice for Borderland Region

“The Creator’s finger touched him, and he slept.”
(Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

Roberto Martinez (72), a lifelong civil and human rights advocate and past director of AFSC’s San Diego-based, US-Mexico Border Program passed away this past Wednesday surrounded by his immediate family and friends. A fifth-generation Chicano, Roberto worked to end the blatant discrimination and racial intolerance he witnessed and that he also challenged. His grandfather was a farm worker who settled in Carlsbad, California in 1915 after leaving Texas.

He became an advocate for immigrant communities and dedicated his life to challenge law enforcement abuse, racial profiling and violations committed against border residents and communities. He also experienced harassment, was apprehended various times in the 50s, and was once scheduled to be deported until U.S. border officers realized that he had difficulties speaking Spanish.

From 1983 until 2001, when he retired, Roberto served as director of the US-Mexico Border Program. During his tenure he developed methods for documenting human rights violations and reached out to churches, local residents and community partners to challenge the abuses taking place along the border.

Roberto was creative in his use of the media to bring attention to increased anti-immigrant actions, vigilantism and shootings occurring at the border. He became part of groups that challenged Operation Gatekeeper, a federal program that tightened the rim of security in the border area but also led to more deaths as undocumented workers sought to seek other ways of crossing the border.

Active in highlighting the plight of border residents, he also sought opportunities to bring together communities throughout California, to mentor young people, and to engage them in human rights work. He found time to support or help start groups such as the Ecumenical Migrant Outreach Project, an effort founded after several Latino men were beaten by high school students in the North County’s Rancho Penasquitos community.

“Roberto was a model leader, who often risked his personal safety and never lost his sense of integrity and hope. He had a quiet dignity that belied his willingness to confront hatred and to challenge abuses that occurred in the border communities,” observed Christian Ramirez, AFSC’s national base building coordinator for Project Voice, AFSC's immigrant and refugee rights initiative.

An organizer and passionate thinker at heart, Roberto participated in countless national and international forums and panel presentations. He also appeared before the U.S. Congress and spoke on Border Patrol violence and the ongoing militarization of the region. His modesty, low-key but firm approach, and his humble spirit revealed his approach to conflict. Indeed, upon learning of his passing, a former adversary commented that, "Roberto was always a gentleman. He will be missed."

Never one to seek recognition for his work, his efforts however, were recognized by other institutions and he humbly accepted these awards on behalf of his community and his work partners. Among these awards were the International Human Rights Monitor by Human Rights Watch for his pioneering human rights border advocacy; the Ohtli Award presented by the Mexican government (this award is the highest honor granted to a non-Mexican national for their service to Mexicans abroad); and the Quetzalcoatl Award presented by the Mexican National Commission for Human Rights.

Before closing his eyes one final time Roberto requested that those attending his mass and service wear white (his favorite color), to remember immigrants who have died crossing the border, and the historic marches throughout the country urging justice for immigrants.

Roberto is survived by his wife (Yolanda), nine children, 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. To make a contribution or to send your sympathy wishes to the family please direct your correspondence to: Ms. Y. Martinez c/o AFSC - PO Box 126147, San Diego CA 92112.

For additional reading on Roberto Martinez visit:

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/05/20/news/sandiego/z6299709752ffe640882575bc0069db82.txt

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/21/1m21martinez234319-roberto-martinez/

Action on Haiti - Call-in Extended!

Grant Haitians Temporary Protected Status

A Month of Solidarity: Humanity for Haiti

CALL PERIOD EXTENDED!

Tuesday, May 5 — Friday, May 29, 2009

1-800-906-5989

Urge President Obama to grant TPS for Haitians

Your five minutes of solidarity with Haiti can make the difference! Please call President Obama and urge him to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians in the United States.

Given the devastating and overwhelming conditions in Haiti, TPS is the most immediate form of humanitarian assistance the United States government can provide. The U.S. government has granted TPS to nationals from other countries that face significant hardship and suffering.

Storms and hurricanes in Haiti have left scores of people dead, an estimated one million families and children homeless, and destroyed local crops needed for food. Presently 70% of the Haitian people are unemployed, while still others wait for relief and assistance. Deporting Haitians in the United States by not granting TPS aggravates the island's political, economic, social and
humanitarian crisis. Please call today!

• Step 1: Call 1-800-906-5989 to connect to the White House Comment Line. (Call time: Monday — Friday 9 am to 5 pm ET)
• Step 2: Speak to the operator and ask that your message be conveyed to the President. Urge President Obama to grant Temporary Protected Status to our Haitian brothers and sisters.
  

