Tough Tits For Dream Student Steve Li

 
This article first published by Tim Paynter as “Tough Titty For Dream Student Steve Li” on Technorati  S55Z3Z7ZW8TF

STEVE IS SCHEDULED FOR DEPORTATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2010.  IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED.  YES!  CALL ON SUNDAY!

Steve Li on Facebook

Technorati code  S55Z3Z7ZW8TF



A nation that prides itself as compassionate and a leader in human rights is slamming the doors on the fingers of a 20-year-old student who wants to devote his life to taking care of the sick. Without immediate intervention, nursing school student Steven Li will be practicing Spanish in Lima Peru, while his parents grieve the separation of parent and child. An unfair immigration system says tough titty to Steve Li.
“A 20-year-old City College student is not a threat to our national security,” Li’s attorney, Sin Yen Ling, said at a protest today.

Li, who lives with his mother in San Francisco, was picked up by ICE on September 15th, 2010 along with his mother, Maria. Li’s father was picked up shortly thereafter. Their request for asylum was denied five years ago and they are under a final order of deportation.
Subsequently, the parents were released from custody. China refuses to accept the parents back because they came here as political refugees from a one child policy and out of fear of their government.
Meanwhile, Steve was transferred to an ICE facility in Arizona and is now lost in the maze of public and private ICE detention facilities. It is possible the youth will not see his parents before authorities put him on a plane to Lima, Peru.
Li, who was a child during the original immigration proceedings had no say in a bad decision made early in the case by his parents.  He was not even aware of the deportation order until ICE came to his door.  He thought his tourist visa was adequate and his parents, wishing to spare him anxiety, had not been forthright about the removal order.  Steve never had his day in court, since his presence was waived due to his age.
Read more: http://technorati.com/politics/article/tough-titty-for-dream-student-steve/#ixzz15HCdG6GD
"(ICE) Fugitive Operations says, ‘well, you had your court date. You had your due process, now you have to leave.’  But this is not adequate due process for Steve Li,” said his attorney Ling (since the parents appeared on behalf of their son, who knew little of what was happening.)
“He has no money, no clean clothes, how will he get by?” his mother Maria said with tears running down her cheeks.
Steve was born in Peru but left there as a child. He has no family, no means of support and nowhere to go once his plane touches down in Lima. What harm does a nursing school student pose to this nation in a time when there is a shortage of nurses?
In fact, the Board of Supervisors  from San Francisco Community College passed a unanimous resolution in support of Steve Li saying he is a model student.  "We don't pass many unanimous resolutions," said one member of the Board of Supervisors.
The family is faced with difficult decisions. The parents could apply for a visa for Peru, but there is no guarantee it will be granted. If not, they face being separated from their son for years. If the parents migrate to Peru, they will not be able to return to the U.S. for 10 years.
"Speaker Pelosi believes that Steve Li’s case is a textbook example of the pressing need for comprehensive immigration reform and passage of the DREAM Act,” a spokesman for Pelosi’s office said.
Steve’s Supporters have asked Senator Barbara Boxer to sponsor a private bill in a last ditch effort to halt Li’s deportation to Peru, scheduled for Monday, November 15th.
‘We ask that a miracle take place and that Steve’s mom and San Francisco can be happy again, that the heart and soul of what is morally right can overcome regulations,” Reverend Normal Fang said.
Read more: http://technorati.com/politics/article/tough-titty-for-dream-student-steve/page-2/#ixzz15HCr79av

BuzzNet Tags: steve li,dream act,deportation,ice raids,deports student to peru,city college,comprehensive immigration reform,cir,normal fang

Dream Act Gives Hope To Students, CIR RIFA

Dream

Act

Laura Lopez talks about reform

The Dream Act gives young undocumented children who came to the US when they were to young to understand what borders are.  Some came as young as age one.  Others were a little older.  What they all understood is how it feels to be hungry.

As they become young adults they find their path in life has been changed.  While their friends in school have a chance at breaking the chain of poverty, they are stuck.  If they can get into college, which is difficult at best, they have to pay out of state tuition.  When they graduate, their degree goes to a waste because they can’t get licensed and don’t have a social security number.

The Dream Act would allow these young people to go to school, and in the process they would be able to naturalize.  There are some strict requirements, they must go to at least a two year college or serve in the military. 

They would have to come forward and identify themselves so we know who is in the country.  They would get a driver’s license hence be able to get automobile insurance.  Most people like the idea of all motorists being insured. 

