Tag: press release

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PRESS RELEASE: The US Supreme Court Blocks Citizenship Question

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MEDIA RELEASE

June 27, 2019

Contact: Ana Rodriguez: 720-255-3921, ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Jake Cousins: 303-324-3338, jake@padresunidos.org

Caitlin Rice: 720-908-0521, caitlin@togetherco.org

Raquel Lane-Arellano: 720-345-9516, Raquel@Coloradoimmigrant.org

Jenn Rivera: 303-736-9762, jenn@9to5.org

Ian Pham: 720-319-7381, ian@unecolorado.org

Marissa Molina: 970-274-1288, marissa@fwd.us

 

The US Supreme Court Blocks Citizenship Question

Immigrant rights advocates are ready for all communities to be counted

 

Today the US Supreme Court ruled to block the citizenship question from the 2020 census. We celebrate a victory for the people and a defeat of an administration that continues to move forward intimidating and racists attacks against our communities.

 

The census determines how more than $800 billion in federal resources are distributed for public services like roads, schools and hospitals for the next ten years. The results are also used to decide congressional representation, arguably the most fundamental tenet of our democracy besides voting.  We will not allow our families, friends and neighbors to be erased during the 2020 Census – we are ready to be counted. Participating in the Census is a demonstration of our collective power!

 

The following statements may be attributed to each advocate as noted:

 

“We are so relieved that even the conservative Supreme Court saw through the administration’s lies and recognized the effort to terrify immigrants and undercount and under-serve communities of color. This administration continues to push a racist and anti-immigrant agenda, but we will continue to build power with our communities to fight back and ensure every single one of us is counted and represented.” – Ana Rodriguez, Colorado People’s Alliance

 

“The Supreme Court stood on the side of representative democracy and the spirit of the census. The census is meant to tell us how many people live in our community so we can apportion representation in Congress and what resources are needed to keep our communities strong. Any effort to undermine the accuracy of the census is an attack on all of us.”- Jennifer Piper, American Friends Service Committee

 

“The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition is reassured by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling to reject a citizenship question on the 2020 Census. We commend this decision as an important step in protecting the integrity and accuracy of the Census. Our communities depend on an accurate count for fair political representation and critical resources and we will work tirelessly to ensure all are counted.” – Raquel Lane-Arellano, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition

 

“We applaud the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to block the citizenship question on the 2020 census. From the beginning, we knew the citizenship question was only about taking political power away from communities of color, immigrants, and the poor. This is about more than one person filling out a form and being counted in the census; it’s about entire communities standing up and declaring, amidst awful attacks from this administration, that we matter. That we have a right to be fully represented in our government and our democracy.” – Sharon Bridgeforth, Together Colorado Board President

 

“Colorado Jobs with Justice praises the Supreme Court decision to obstruct the citizenship question on the 2020 Census. This Census is crucial to inform and fund key services in Colorado, the citizenship question threatened the complete count and is a racist and xenophobic move by the administration targetting immigrant workers and low income communities.” – Pamela Resendiz, Executive Director Colorado Jobs with Justice

 

“We are pleased that the Supreme Court properly ruled that the citizenship question cannot go forward, for now, recognizing that the administration’s stated reason for adding the question was ‘contrived.’ We will continue to fight for all people to be counted.” – Denise Maes, ACLU of Colorado Public Policy Director

 

“UNE commends the Supreme Court on their decision to not ask the question of citizenship on the 2020 census,” shared Ian Pham, United for a New Economy (UNE) Digital Organizer. He continued, “This question posed a threat to Coloradan immigrants and  residents of color, who are already undercounted and under represented in our democracy.”

 

“Today’s decision proves that the white supremisist, anti-immigrant tactics of the Trump administration are no match for the people power we wield.  We cannot allow this brand of intimidation to force us back into the shadows.  In 2020 we will be counted, in full and unafraid!” – Jhovani Becerra, Padres & Jóvenes Unidos leader and board member

 

“9to5 Colorado is relieved to hear about the recent SCOTUS decision to block the citizen question from being included in the 2020 census. We believe that the right to be counted as human with dignity and respect should not be dependent on your citizenship.  While we are glad to hear about the decision, we also know that this is part of a larger effort to suppress and ignore the more marginalized in our communities. We will continue to advocate for just and responsive practices so that all Coloradans are counted and valued – the work continues!” – Jenn Rivera, 9to5 Colorado

 