Or take a few seconds to send an e-mail to the president.

Whether you e-mail or call, we urge you to personalize your message to President Obama.

Cosponsors: American Friends Service Committee, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Haitian Women of Miami. Inc (FANM), Latin American and Caribbean Community Center.

Hope, Food and Family

“I don’t live in fear.

I live with hope that this country can show some humanity.

I want to pass on what I learned from my grandparents...
and that is to be grateful for what I have.”

“Robert”[1] is thirty years of age and lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is originally from San Mateo Ozolco, a small village of roughly 3,000 people located in the southeastern state of Puebla, Mexico.

At one time the village numbered an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people. However, throughout the past decade, an estimated half of the population has left to neighboring cities or to the United States in search of jobs and to eke out a living. For example, years ago, Robert’s cousins and other male family members left the village in search of jobs. Women stay behind with their children, tending the land and cultivating what they can. There is a common sadness in the departure of loved ones from those they love. And there is a common sense of loss when children and spouses see family members depart to go elsewhere.

Robert is part of an indigenous community that has lived in the region for more than 500 years. Even today, community members speak Spanish and Nahuatl (the language of the Aztecs). The land has been used to grow various crops such as corn, beans and various fruits. Robert started working at the age of seven, earning 50 pesos (5 cents) for a day of work in the cornfields.

Robert recounts the difficult decision to leave San Mateo Ozolco. First, he left to the neighboring city of Puebla and then traveled to Mexico City. In Mexico City he worked as a laborer in a fast-paced restaurant. For two weeks of employment he earned the equivalent of $60 USD (in Mexican pesos). He was disheartened by the experience, the pace of life and the marginalized way in which he, as an indigenous person was treated. After several weeks, he returned to San Mateo. By then, he had nearly run out of money, with barely $20 remaining from his two weeks of work.

While in San Mateo Ozolco he again made efforts to find full-time employment but was able only to find odd jobs here and there. After several months of little success, he decided to risk the treacherous journey to the United States. He did not see any other option, and did not want to leave his community, but Robert eventually crossed the southern border. He arrived in the United States in the summer of 1999 and made his way to Philadelphia, where several family members had found jobs.

Since then Robert has worked as a laborer at a local restaurant. He shares:

“It is difficult to live in a place that is not your home. I left without really wanting to leave and I left behind my family and my community. I knew there were going to be obstacles. For example, there is a daily effort to strip away a person’s spirit or to humiliate you because you may speak or look different.”

Just getting here was painful and difficult. Life here is full of so many unknowns. I work hard, I am a good human being and I hope that some change can take place. Everyday I long to return home but now I have some dreams I want to fulfill."

Robert works, has learned to speak English and is part of an Aztec dance troupe. Most week nights he can be found at a local community center, teaching Nahuatl to young children or involved in some activity.

1] Robert - pseudonym.

What YOU can do:

1. Read AFSC's report A New Path, which contains recommendations on humane immigration policy for the nation's future, go to http://www.afsc.org/.

2. Contact the White House and urge President Obama to support humane immigration policy that keep families together, protect all workers and ensure a fair, affordable and timely process for the status adjustment of undocumented immigrants.

White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111

White House Switchboard: 202-456-1414

Send President Obama a fax: 202-456-2461 urging his leadership on this critical issue.

Days of Solidarity: Humanity for Haiti

Tuesday, May 5 – Tuesday, May 12, 2009
1-800-906-5989
Urge President Obama to grant TPS for Haitians

Your five minutes of solidarity with Haiti can make the difference! Please call President Obama and urge him to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians in the United States.

Given the devastating and overwhelming conditions in Haiti, TPS is the most immediate form of humanitarian assistance the United States government can provide. The U.S. government has granted TPS to nationals from other countries that face significant hardship and suffering.

Storms and hurricanes in Haiti have left scores of people dead, an estimated one million families and children homeless, and destroyed local crops needed for food. Presently 70% of the Haitian people are unemployed, while still others wait for relief and assistance.

Deporting Haitians in the United States by not granting TPS aggravates the island’s political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis. Please call today!

• Step 1: Call 1-800-906-5989 to connect to the White House Comment Line. (Call time: Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm EST)

• Step 2: Speak to the operator and ask that your message be conveyed to the President. Urge President Obama to grant Temporary Protected Status to our Haitian brothers and sisters. For sample comments see below.