They would have to pay a fine, which when totaled would add about 3 billion to the federal kitty.  After a background check and about 6 years, they would be able to naturalize.  This is not amnesty. There is no forgiveness. 

There are many ways to participate.  Promise Arizona is a membership organization training tomorrow’s leaders.  There are a host of organizations like CIRC in Colorado.  Come be part of the solution!

del.icio.us Tags: laura lopez,dream act,cir,immigration reform,arizona,promise arizona,circ,padres y jovenes unidos,latino,vote,immigrant,college,chain of poverty

Francisco Diaz Volunteers in Arizona, Youth in Action

Francisco Diaz,

Promise Arizona

Francisco Diaz, Promise Arizona

 “I am where I am supposed to be” he told me shortly before getting onto a jet plane and heading home to California.  Francisco Diaz is a charismatic young person who wants to make a difference.  He volunteered to be a Paz Fellow with Promise Arizona.  Three face-paced weeks were over and his time with the organization was through. 

    “I will be back” Francisco said. 

     It had been a battle.  He was assigned to Yuma, Arizona, near the U.S. Mexico Border.  It is rough going there because there is so much fear, and there is so much hunger.  When you have success you feel like you have really made a difference.  Just one signature on a form and it is like the whole world opens up and changes.

    After multiple rejections one day Francisco was able to get the signature of a man he met in the park.  At the end of his few minutes with this stranger, this is what Francisco said:

“This man, who had never voted, who was long unemployed, who had mentioned needing a way to get milk for his daughter, had proudly showed me a picture of his little girl while I was registering him; and that he had bothered to fill out something like a seemingly mundane form for the first time in his 52 year old life, and for a 20-something stranger who has never had to worry where his next meal was coming from filled me with so much emotion that I could no longer stand to hold back the tears of gratitude for his courage anymore.”

    Come help make the difference in the lives of young people.  The one who will change the most is you.  In the process, you can bring a message of hope to those who have suffered injustice in our country! 

    Get involved.  Fight for the Dream Act!  Work towards immigration reform. (CIR).  Stop cross border trafficking in prostitution.  There are a lot of things each one of us can do to make this a better world. 

     Every state, every city, needs help getting out the vote, helping those who don’t understand the system have a chance to participate.  In Denver we have an organization called CIRC, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition.  You won’t have to go far to find an organization where you can make a difference!

     The question for each of us, “where is my place?”

Flickr Tags: dream act,la vigilia al capitolio,volunteer,paz fellowship,promise arizona,sb 1070,youth activist,organizer,francisco diaz,immigrants2bfree,tim paynter,voter registration

IceRocket Tags: circ,promise arizona,francisco diaz,gotv,voter registration,organizer,sb 1070

Keeping time with Tomas Karmelo at Promise Arizona Leadership Training!

The couple in the middle was hugging.  They were surrounded by people singing, young and old together, arms in the air, waving to the music.  We were all keeping time with Tomas Karmelo as he sang the song he penned with Deandra Gamez at the state capitol in the early days of the Vigil against Arizona SB 1070.  Michele was there, and Jeff, and Myra, and Sue, and Pedro, and Jessica and Erika, and Brittany and Nicole and so many others. 

I was wiping the tears as they tumbled down my cheeks, hoping no one would see.  Leadership training does funny things sometimes. 
We were sitting in a packed room in Arizona State University.  Promise Arizona, led by a long time organizer, Petra Falcon, had brought national trainers and civil rights leaders to teach us what to do when our community is under attack:  Stand up, fight back!
Promise Arizona has a unique way of fighting back.  Their message of peace and love from civil rights movements of the past is spoken in a new motto:  Faith, Hope: Vote! 

Team Promise wants to register 50,000 new Latino voters and change the political landscape of the nation!  Electing leadership which keeps in mind all people who live in Arizona, instead of just the elite, will send a message to those who wish to legislate exclusion.  Pass hate laws and get a pink slip from the (new) voting public!
This great country faces some mighty challenges.  How to treat everyone fairly under America’s skies is one of the biggest.  We are a nation of immigrants.  The newest souls to arrive are seeking their chance to make a difference, to work hard, to give back, to nurture and to be nurtured. 
I trust, as these courageous people fight for their chance at the American Dream, the Dream changes a little bit.  It is time we begin to dream in terms of “all of  Us” instead of in terms of “us and them”.  Or did we dream it once and then forget? 
I am grateful the Promise Arizona community thinks in “we” terms.  If their message of inclusiveness is successful then there will be plenty of room in America for Tiny Tim.  Considering Latinos will consist of the single largest voting base in the U.S. within 15 years, inclusiveness is a generous message to preach.  Maybe the ones who need to go to leadership training are the conservative class who heretofore have been advocating division of families and limiting access to schools and opportunities to those in America who need our help the most.