“We are grateful that the Supreme Court has rejected the Administration’s attempts to add a citizenship question to the 2020 United States Census and remanded this to the lower court. The Court has made very clear that the reasons given by the U.S. government for adding a citizenship question were clearly, entirely, and simply false – which they were. Adding a citizenship question could have led to a dangerous under-counting of the U.S.’ real population, particularly in immigrant communities and communities of color. Given the Administration’s own timeline for printing, it is clear that this question cannot be on the 2020 Census.” – Todd Schulte, FWD.us President

 

“Educators know the fear and confusion the question of citizenship can cause for students. Since the census determines federal funding and congressional representation, we want to make sure that all families and students know that they matter and are counted, no matter who they are or where they live. No family should fear filling out the census and we applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to ensure a fair and accurate census.” Amie Baca-Oehlert, High School Counselor and President, Colorado Education Association

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

27 de junio de 2019

Contacto: Ana Rodriguez: 720-255-3921, ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Jake Cousins: 303-324-3338, jake@padresunidos.org

Arroz Caitlin: 720-908-0521, caitlin@togetherco.org

Raquel Lane-Arellano: 720-345-9516, Raquel@Coloradoimmigrant.org

Jenn Rivera: 303-736-9762, jenn@9to5.org

Ian Pham: 720-319-7381, ian@unecolorado.org

Marissa Molina: 970-274-1288, marissa@fwd.us

 

 

La Corte Suprema de los EEUU bloquea la pregunta de ciudadanía

Los defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes están listos para que todas las comunidades sean contadas.

 

Hoy, la Corte Suprema de los EE. UU. decidió bloquear la pregunta de ciudadanía del censo de 2020. Celebramos una victoria para el pueblo y una derrota de una administración que continúa avanzando ataques intimidantes y racistas contra nuestras comunidades.

 

El censo determina cómo se distribuirán más de $800 mil millones en recursos federales para servicios públicos como carreteras, escuelas y hospitales durante los próximos diez años. Los resultados también se usan para decidir la representación en el Congreso, posiblemente el principio más fundamental de nuestra democracia, además de la votación.  No permitiremos que nuestras familias, amigos y vecinos sean borrados durante el Censo de 2020, estamos listos para ser contados. ¡Participar en el Censo es una demostración de nuestro poder colectivo!

 

Las siguientes declaraciones pueden atribuirse a cada defensor como se señala:

 

“Estamos tan aliviados de que incluso la Corte Suprema conservadora vio las mentiras de la administración y reconoció el esfuerzo por aterrorizar a los inmigrantes y sub-contar y sub-servir a las comunidades de color. Esta administración continúa promoviendo una agenda racista y antiinmigrante, pero continuaremos construyendo el poder con nuestras comunidades para luchar y asegurarnos de que cada uno de nosotros sea contado y representado.” – Ana Rodriguez, Alianza del Pueblo de Colorado

 

“La Corte Suprema se puso del lado de la democracia representativa y del espíritu del censo. El censo está destinado a decirnos cuántas personas viven en nuestra comunidad para que podamos repartir la representación en el Congreso y qué recursos se necesitan para mantener nuestras comunidades fuertes. Cualquier esfuerzo para socavar la precisión del censo es un ataque para todos nosotros.” – Jennifer Piper, Comité de Servicio de los Amigos de los Estados Unidos

 

“La Coalición de Derechos de los Inmigrantes de Colorado se ve reafirmada por la reciente decisión de la Corte Suprema de los EE.UU. de rechazar una pregunta de ciudadanía en el Censo de 2020. Recomendamos esta decisión como un paso importante para proteger la integridad y la precisión del Censo. Nuestras comunidades dependen de un conteo preciso para una representación política justa y recursos críticos y trabajaremos incansablemente para asegurarnos de que todos se cuenten.” – Raquel Lane-Arellano, Coalición por los Derechos de los Inmigrantes de Colorado

 

“Aplaudimos la decisión de la Corte Suprema de EE.UU. de bloquear la pregunta de la ciudadanía en el censo de 2020. Desde el principio, sabíamos que la pregunta de la ciudadanía consistía únicamente en quitarle el poder político a las comunidades de color, a los inmigrantes y a los pobres. Esto se trata más de una persona que llena un formulario y se cuenta en el censo; se trata de comunidades enteras que se ponen de pie y declaran, en medio de los terribles ataques de esta administración, que importamos. Que tenemos el derecho de estar plenamente representados en nuestro gobierno y nuestra democracia.” – Sharon Bridgeforth, Presidente de la Junta de Together Colorado

 

