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Celebrating the International Migrant Day (12/18) and the battle for immigrant rights in 2009 |
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Celebrating the International Migrant Day (12/18) and the
battle for immigrant rights in 2009
15 April 2009 by BrazilNYC in Politics - No Comments
By Dale Elizabeth Merriman
Joining the post-election maneuvering for immigration reform,
immigrant rights groups are throwing down the gauntlet, asserting that
the new administration and Congress have no choice but to support
legalization given the surge of Latino voters for Democrats.
Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum,
said “that the record number of Latino and immigrant voters created a
clear mandate for immigration reform and economic security for all
Americans."
Ali Noorani, from the National Immigration Forum
But the organization’s message of congratulations for President-elect
Obama also contained a warning. What Latinos and immigrant voters
give, they can take away—if immigration reform is not a priority.
These New Americans are a powerful voice in determining the future
that they have worked for and sacrificed so much to obtain.
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Celebrating the International Migrant Day (12/18) and the battle for immigrant rights in 2009 |
http://brazilnyc.com/celebrating-the-international-migrant-day-1218-and-the-battle-for-immigrant-rights-in-2009/[4/30/2014 2:00:59 PM]
"Our new President should not take for granted the support of the
immigrant vote," said Noorani, "because it is not an unconditional
support. Unless we move beyond the stalemate toward a pragmatic
approach to fix our broken immigration system through a workable
solution that is tough, fair, and realistic, then the new American vote
will swing the other way."
In researching this, I could not help but ask why there is not a
“Secretary of Immigration” in a country that is built upon the
contributions of new citizens from all over the globe. Instead, all eyes
turn to Janet Napolitano, Secretary-appointee, to Homeland Security,
who has maintained a moderate record when it comes to immigration
and seems altogether to be walking the fine line of political
correctness in a climate that deserves more passionate advocacy for
hard-working migrant employees and their families.
On December 4th, 1990, it was determined by the General Assembly
in respect to December 18th of every year, that this day should be
recognized as “International Migrants’ Day”. Totally karmic for me
since December 4th is my father’s birthday and he predicted that
Hispanic languages and others from abroad would one day be
recognized as national languages in the US and then, of course,
December 18th is my oldest son’s birthday and I see a perception
with him that knows no borders in the friends and associates that he
spends time with.
And as the official public statement issued by the organizers of the
9th International Migration Day points out, December 18, 2008, also
coincides with the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The statement goes on by
saying that "many UDHR provisions vividly relate to some of the
threats – racism, xenophobia, labor and sexual exploitation, arbitrary
detention and other injustices – and hopes – freedom of movement,
right to work, to education, to live in dignity – experienced by millions
of women, men and children."
"This demonstrates," the statement continues, "that migrants rights
are human rights." This statement can be read in its entirety at the
following web address: www.december18.net
And yet, given the latest increase in anti-immigrant hate crimes in the
NY area, there is clearly a lot to be done. This year’s Migrant Day is
already sadly marked by the shocking killing of Jose O. Sucuzhanay,

3.
Celebrating the International Migrant Day (12/18) and the battle for immigrant rights in 2009 |
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who died on Friday night (Dec 12, 2008) at Elmhurst Hospital Center,
as his mother was traveling from Ecuador to see him one last time.
Sucuzhanay was brutally beaten with a bottle and baseball bat last
week by a group of men shouting anti-gay and anti-Hispanic attacks
in Brooklyn, NY. And unfortunately, this is just one in a series of
recent attacks against immigrants, and I sincerely hope that NY and
Federal authorities move fast to bring justice to these unconscionable
acts.
So please, mark December 18 with some kind of acknowledgment to
the work, lives, culture and contributions that many migrants and non-
American citizens have given to the American culture as a whole; let
us elevate this holiday closer to Cinco de Mayo.
And in respect to our changing world, we need to foster the tolerance
that comes from cooperation and not the hostility derived from too
much competition.
Better yet, send your holiday contributions to:
The New York Immigration Coalition
Damayan Migrant Wokers Association, Inc.
Ya Es Hora
The Migrant Education Resource Center
Also, here’s the official web site for the International Migrant’s Day:
http://www.december18.net
Hate crimes immigrants Immigration under Obama International Migrant
Day New York Obama UN

4.
Celebrating the International Migrant Day (12/18) and the battle for immigrant rights in 2009 |
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Leading Brazilian Writers (including Moacyr Scliar) Discuss the Work of
Clarice Lispector on April 22
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