Heck, I am not going to hide the tears any more.  This is my family.  These are my brothers and sisters.  These are the values I hold dearest to my heart.  My country is under attack.  I am ready to stand up.  I am ready to fight back.  Does anyone have an extra voter registration form they can lend me?
Michele is here, and Jeff, and Myra, and Sue, and Pedro, and Jessica and Erika, and Bridgett, and Nicole and so many others.  Come meet us and come meet my inspiration, Petra Falcon.  Come live the Promise with us!

Technorati Tags: thomas karmelo,deandra gamez,promise arizona,live the promise,faith hope vote,leadership training,sb 1070,register to vote,jeff zetino,tim paynter,petra falcon

BuzzNet Tags: promise arizona,live the promise,faith hope vote,leadership institute,sb 1070,voter registration,arizona captiol,despues de la torenta

Immigration activists set war on SB 1070 July 28th, 2010

We need you in Phoenix on July 28th and 29th, 2010.  Arizona is in a state of siege. 


The battle ground is set for July 29th, 2010 when an abusive law, S.B. 1070, goes into effect.  Members of law enforcement known for illegal police tactics brag July 29th will be their day for massive raids on the defenseless immigrant community.

Meanwhile, Governor Jan Brewer and her wayward cast of Republican law-makers refuse to call a halt to the expected barrio raids and discrimination.  By now they know S.B. 1070 was a mistake, resulting in massive boycotts, racial profiling and an excuse for strong-arm police tactics which could even be violent, against those who are powerless.

Every person who stands for liberty and justice, in conscience, has a duty to be front and center.  We will wage war in a peaceful way, through demonstrations, through peaceful resistance, by bringing the message the vile words, “papers please” used by a madman in Europe, must not be spoken in the homeland. 

Salvador Reza from the Puente Movement says it very well:

“We are living in historic times where we do not have the luxury to be spectators while a hurricane of hate destroys our families, our dreams, our businesses and our work.”

Protest in front of Aurora Immigration Detention Facility

While details are sketchy, organizers are asking you to think about what targets would be best for you.  Some places will be “hotter” than others.  Likely, confrontations with “Little Joe” Sheriff Arpaio and his army of 900 soldiers, for example, have the potential to be dicey.  You may even want to schedule your own protest and list it on the  Alto Arizona website.

Above all, our message must be one of peace, of passive refusal to obey lawful orders to the extent of shutting down an unconstitutional system of government.  We must pass a message to other states contemplating unjust laws, “The price for your discrimination will be higher than your satisfaction gained!” 

We will stand up and be counted, we will suffer blows against our bodies without striking back if necessary, but we must remain calm in our message spoken by John Lennon many years ago, “All we are saying, is give us (the immigrant community) a chance.  All we are saying, is give peace a chance!”

Game on!

Technorati Tags: puente arizona,alto arizona,national day of non compliance,salvador reza,sb 1070,phoenix protests,power to the people,all we are saying is give peace a chance

Latino workers lynched – Alto Arizona, Stop the hate!

One of the most hateful laws in history has been passed by Republican Jan Brewer and her cohorts when the Governor signed Arizona SB 1070.  On July 29th, 2010, the law goes into effect and the soldiers march.






This SB 1070 does two things.  First, it promotes racial profiling.  The law REQUIRES law enforcement to detain anyone they suspect of being in the state without documents.  Since most undocumented workers are Hispanic, the law will lead to profiling of those who look Hispanic.

An often over-looked aspect of the law is it’s anti-immigration implications.  Millions of people are working for immigration reform through an organization called Reform Immigration For America (RIFA).  Arizona SB 1070 is a slap in the face to every person, regardless of race or creed, who believes in human dignity.  There are simple solutions in the Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) bill proposed by Senator Luis Gutierrez.  There was no need to kick sand in the face of poor people by passing SB 1070.





Now to the lynching.  On July 29th, 2010, the day SB 1070 goes into effect, a lot of people are coming to Phoenix to mourn and to speak.  When I was in Phoenix the tension in the air was thick!  If “Little Joe” sheriff Arpaio and his goon squad of 900 soldiers raids poor communities, as he promised to do, a lot of people are going to feel like Justice got lynched.  Won't you?