“Colorado Jobs with Justice celebra la decisión de la Corte Suprema de obstruir la pregunta de la ciudadanía en el Censo de 2020. Este Censo es crucial para informar y financiar servicios clave en Colorado, la pregunta de la ciudadanía amenazó con el recuento total y es un movimiento racista y xenófobo por parte de la administración dirigida a los trabajadores inmigrantes y las comunidades de bajos ingresos.” – Pamela Resendiz, Directora Ejecutiva de Colorado Jobs with Justice

 

“Nos complace que el Tribunal Supremo haya dictaminado correctamente que la pregunta de la ciudadanía no puede avanzar, por ahora, reconociendo que la razón declarada por el gobierno para agregar la pregunta fue “inventada”. Continuaremos luchando para que todas las personas sean contadas.” – Denise Maes, Director de Políticas Públicas de la ACLU de Colorado

 

“UNE felicita a la Corte Suprema por su decisión de no incluir la pregunta de la ciudadanía en el censo de 2020”, compartió Ian Pham, United for a New Economy (UNE) Organizador Digital. Continuó, “Esta pregunta representaba una amenaza para los inmigrantes de Colorado y los residentes de color, que ya están poco informados y están poco representados en nuestra democracia.”

 

La decisión de hoy demuestra que la táctica antiinmigrante, supremacista blanca de la administración Trump no es rival para el poder de las personas que ejercemos. No podemos permitir que este tipo de intimidación nos obligue a volver a las sombras. ¡En 2020 seremos contados, completos y sin miedo!” – Jhovani Becerra, líder de Padres & Jóvenes Unidos y miembro de la junta directiva

 

“9to5 Colorado se siente aliviado al escuchar de la reciente decisión de SCOTUS de bloquear la inclusión de la pregunta de ciudadanía en el censo de 2020. Creemos que el derecho a ser considerado como humano con dignidad y respeto no debe depender de su ciudadanía. Si bien nos alegra saber sobre la decisión, también sabemos que esto es parte de un esfuerzo mayor para reprimir e ignorar a los más marginados de nuestras comunidades. Continuaremos abogando por prácticas justas y receptivas para que todos sean contados y valorados, ¡el trabajo continúa!” –  Jenn Rivera, 9to5 Colorado

 

“Estamos agradecidos de que la Corte Suprema haya rechazado los intentos de la Administración de agregar una pregunta de ciudadanía al Censo de Estados Unidos 2020 y lo remitió a la corte inferior. El Tribunal ha dejado muy claro que las razones dadas por el gobierno de los EE.UU. para agregar una pregunta sobre la ciudadanía eran clara, total y simplemente falsas, como lo eran. Agregar una pregunta de ciudadanía podría haber conducido a un sub-conteo peligroso de la población real de los Estados Unidos, particularmente en las comunidades de inmigrantes y de color. Dado el propio cronograma de impresión de la Administración, está claro que esta pregunta no puede estar en el Censo de 2020.” – Todd Schulte, Presidente de FWD.us

 

“Los educadores conocen el temor y la confusión que la pregunta de la ciudadanía puede causar a los estudiantes. Dado que el censo determina la financiación federal y la representación en el Congreso, queremos asegurarnos de que todas las familias y estudiantes sepan que son importantes y que se cuentan, sin importar quiénes son o dónde viven. Ninguna familia debe tener miedo al llenar el censo y aplaudimos la decisión de la Corte Suprema de garantizar un censo justo y exacto.” Amie Baca-Oehlert, Consejera de la Escuela Secundaria y Presidenta, Asociación de Educación de Colorado

 

 

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PRESS RELEASE: Senate Passage Sends Local Wage Option to the Governor’s Desk

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MEDIA STATEMENTS

May 3, 2019

Contact:      Jenny Davies: 720-296-9545, jenny@progressive-promotions.com

Lizeth Chacon: (720) 938-6588, lizeth@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

 

Senate Passage Sends Local Wage Option to the Governor’s Desk

Will put power back into the hands of local officials who know their communities best

 

DENVER – Today local officials, business owners and workers celebrated the passage of the Local Wage Option bill (HB 1210) and that the final bill is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature. The bill would restore local control for city and county officials in adjusting their own minimum wage.

 

The following statements may be attributed each advocate as noted:

 

Lizeth Chacon, Executive Director of Colorado People’s Alliance

“Hardworking Coloradans should be able to live and thrive in the communities where they work. Voters across the political spectrum support local control and this bill will allow cities and counties to decide a local minimum wage that makes sense for them. Working families are grateful it has passed in the Colorado legislature and are looking forward to the Governor signing the bill.”