Sample Comments:

Hello. My name is ____________ and I am from (city and state).

I urge President Obama to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians in the United States.

I also urge the President to stop the deportation of Haitians. Deportations separate families and aggravate Haiti’s humanitarian crisis. It is time for the President to take action, and I look forward to his leadership. Thank you.

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
http://www.afsc.org/immigrantsrights

************************************************************************************

May Day: A Call for the Economic Rights of All Workers

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker-based human rights organization joined with thousands of the nation’s workers, immigrant and refugee families in celebrations that started on May 1st. Additional activities were scheduled to take place during the coming week.

May Day, a day started by workers in the United States, which called for a shorter workday and the right to organize, has taken on greater meaning as the global economic crisis impacts workers in every country and across borders.

“Local communities are an essential part of the nation and the global economic engine. Workers are reeling from plant closures, layoffs and an uncertain future. All workers -- immigrant and non-immigrant --deserve a decent livable wage, health benefits and the ability to take care of their families. The precarious reality of immigrant families is that they are being torn apart, raids continue and the detention industrial complex has grown. Without inherent changes in current immigration policy, every worker will suffer,” commented Gabriel Camacho, AFSC staff in the Greater Boston area.

Families and community allies throughout the nation highlighted the need for humane immigration policy and the protection of worker rights. Immigrant and non-immigrant workers, faith-based organizations, community organizations and others held vigils, marches, rallies and meetings to call attention to a system that is out of synch with the country’s economic, demographic, social and political realities.

In Morristown (NJ), AFSC participated in a community hearing that focused on 287(g), an agreement that encourages collusion and cooperation between federal immigration agencies and the local police. Amy Gottlieb, director of AFSC's Newark-based immigrant rights program served on the panel and observed, "Actions such as 287(g) do nothing but increase fear and jeopardize the public safety of every community. We need to move toward sensible and humane immigration policy, not reactive and punitive measures."

Earlier this year the Service Committee released A New Path, a report with specific recommendations to President Obama and the 111th Congress. A copy of the report is available at http://www.afsc.org/

May Day 2009
AFSC supported or co-sponsored the following events:


NATION’S CAPITOL - WASHINGTON, DC: “March for Justice: Keep Families Together”
Friday, May 1 at 3:00pm – March to the White House - For information contact http://www.ncicmetro.org/

ARIZONA, TUCSON: March for Immigrant and Worker Rights
Friday, May 1st March and Rally at Southgate Shopping Center, march to Armory Park
For more information: http://www.tucsonmay1st.org/

CALIFORNIA, San Diego: “Workers Rights are Human Rights”
Friday, May 1st – March and rally organized by the May 1st Coalition, supported by AFSC

CALIFORNIA, Oakland: “Stop the Raids and Deportations”
Friday, May 1st – rally and march to City Hall

CONNETICUT, New Haven - “Workers of the World Unite”
Friday, May 1st - Gathering followed by evening march for immigrant rights (AFSC co-sponsor). For information contact: gcamacho@afsc.org

COLORADO, Greeley - “Reconstructing our Communities Unity March”
Saturday, May 2nd - Organized by Al Frente de la Lucha, endorsed by AFSC
For more information contact: alfrentedelucha@gmail.com

FLORIDA, Miami – “End the Raids and Deportations”
Friday, May 1st – Solidarity March and Rally
For more information: http://www.blogger.com/www.floridaimmigrant.org

MASSACHUSETTS, Boston - Respect the Dignity of Immigrant Workers!
Community march and rally organized by the “Chelsea Coalition” of East Boston, Chelsea and Everett, co-sponsored by AFSC - For information call Chelsea Collaborative at (617) 889-6080

NEW JERSEY, Morristown – “A Community Conversation the 287(g)
Saturday, May 2nd – Sponsored by Wind of the Spirit and cosponsored by AFSC Newark Immigrant Rights Program

OREGON, Portland - “March for Immigrant and Workers’ Rights”
Friday, May 1st – Community celebration, rally and march
For more information: http://www.maydayoutreach@gmail.com/

RHODE ISLAND, Providence - May Day Rally
Friday, May 1 – Community Presence and Gathering at ICE Headquarters
Contact Person: myager@afsc.org

TEXAS, Austin: - “March for Just and Humane Immigration Policy”
Friday, May 1st – Rally at Texas Capitol
Sponsors: Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition, American Friends Service Committee, NICA, Grassroots Leadership and others - For further information contact: caroline@austinirc.org