“We are a peaceful angry people.”  We use pacifist actions to bring attention to our cause, to force local governments to listen to our cries, and to bring about social change. 

We are not the violent ones.  In fact, violence will set our cause back.  Those who have passed hate filled laws are strangling the human rights out of defenseless people.  The violence is to our dignity, especially of undocumented workers and those who look undocumented.

An injustice against one person is an injustice against all people.  The implementation of SB 1070, this lynching of dignity, is a disgrace for every right minded American!

FREE ARIZONA MAP - ARIZONA PAYS!

We need mainstream America, those who believe when they put their hands on their hearts and recite the pledge of allegiance, when they sing the star spangled banner, they believe this is the land of the free and home brave! 

Now we need the brave.  Will you come to Arizona to protest the lynching of freedom?

Technorati Tags: alto arizona,july 29,julio 29,immigration reform,rifa,reform immigration for america,jan brewer,sb 1070,racial profiling,lynched,home of the free

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Dream activist Felipe Matos talks to immigrants2bfree! Give a child a chance! Alto Arizona!

 Felipe Matos

Dream Activist

at

Alto Arizona - protest against

SB 1070

Felipe Matos is the child of undocumented immigrants.  Like his parents, he, too is undocumented.  This past year Felipe and three other undocumented youths including Gabby Pachecos took a huge risk.  They hiked from Florida to Washington D.C. to tell the story of the children of undocumented youth who can’t go to school.

This is my interview with Felipe Matos, Dream Activist, at Alto Arizona and Puente Arizona, a protest against SB 1070.  Let’s wish Felipe the best of luck in bringing the message of hope to a generation of future leaders!

If you like what you see I need your help!  My video equipment and camera equipment is beat!  I am looking for your hand-me-downs!  I want to bring you more immigration news but it is getting more difficult on a non-paying website.  If you are willing to help please email me, immigrants2bfree@gmail.com!

Let's give children of undocumented immigrants the chance to break the chain of poverty!  Support the Dream Activist and all youth struggling to make a future for themselves!

Technorati Tags: dream activist,dream act,felipe matos,trail of dreams,sb 1070,immigration reform,students arrested at capitol,rifa,cir

John McCain runs but can he hide? Immigration activist protest in his office because he won’t listen! Alto Arizona

Instead of talking with us, Senator John McCain

cancels his meeting!

So we take the message to him!

McCain office staff presume this guerro is in charge of the protest, a big mistake on their part! 

The McCain Staffer refuses to let me get someone who is in charge to talk to him.  He insists “we” leave the office immediately. 

Guess what gumbo, I am about the only gringo there, and I am the last guy one should talk to.   I had no authority!

This is the Arizona attitude.  Give orders to people who are not in charge.  Refuse to listen to people who have influence.  Take no interest in solutions.

Call your senator and ask him to support comprehensive immigration reform in 2010!  It is clear Senator John McCain has no interest in listening!

Help:  I need better camera equipment!  If you are willing to donate unwanted equipment I would put it to good use!  I need digital video and still cameras, programs and gear!  Donations of money are also accepted!

The Arizona Republicans have made a mess of immigration reform with their hateful SB 1070.  Let’s get this bill introduced into the senate so we can avoid another Arizona in the rest of the 50 states! 

We believe in peaceful protests to bring about social reform.  Help us in our quest!  Call your senator and urge action on Comprehensive Immigration Reform.  Help register people to vote.  Volunteer in one of the many immigrant's rights groups.  Alto Arizona taught me the power of peaceful protest! 

Technorati Tags: john mccain,sb 1070,racial profiling,comprehensive immigration reform,alto arizona,puente arizona,immigration protest,national day of action,jan brewer,dream activist

National Day of Action Arizona Travel Guide! Free! Protest HB 1070!

I can’t think of a better way to have an economic impact than with tourism.  Get your free Arizona Travel Guide compliments of the folks in Arizona!

Free Arizona Travel Guide

If you won’t use it this weekend you will likely use it in the future!

Come to the National Day of Action and the Festival for Human Rights this Weekend starting May 28th, 2010! 

Immigrants2bfree is not affiliated with this event or the organizers but is a strong supporter of them and of comprehensive immigration reform!

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Technorati Tags: national day of action,festival for human rights,rifa,immigration reform must,hb 1070,arizona travel guide,arizona map,arizona board of tourism,alto arizona,puente arizona

Civil disobedience for immigration reform! Wise advice for the individual who is thinking about protesting sb 1070

Civil disobedience is the refusal to follow a “lawful order” by the police.  It is a non-violent protest and civil rights tactic that has been effective since the term was coined by David Henry Thoreau in the mid 1800’s. 