 

Deven Shaff, Broomfield City Council Ward 3

“Over the years Broomfield has seen the cost of living raise while the wages, especially minimum wage, has not increased at the same pace. Local elected officials want to ensure that our residents and economy can prosper and this local wage option bill will offer Broomfield another tool to ensure our economy works for the entire community. As local elected officials continue to work with local employers, employees and community members on this issue, we can determine a minimum wage that will let our residents cover housing, food and other costs in Broomfield. A local minimum wage option enables us to further this conversation.”

 

Paolo Solorzano, Worker

“Everyone knows that the cost of rent has gone up much faster than wages have risen, especially in Aurora, where I live. I’m having a really hard time making my paycheck stretch far enough to afford rent and all of my basic bills like groceries and utilities. As someone who works hard every day as a server, I’m hopeful the Aurora city government will take up what the most appropriate minimum wage should be given how expensive it is to live here.”

 

Whitney Painter, owner of Buglet Solar Electric and Good Business Colorado member

“Our small local business pays competitive wages so that our workers can afford basic expenses and also have some money in their pockets to spend in our local economy. A stable workforce and consumer dollars support small businesses like ours,and help our community to proper. Local elected officials are best positioned to set a minimum wage that will ensure residents not just survive but thrive.”

 

The Colorado People’s Alliance is a racial-justice member-led organization that works for climate, economic and immigrant justice to improve the lives of all Coloradans.

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PRESS RELEASE: Thousands Rally Across Colorado to End Family Separation and Detention

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*Continúa en Español*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Saturday, June 30th

Contact: Cristian Solano-Cordova, cristian@coloradoimmigrant.org, (720) 434-4632

Jake Cousins, jake@padresunidos.org, (303) 324-3338

Ana Rodriguez, ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org, (720) 255-3921

 

Thousands Rally Across Colorado to End Family Separation and Detention

 

Denver, CO.- Today thousands of Coloradans will convene at Civic Center park and across the state as part of a national day of action to demand an end to family separation and detention. For weeks the country has been horrified by the Trump administration’s Zero Tolerance policy which has led to children being torn from their parent’s arms and being kept in baby jails as their parents face criminal punishment and deportation without their children. Immigrants received another blow with the SCOTUS ruling upholding the racist Muslim Travel ban that will also separate immigrant families. Immigrants, immigrant justice and ally organizations, and Coloradans are rallying today to demand the following:

 

Reunite families now. Permanently end family separation and immediately reunify those that have been separated though the ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy. Stop the separation of Muslim families, end the Muslim ban now.

End family detention and the ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy.

  • Children and families deserve due process, not indefinite imprisonment. Children do not belong in baby cages and internment-like camps. Family incarceration is not the solution to family separation.
  • Reverse the Trump administration’s policy that created this crisis and chaos to begin with. Parents should not be criminally prosecuted for doing what all parents do, which is bring their children to safety. This horrible nightmare for families will only end when Trump permanently stops his 100% prosecution policy.

Abolish ICE and CBP. Immigrant families will not be safe from abuse, trauma, and separation until the agencies ripping them apart are abolished.

 

WHO: Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Colorado People’s Alliance, ACLU of Colorado, Padres y Jóvenes Unidos, Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition, Indivisible Denver, AFSC, Colorado Organization for Latino Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, Indivisible Front Range Resistance, Denver Democratic Socialists of America, Mujerr, United for a New Economy, J Street Colorado, Mi Familia Vota and others

WHAT:     Rally to demand an end to family separation and immigrant detention. For live updates: Facebook Event

WHEN: Saturday, June 30th, 10am-12pm

WHERE: Civic Center Park, Greek Amphitheater

Visual: 3,000+  individuals with signs chanting at rally, faith leaders in religious garb, immigrant families sharing their stories and demands

Events Across the State: Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Boulder, Durango, Vail Valley, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Yuma

 

Jeanette Vizguerra, activist for immigrant rights said:

“Finally, the community is listening to the serious problem of the separation of families that is destroying our families, leaving a mark in their lives that is never erased and a trauma in children who are being cruelly snatched from the arms of their parents and receiving the most cruel and inhumane treatment as they are put in cages as if they were government pets. That’s why today I will be demanding the government stop with this abhorrent practice of creating fear in families. Enough is enough, we need a solution.”

 

Nadeen Ibrahim, advocate in Muslim community said:

“As a Muslim American and daughter of a father that benefited from the Reagan Amnesty, I stand for keeping and reuniting families. Families have no choice but to come here seeking safe haven, and it’s our humanitarian responsibility to grant them that safe haven.”

