Immigrant Day in Sacramento

Immigrant Day attendees on the steps of the State Capitol

On March 21st 2012, a coalition of organizations from all over the state came together for Immigrant Day in Sacramento. Organizations ranged from Labor rights groups to Faith-based organizations who came together to advocate for the rights of immigrant communities. The day began with an interfaith procession, followed by leaders from the community who addressed the days attendees. Assemblymember Tom Amianno and Assemblymember Fiona Ma also spoke in support of the day and the passing of California Immigrant Policy Centers's (CIPC) pro immigrant policy platforms. During the speeches, community groups listened and prepared for the legislative visits that would begin around noon.

Assemblymember Tom Amianno, drafter of many pro-immigrant bills, addresses the crowd
photo courtesy of CIPC

I attended three legislative visits where Immigrant Day attendees shared their personal stories with Congressional staff and legislators, urging passing of Pro-immigrant bills. Some of of the highest priority Bills were the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (AB 889), the TRUST Act (AB 1081), The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (AB 1964) and The Reuniting Immigrant Families Act (SB 1064). During the visits, we explained what the bills entailed and how passing them would secure the human rights of immigrants in our communities. Community members told their stories to illustrate the impact the bills would have. One man spoke of his younger sister, who was undocumented and was reported to the police by the father of her child during a domestic dispute. She was deported and now her brother has to take care of his nephew. He spoke of the pain of separation and the uncertainly that goes along with policies that force families apart.

There were many stories like this. My delegations' last visit of the day was with Assemblywomen Pro Temporate Fiona Ma. Fiona Ma has been a strong advocate of progressive immigration on a state level and welcomed the stories from our contingent.

Advocates and community members getting ready for legislative visits

Immigration issues are a big part of the challenges facing the communities CHAA works with. There are hidden undocumented populations within many of our API groups and oftentimes their voices are completely unheard. Immigration Day provides an opportunity for members of the community to directly address their legislators and impact bills that may help support our communities, instead of denying them their rights. At CHAA, we look to bridge the gaps not just between communities and services, but also in policy arenas where voices matter. More efforts such as these may be instrumental in changing the landscape of California politics, to make this diverse state more open and fair to the people who call it home.

Written by: Smita Nadia Hussain