The tactic of civil disobedience was expanded upon by Mahatma Gandhi who said “My life is my message.”  Civil disobedience was again used by Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King in the Montgomery bus boycott.

Considering the wavering US Congress on immigration reform, advocates are speaking about “ratcheting up” the message.  I am continually amazed at the ignorance of mainstream America with the topic of immigration reform ( CIR ) and the plight of undocumented workers. 

Short guide to civil

disobedience

1.  Think this one through.  It is a drastic step but if your conscience requires it then plan ahead.

a.  You are likely to be charged with breaking a minor criminal law.  No matter how minor, it is a criminal law.  You will have a criminal record for the rest of your life.  Employers have a hard time understanding the action of conscience.  In 20 years they won’t have a clue why you did it.  Think this one through.

b.  Recent arrests have generally not required bonds from what I can see.  However, you should have bond money ready to go.  Arizona judges are likely to be less tolerant. 

c.  If there is a bond, you can usually pay the entire bond in cash.  You get it all back when you finish your court date.  In the alternative, you can hire a bondsman.  You will have to pay 10% to 15% which is non-refundable.

d. Have legal counsel ready.  If you don’t want to pay for an attorney in advance then at least have a telephone number for one.  You need an attorney who is licensed in the state in which you plan to civilly disobey, not in your home state.

e.  If you are not documented then you must think carefully.  We are on the eve of immigration reform.  You can easily be deported.  Some people are out of the country in as little as 7 days. 

Proposed immigration reform requires a presence in the United States for a set time. Five years was discussed. Any time you leave the country your time period starts over again.  Re-entry into the US may subject you to up to 10 years of imprisonment.  

There are plenty of people willing to take the risks of civil disobedience.  If you are an undocumented person, please think about it carefully. 

f.  If you are on special medication, civil disobedience may not be right for you.  Jailers may not be sympathetic to requests for medications. 

g.  Be sure you have plenty of witnesses.  Police are usually conscious of multiple witnesses and may treat you better.

h.  It can’t hurt to have your picture taken shortly before your “disobedience”.  A picture is your best witness to your condition when you were arrested.

i.  Call a press conference.  Your one act of civil disobedience is not likely to change the world, although it did in the case of Rosa Parks.  Rather, your one act along with many other acts will help send the message.  We are after publicity. 

j.  At arrest, do not resist!  First, it could turn a misdemeanor into a felony.  Second, resistance defeats the purpose of peaceful protest.  Why protest if you hurt the movement?

k.  When they release you from jail they are not likely going to give you a ride back to the venue.  It is wise to be prepared with a ride home. 

l.  When you are released call another press conference.  It helps to have support crew to help you with the details. 

m.  Your court appearance likely will require payment of a fine.  The courts are not always willing to give you time to pay.  Those who can’t pay with money get to pay with time behind bars.  Be ready for whichever suits you best.

n.  If you are fond of certain substances which law enforcement might find offensive, don’t bring them!  I can’t tell you how many of my clients get busted with “something” in their wallets.  All of your possessions are subject to search.  I hope none of my readers fall into the trap of drug abuse as it can put you back into a personal prison as fast as unfair immigration laws. 

m.  Turn off your cell phone before you get arrested.  That way, you will have a fresh battery when released!

Pass this guide on to your friends!  It may come in handy sometime!

Tim Paynter, Attorney at Law

The information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice.  Consult private counsel for advice pertaining to your city or state.

My personal experience with the Puente Movement, Puente Arizona and Alto Arizona is they only advocate non-violent and LEGAL activities.  They have not asked for civil disobedience as far as I know.  Individual persons not related to the Puente Arizona, the Puente Movement and Alto Arizona have acted in civil disobedience. 

We do not speak for the Puente movement, Puente Arizona or Alto Arizona.

Technorati Tags: civil disobedience,arizona protest,sb 1070,sb 1097,racial profiling,national day of action,phoenix law,jan brewer,immigration reform must,students arrested,students protest,may 29th,may protest

Denver University protests Sarah Palin and Arizona 1070 GLBT, immigrant, pro-choice, student health care, come support us in the battle for human rights!

The Republican Party Paid Sarah Palin 
to stop for the

Republican Primary
 in

Denver Colorado

Denver University students protested Sarah Palin’s

take America from the poor people agenda!