 

Carlos Blanco, immigrant from El Salvador facing deportation said:

“I am from El Salvador, I have been living in the United States for 10 years and I am in the process of deportation and in September I have my next check-in. I am very afraid because my wife, my 5 year old son, and I are in danger of being separated. If I am deported, I run the risk of being killed by gangs with my wife and son because in my country of El Salvador there is a lot of violence, 2 of my relatives were killed by the gangs. I’m tired of so much injustice, I need a solution now.”

 

Laura Peniche, DACA recipient and mother and leader with Get REAL and Together Colorado said:

“Our families are very damaged by both the abuse and the mistreatment of our undocumented community, both on the border and in the interior of the entire country. It is time for us to get up and fight for our dignity, our health and our lives. Too many people are dying on the border and inside immigration detention centers. It’s enough that they treat us as if we were a threat to this country.”

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AVISO DE PRENSA
Sábado, 30 de Junio, 2018

Contacto: Cristian Solano-Cordova, cristian@coloradoimmigrant.org, (720) 434-4632

Jake Cousins, jake@padresunidos.org, (303) 324-3338

Ana Rodriguez, ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org, (720) 255-3921

 

Miles de Personas se Reúnen en todo Colorado para Terminar la Separación y la Detención Familiar

Denver, CO– Hoy, miles de personas de Colorado se reunirán en el parque Civic Center y en todo el estado como parte de un día nacional de acción para exigir el fin de la separación y la detención familiar. Durante semanas, el país se ha horrorizado por la política de Cero Tolerancia de la administración Trump que ha provocado que niños sean arrancados de los brazos de sus padres y mantenidos en cárceles para bebés mientras sus padres enfrentan castigos criminales y deportación sin sus hijos. Los inmigrantes recibieron otro golpe con el fallo de la Corte Suprema que aprobó la política racista de Prohibición Musulmana que también separará a las familias inmigrantes. Los inmigrantes, las organizaciones de inmigrantes y aliados, y las personas de Colorado se están uniendo hoy para exigir lo siguiente:

 

La reunificación familiar. Terminar de forma permanente con la separación de la familia e inmediatamente vuelva a reunir a aquellos que han sido separados a través de la política de ‘Tolerancia Cero’. Detener la separación de las familias Musulmanas, poner fin a la Prohibición Musulmana ahora.

Poner alto a la detención familiar y la política de ‘Cero Tolerancia’.

  • Los niños y las familias merecen el debido proceso, no el encarcelamiento indefinido. Los niños no pertenecen en jaulas para bebés ni en campamentos de internamiento. El encarcelamiento familiar no es la solución para la separación familiar.
  • Eliminar la política de la administración Trump que creó caos y esta crisis desde un principio. Los padres no deben ser penalizados por hacer lo que hacen todos los padres, que es llevar a sus hijos a un lugar seguro. Esta horrible pesadilla para las familias solo terminará cuando Trump detenga permanentemente su política de enjuiciamiento al 100%.

Abolir ICE y la Patrulla Fronteriza. Las familias inmigrantes no estarán a salvo del abuso, el trauma y la separación hasta que las agencias que las separan sean abolidas.

 

QUIEN: Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Colorado People’s Alliance, ACLU of Colorado, Padres y Jóvenes Unidos, Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition, Indivisible Denver, AFSC, Colorado Organization for Latino Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, Indivisible Front Range Resistance, Denver Democratic Socialists of America, Mujerr, United for a New Economy, J Street Colorado, Mi Familia Vota y otros
QUÉ: Manifestación para exigir el fin de la separación familiar y la detención de inmigrantes. Para actualizaciones en vivo: Página de Evento

CUÁNDO: Sábado, 30 de junio, 10am-12pm

DONDE: Civic Center Park, Greek Amphitheater
Visual: Más de 3,000 personas con carteles y cantando, líderes de fe en su vestimiento, inmigrantes compartiendo sus historias y demandas, canciones y actuaciones por artistas locales

 

Eventos en todo el estado: Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Boulder, Durango, Vail Valley, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Yuma

Jeanette Vizguerra, activista por los derechos de los inmigrantes, dijo:

“Finalmente la comunidad está escuchando el grave problema de la separación de las familias que destruye a nuestras familias dejando una marca en sus vidas que jamás se borra y un trauma en los niños que ahora con crueldad son arrebatados de los brazos de sus padres y recibiendo el trato más cruel e inhumano poniéndolos en jaulas como si fueran mascotas del gobierno. Por esa razón hoy estaré demandando al gobierno parar con esta aberrante práctica de crear temor en las familias. Ya basta tiene que haber una solución urgente.”

 

Nadeen Ibrahim, activista por los derechos de los inmigrantes Musulmanes, dijo:

“Como Musulmana Estadounidense e hija de un padre que se benefició de la Amnistía de Reagan, defiendo el hecho de mantener y reunir a las familias. Las familias no tienen más remedio que venir aquí en busca de un refugio seguro, y es nuestra responsabilidad humanitaria otorgarles ese refugio seguro.”

 

Carlos Blanco, inmigrante de El Salvador luchando contra su deportación, dijo:

“Soy de El Salvador, tengo 10 años viviendo en estados unidos y estoy en proceso de deportación y en septiembre tengo mi proximo check-in. Tengo mucho miedo ya que como familia corremos peligro de ser separados mi esposa y mi hijo ciudadano de estados unidos de 5 años. Si me deportan corro peligro de ser asesinado por pandillas junto a mi esposa e hijo ya que en mi país El Salvador hay mucha violencia, 2 de mis familiares los mataron fueron las pandillas. Ya basta de tantas injusticias, nesecito solucion ahora.”

 

Laura Peniche, madre y beneficiaria de DACA y líder con Get REAL y Juntos Colorado, dijo:

“Nuestras familias están muy dañadas por tanto abuso y maltrato hacia nuestra comunidad indocumentada, tanto en la frontera como en el interior de todo el país.  Es hora de que nos levantemos y luchemos por nuestra dignidad, nuestra salud y nuestras vidas.  Demasiadas personas están muriendo en la frontera y dentro de los centros de detención para inmigrantes.  Ya basta de que nos traten como si fuéramos una amenaza para este país.”

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PRESS RELEASE: ICE Raid Confirmed at Vassar Arms Apartments /Redada de Inmigración Confirmada en Los Apartamentos Vassar Arms

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Seguido en Español

***MEDIA RELEASE***

 unnamed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT:

Ana Rodriguez, 720-255-3921, ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Jennifer Piper, 720-301-1858, jpiper@afsc.org

 

ICE Raid Confirmed at Vassar Arms Apartments

 

The 24 hour Colorado Rapid Response Network denounces ICE’s actions; calls on the community to know and use their rights, contact CoRRN to be connected to support

 

Wednesday, May 16th – (Denver, CO) The Colorado Rapid Response Network has confirmed ICE enforcement activity at the Vassar Arms Apartments on South Federal Road in Southwest Denver starting at approximately 6AM this morning. A dispatcher of the Colorado Rapid Response Network spoke to a witness that reported that at least 3 white vans but maybe as many as 6 vans were outside the apartments with at least 8 people lined up outside the vans. Police presence was reported at the scene but has not yet been confirmed. Members of the Rapid Response Network are still working to connect with witnesses of the raid and directly impacted individuals and to determine how many individuals were detained.

 

The network is grateful to concerned residents who called our hotline and is working to connect impacted individuals and their families with support. Anyone who witnessed or was impacted by this enforcement activity is advised to call the Colorado Rapid Response Network immediately at 1-844-864-8342 and press 1 to speak with a live volunteer of the 24 hotline to be connected to a community of support.

 

Ana Rodriguez of Colorado People’s Alliance and the Rapid Response Network said, “We are disgusted by this attack on families in South Denver and recognize that this is part of a larger effort to terrify our immigrant communities. We stand with the families who were targeted today and urge any impacted person to call us so we can immediately connect them to support and resources.”

 

Know Your Rights materials below.

 

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The Colorado Rapid Response Network is an effort led by the Rapid Response Team of the Immigration Resistance Table, a group of organizations that includes American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA), Mi Familia Vota (MFV), Padres & Jóvenes Unidos (PJU), and United for a New Economy Action  (UNEA).

 

 

***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

unnamedPARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

CONTACTOS:

Ana Rodriguez, 720-255-3921, ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Jennifer Piper, 720-301-1858, jpiper@afsc.org

 

Redada de Inmigración Confirmada en Los Apartamentos Vassar Arms

 

La Red de Respuesta Rápida en Colorado denuncia las acciones de ICE; hace un llamado a la comunidad para concientizarse acerca de sus derechos y comunicarse con la Red para ser conectados con apoyo

 

Miércoles, 16 de mayo – (Denver, CO) La Red de Respuesta Rápida de Colorado ha confirmado la actividad de Agencias de Inmigración en los Apartamentos Vassar Arms en South Federal Road en el suroeste de Denver a partir de aproximadamente las 6 a.m. de la mañana. Un despachador de la Red de Respuesta Rápida de Colorado habló con un testigo que reportó que al menos 3 camionetas blancas, pero tal vez hasta 6 camionetas estaban afuera de los apartamentos con al menos 8 personas alineadas afuera de las camionetas. Se informa que policía también estaba presente pero aun no esta confirmado. Los miembros de la Red de Respuesta Rápida aún están trabajando para conectarse con testigos de la redada y las personas directamente afectadas para determinar cuántas personas fueron detenidas.