Sarah opposes:

Gays, Lesbians and Transgender persons and family values ( anti glbt )

Health care for the poor

The Dream Act for children of undocumented immigrants

The right to choice

Sarah Palin recently endorsed

 sb 1070, the most aggressive anti immigrant law ever written!

  The law will require police investigation and detention of anyone suspected of being in the country “illegally” which means without documents.

If you are a person “of color” you better carry your US Passport!

Here is an interview with an “open minded” DU student who thinks Sarah is a peach!

It unwise to be “cautiously” for a law, especially if you are affected by it. 

Denver University students protest injustice and those who support injustice like Sarah Palin and the Republican party.  Palin is anti-immigrant, pro-racial profiling, anti-gay, anti-choice!

It sounds to us like Sarah Palin wants to take America away!  Thank God for fair minded Denver University students!

Technorati Tags: sarah palin,tea party,denver university students protest,students protest,immigration,arizona 1070,racial profiling,glbt,pro-choice,university students protest,republican primary

Free

Arizona  Tourist  Guide

Order your free Arizona Tourist Guide!  Let the state that supports racial profiling send it to you FREE!

If we order enough guides it may affect their tourist budget! 

Help Denver University students ( DU ) protest an unfair law, anti - choice, anti - gay, anti - health care, anti dream act, anti - social reform!

Protest Arizona SB 1070, order your free copy of the Arizona tourist guide!

For up to date news on immigration reform (cir asap) rifa, arizona sb 1070 and student protests sign up to follow us!

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A message to tourists and conventions destined for Arizona; come to God’s country! Don’t support devil worship!

Well, maybe the title is a bit extreme.  I am not sure what compelled Arizona to pas HB 1070 which was bound to be abused by law enforcement and earn the wrath of free America.  Maybe it falls within traditional concepts of God and the Devil.  Maybe not.  One thing is sure, it is turning Arizona into the gates of hell!

San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Colorado

Why take a trip to hell when you can come to God’s country?  Colorado is a spectacular state with four seasons of pure fun!  Winter, summer, spring and fall, all you have to do is call and we will be here! 

Come ski at Beaver Creek, fish in Rocky Mountain National Park, hunt the Flat Tops – may the peace of the wilderness be with you, hike the San Juans, back pack, bird-watch, dance, ride horses, four wheel drive, visit lost ghost towns like Tin Cup, pan for gold, gamble in Blackhawk or come to an amusement park, we have it all!  We are also not in a war zone.   Better yet, Arizona can’t cut off the Colorado power grid for asking for your tourist dollars, unlike the threat they made to LA for the boycott that was announced against Arizona HB 1070!

With summer coming there are a lot of things to do.  Glenwood Springs has a wonderful hot springs pool that can accommodate half of the NFL!  From there, you could travel to posh Aspen, Colorado, or head on in to Denver for a night of dancing!  If you like to fish we have an active fish breeding program which jams our high mountain rivers and lakes with trout.  If you enjoy music try Breckenridge for the summer music series or look for one of the jazz or blue grass festivals.  Heck, there is so much to do it is hard to know where to start!

The long and short of it is, why vacation in a war zone?  Come to Colorado and avoid all of the insanity going on in Arizona.  We are not in the midst of a civil war!  We have not passed hate laws like HB 1070!  Some people consider this God’s country!

Technorati Tags: boycott arizona,hb 1070,sb 1097,la boycotts arizona,arizona boycott,arizona tourisim,arizona loses,immigrant's groups,convention destinations,breckenridge,beaver creek,glenwood springs,telluride,gunnison,aspen,vail,tin cup,immigration reform must

Emergency action! Push the YES to save an immigrant family! RIFA and CIR asap are at stake!

Gabe Gonzales with Reform Immigration For America ( RIFA ) has put out a call for donations.  It costs a lot of money to run a reform campaign.  Gonzales says a donation of only $30 bucks will help with 100 calls and 80 faxes!
 

Pass this posting to 10 of your friends!  We need your help!  Un Pueblo Unido… Immediate action is needed to pass reform in 2010!

Picture is from the RIFA web site

The last push for immigration reform was stopped in it’s tracks when faxes came in 20 against reform for each 1 fax for reform.  We must not let this happen again!

1.  If you have 2 cents to add to the immigration reform battle, please donate it now!  Every cent counts!

2.  Pass this posting around to your friends so they can donate.  Sometimes one person does not have as much as he may want to help in the Reform movement.  If he sends in something, and passes the news to his friend, together they meet the goal!

Will you push the YES button for immigration reform?

Y e s

How much does it cost when a father is deported to Mexico and his children and wife are left here to defend for themselves?

Are we willing to work together as a community or are we going to say, “but my contribution won’t make a change?”

Please help, every centavo cuenta!

I do not speak for the Reform Immigration For America people.  We all know this has been a grueling and expensive effort.  If reform is not brought soon, the effort will be a lot more expensive!  Let’s get this done!  A final push could make all the difference!

Hey thanks!  Everyone of you are in my heart and I wish the best for each child, each mother, each father who are battling for justice in this country.  I have not had a chance to meet many of you but I hope I will in the future.   
Tim Paynter
Attorney at Law

Technorati Tags: rifa,reform immigration for america,gabe gonzales,cir asap,immigration reform,arizona 1070,immigration rally,donations,campaign funding,emergency action plan,circ,afsc,ncla

National boycott planned for Arizona – speak with your dollars!

Just say NO to Arizona

Boycott HB 1070

It did not take an effort on the part of the National Council of La Raza to call for a boycott of Arizona for the first protests with the buck to start.  However, the influential organization, along with labor groups and others, has been instrumental in letting the citizens know there is a price to discrimination.

"No conferences. No travel," said Janet Murguía, president of the NCLR, the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights group. "We are looking at major events with big visibility, and we're asking all people to consider whether any purchase of goods from the state would further this unjust law."


Janet Murguía, picture from Washington Post

In addition to the boycotts urged by the NCLR, there may be a national walkout throughout the United States in the planning.  We will keep you posted on news.

Not everyone in Arizona is in agreement with HB 1070 which requires law enforcement to investigate any suspected undocumented person to see if they are in the country “without papers”.  The law was vetoed when it came up for signature by the prior governor of Arizona who was a Democrat.  It took a Republican Governor, Jan Brewer, to sign the hate based legislation. 

The problem with the law, amongst other issues, is it does not define what an “illegal alien” looks like.  That leaves some police departments in the un-happy position, and other police departments Like “Little Joe” Arpaio’s in the happy position, of determining for themselves what an undocumented resident looks like.  Since most undocumented workers are Latino, it mandates racial profiling and the obliteration of probable cause for Hispanics during police investigation.

Even though plenty of innocent persons will be hurt by a boycott, it sends a message to Arizona.  There is a price to hating your brother.  The National Council of La Raza NCLR is looking for large events to send the message.  According to an article in the Washington Post.

“Supporters of the NCLR have agreed to pull the Puerto Rican Day festival's regional meeting out of Phoenix, and the National Urban League struck the city from a short-list of places to host its 2012 conference.” 

Murguía has requested Major League Baseball cancel the 2011 All-Star Game in Phoenix.  'She is joined by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), according to the Hudson Reporter.

However, every single one of us can help send the message.  Every unspent dollar counts.  No travel.  No purchasing of products made in Arizona.  No conferences.  Perhaps you can even take the scenic route if your travel plans would normally lead you through Arizona on your way to greener pastures.  Best, no financial support of any kind!

The move will likely strike terror in the hearts of Republicans who supported the hate law.  The Republican Party is the party which supports business interests over that of labor and minorities.  It is also critical we remember which party passed this ugly law in the up-coming elections!

We must also be vigilant against illegal violations of one’s civil rights.  The federal government has an information page for those who think their rights have been violated.   While Arizona sanctions State mandated civil rights violations, clear acts of hate may be prosecuted by the federal government.

Technorati Tags: 2011 allstar game,jan brewer,hb 1070,nclr,nba players association,washington post,civil rights violation,racial profiling,boycott arizona,national boycott,rifa

Denver City Council passes pro-immigration proclamation! Paul Lopez has a vision for Denver!

Denver, Colorado, is more progressive than I had thought.  I was surprised listening to the members of the Denver, City Council, as they considered a proposal by Denver City Councilman Paul Lopez, District #3, asking for the council to pass a proclamation asking the federal government to get on with the business of comprehensive immigration reform ( cir asap ).

'
Eight of the nine council persons spoke in favor of the proclamation.  They cited various issues including the need to give children of immigrants a chance to advance themselves and go to school, the need for undocumented workers to come into conformance with the law, and the responsibility of the federal government to solve this problem and not leave it on the backs of the states.


The lone dissenter was Jeanie Faatz who represents an affluent constituency.  She says she sent out surveys and 65% would oppose portions of the proclamation. 