 

La red agradece a los que llamaron a nuestra línea directa y están trabajando para conectar a las personas afectadas y sus familias con apoyo. Se aconseja a cualquier persona que haya presenciado o se haya visto afectada por esta Redada de Inmigración que llame a la Red de Respuesta Rápida de Colorado inmediatamente al 1-844-864-8342 y marque 1 para hablar con un voluntario en vivo de la línea de 24 para conectarse a una comunidad de apoyo.

 

Ana Rodriguez, de la Alianza del Pueblo de Colorado y la Red de Respuesta Rápida, dijo, “Nos repugna este ataque a las familias en el sur de Denver y reconocemos que esto es parte de un esfuerzo mayor para aterrorizar a nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes. Apoyamos a las familias que fueron atacadas hoy e instamos a cualquier persona afectada a que nos llame para que podamos conectarlas de inmediato con apoyo y recursos.”

 

Materiales de Conozca Sus Derechos adjuntos.

 

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La Red de Respuesta Rápida de Colorado es un esfuerzo liderado por el Equipo de Respuesta Rápida de la Mesa de Resistencia de Inmigrantes, un grupo de organizaciones que incluye el Comité de Servicio de Amigos Americanos (AFSC), la Coalición de Derechos de Inmigrantes de Colorado (CIRC), Alianza del Pueblo de Colorado (COPA). Mi Familia Vota (MFV), Padres & Jóvenes Unidos (PJU) y United for a New Economy Action (UNEA).

Uncategorized

Trump Administration attempts to intimidate ‘Safe Cities’

juliecopa

 

 

 

 

 

*Continua en Español*

For Immediate Release 

Press contact:

Ana Rodriguez 832-567-8323, ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Jennifer Piper 720-301-1858, jpiper@afsc.org

Trump Administration attempts to intimidate ‘Safe Cities’

CO Rapid Response Network calls on Congress to support localities, restrict ICE’s funding

Colorado (September 29, 2017) This week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reports detaining almost 500 undocumented immigrants, supposedly targeting people in jurisdictions with policies that limit collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement. The Colorado Rapid Response Network condemned the actions and the rhetoric.

“These raids are a disturbing attempt to intimidate cities who are protecting constitutional rights and standing up for their immigrant community members,” said Ana Rodriguez of Colorado People’s Alliance. “’This is clearly a political move by ICE meant to bully cities who have taken steps to protect immigrants from federal overreach and ICE abuses. We will continue to stand for what’s best for Denver as a whole.”

The raids took place in cities and counties across the U.S., including in Denver, where 63 people were arrested. “These operations are business as usual for the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement agency. ”  said Jennifer Piper, Director of Interfaith Organizing at the American Friends Service Committee. “In Denver and across the country, local immigrant and citizen communities stand strong with our elected officials who have created Safe Cities where everyone can contribute to the health of our cities. We demand Congress create a path to citizenship and reign in wasteful and destructive spending increases for ICE.”

“The Administration’s rhetoric attempts to divide the immigrant movement by criminalizing entire groups of people and behaving as though they do not deserve due process or human dignity,” said Carla Castedo of Mi Familia Vota. “But we’re not buying it. ICE was already routinely targeting Denver and the surrounding metro areas even before the city passed its public safety policy, they were just doing it without fanfare. Our city is safest when all members of the community trust local law enforcement, when local governments do not engage in immigration policy enforcement, and that’s what the Denver policy ensures. If you see ICE enforcement, call our hotline immediately to report it 1.844.8648341.”

Organizers are pointing to the unjust and racially discriminatory criteria that is used to decide who is a priority for deportation. Pamela Resendiz of United for a New Economy elaborated “What does gang membership even mean? A resource officer in a school or parking lot sees a teenager with a tattoo, talking to three or more young men on a corner, and that’s enough to get you in a gang database that ICE has access to. These databases are have been proven to be nothing more than racial profiling. ”

In the face of these raids, the Colorado Rapid Response Network vowed to continue their work conducting “know your rights” trainings, mobilizing rapid response networks and advocating for policy changes that limit collusion between ICE and local law enforcement.