She also said the majority of her voters would over-whelmingly oppose a measure which grants children of undocumented immigrants a chance at education, especially if it allowed them to get in-state tuition.  Ms. Faatz, and likely her wealthy voter base, cannot see why educating a child breaks the chain of poverty and helps keep youth out of prisons and trouble.  Such narrow thinking eventually costs the tax payers significantly more money than if the state had simply cooperated in the education of children who already are here.  The Denver Post reporter appears in the video above and his story on the event appears here.


  What would help Ms. Faatz is to read the proposed comprehensive immigration reform ( cir ) bill to be placed in front of the Senate.  The proposal resolves many of the issues she addresses, including border security, admission of future residents, and the specific path to citizenship which is not amnesty and is quite lengthy.


Paul Lopez is a dynamic leader who will surely help shape the future of Denver, Colorado, as well as the future of the State and lives of immigrants who live in Denver.  I am optimistic this charismatic Denver City Councilman continues his political career and continues in his leadership role.  Reform Immigration For America ( RIFA ) Reforma Migratoria Pro America


Lopez spoke, his voice revealing tremendous humanity within his soul.  He told us about two constituents, one who wanted to get a library card.  Since the youth is undocumented, she was not able to get the card.  As a student, access to books is critical in the process of education. 


The other person wanted to participate in the Denver Library seed program.  The library hands out seeds in it’s effort to support a green Colorado.  However, if you are undocumented, you are not eligible for something as simple as seeds to grow food bearing plants.  On a more serious note, an undocumented female cannot get treatment for breast cancer until she is nearly on her death bed. 

Paul Lopez, Mayor John Hickenlooper, including Chris Nevitt and the majority of the members of the Denver City Council, and Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, Colorado Congresswoman Diana DeGette have the vision and wisdom to know the solution to the immigration problem in the U.S. involves keeping families together, making sure youth have a chance at education and to break the chain of poverty.  Comprehensive immigration reform ( CIR ) resolves these issues in one package.  It makes ugly hate laws like Arizona HB 1070 obsolete.  Stand behind Paul Lopez, a true leader in Colorado!

Technorati Tags: paul lopez,cir,comprehensive immigration reform,denver city council passes,immigration reform must,denver city council immigration,rifa,undocumented workers,illegal alien

Denver City Council to discuss support of CIR, Join Diana Degette, MOP, CIRC and others in the fight against injustice!

1437 Bannock Street

Denver, CO.

May 10th!

City Council Chambers

5:00 P.M.

Paul Lopez, Chris Nevitt, Diana

Degette and others!

The draft proclamation is not 100% in favor of undocumented workers.  However, it supports comprehensive immigration reform ( CIR asap ) as proposed by Reform Immigration For America ( RIFA ) and various U.S. Senators!

Read the draft proclamation here.

Come support your favorite undocumented worker and fight against unjust laws like Arizona HB 1070.  Diana Degette, Paul Lopez, Chris Nevit will be there!  Full story here and here! 

Denver can be a leader in the fight for comprehensive immigration reform ( cir asap ) if it wants to be.  We will have to see how Mayor John Hickenlooper wants to handle this!

Technorati Tags: denver city council considers,urging immigration reform,denver considering immigration,rifa,cir,cir asap,degette,paul lopez,circ

Tim Paynter, attorney at law, fights unjust treatment of undocumented workers!  720 951 1700

Oppose HB 1070, free bumper sticker Presente.Org, say no to abusive media like CNN’s conservative programs!

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The climate of hate for undocumented workers in Arizona is out of control! 

We need your support to oppose unjust laws.  HB 1070 does more than racially profile people of color.  It also vilifies undocumented workers.

For years, the conservative press has bashed undocumented workers.  Few members of the media have presented the other side!  Boycott CNN’s Lou Dobbs!

It is time all people who love freedom speak out!  Tell the world you oppose HB 1070!  Get your free bumper sticker from Presente.org! 

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Let’s tell the world about sheriff “Little Joe” Arpaio’s goon squad raids using his army of 900 officers to swarm poor areas in Arizona!

Let’s tell the world about what happens in broken families when a family member is deported!

Let’s tell the world about broken dreams when a child is refused education!

Let’s tell the world about how it feels to be racially profiled!

Join us in the Reform Immigration For America movement!

Technorati Tags: moveon.org,presente.org,free bumper,no on 1070,arizona hb 1070,arizona passes,arizona tough,latino groups,oppose hb 1070,rifa,lou dobbs,immigration reform