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Para publicación inmediata

Contacto de prensa:

Ana Rodriguez 832-567-8323, ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Jennifer Piper 720-301-1858, jpiper@afsc.org

La Administración de Trump intenta intimidar a las ‘ciudades santuarios’

La Red de Respuesta Rápida reclama al Congreso que apoye a las localidades, restrinja al presupuesto de ICE

Colorado (29 de septiembre de 2017) Esta semana, la Agencia de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) reporta que detuvo a casi 500 inmigrantes indocumentados, supuestamente atacando a las jurisdicciones “santuarios” con políticas que limitan la colaboración entre ICE y la policía local. La Red de Respuesta Rápida de Colorado condenó las acciones y la retórica de la Administración.

“Estas incursiones representan un intento de intimidar a las ciudades que están protegiendo los derechos constitucionales de, y defendiendo a, sus miembros de la comunidad inmigrante”, dijo Ana Rodríguez, de la Alianza del Pueblo (COPA por sus siglas en inglés). “Esta es claramente una política de manipulación de parte de la Administración para intimidar a las ciudades que han tomado medidas para proteger a los inmigrantes de los abusos federales y de la ICE. Seguiremos defendiendo lo que es mejor para todos los residentes del área metropolitano”.

Las redadas ocurrieron en ciudades y condados a través de los Estados Unidos, incluso en Denver, donde reportan que arrestaron a 63 personas. “Estas operaciones no son fuera de común para la agencia de inmigración bajo la Administración Trump.”, dijo Jennifer Piper, Directora de Organizaciones Interreligiosas del American Friends Service Committee. “En Denver y en todo el país, las comunidades locales de inmigrantes y ciudadanos se mantienen firmes con nuestros funcionarios electos quien han creado una línea de separación entre Inmigración y la policía local donde todo el mundo puede contribuir a la seguridad de nuestras ciudades. Exigimos que el Congreso cree un camino hacia la ciudadanía y elimine incrementos en gastos derrochadores y destructivos para ICE. ”

“La retórica de la Administración intenta dividir al movimiento inmigrante criminalizando a grupos enteros de personas y comportándose como si no merecen el debido proceso o la dignidad humana”, dijo Carla Castedo de Mi Familia Vota. “Pero no nos engañan. ICE ya estaba rutinariamente atacando a Denver y las áreas metropolitanas circundantes, incluso antes de que la ciudad aprobara su política de seguridad pública, solo que lo hacían sin fanfarria. Nuestra ciudad es más segura cuando todos los miembros de la comunidad confían en la policía local, cuando los gobiernos locales no se involucran en la aplicación de la política de inmigración, y eso es lo que garantiza la política de Denver. Si ve una redada, llame confidencialmente a nuestra línea de respuesta rápida inmediatamente para informar de ello 1.844.8648341.”

Los organizadores señalan a los criterios injustos y racialmente discriminatorios que se utilizan para decidir quién es una prioridad para la deportación. Pamela Resendiz de Unidos por una Nueva Economía elaboró “¿Qué significa la membresía de pandillas? ¿Quién se decide quien es miembro? Un oficial de recursos en una escuela ve a un adolescente con un tatuaje, hablando con tres o más hombres jóvenes en una esquina, y eso es suficiente para conseguir que usted se encuentra en una base de datos de pandillas. Estas bases de datos se han demostrado ser nada más que el perfil racial. ”

En respuesta a estas incursiones, la Red de Respuesta Rápida de Colorado se comprometió continuar con su trabajo realizando entrenamientos de “conozca sus derechos”, movilizando redes de respuesta rápida y abogando por cambios en las políticas que limiten la colusión entre ICE y la policía local.

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Uncategorized

Press Release: Public Safety Enforcement Priority Act Overwhelmingly Passes First Test

juliecopa

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Contact: Corrine Rivera-Fowler – (720) 296-8389; Lizeth Chacon – (720) 938-6588

 logos for press release

Public Safety Enforcement Priority Act Overwhelmingly Passes First Test

Faith leaders, advocates for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and immigrant rights champions call on Denver City Council to support council ordinance

 

August 2nd, 2017 – (Denver, CO) On a 5-1 vote, Denver City Council’s Safety, Housing,

Education & Homelessness Committee voted to pass the Public Safety Enforcement Priority Act. The ordinance is now headed to the full city council for a first reading vote on August 21, 2017. Council members Paul López, Robin Kniech, Stacie Gilmore, Paul Kashmann, and Wayne New voted in support of the ordinance, while Councilman Kevin Flynn opposed. “The people who are directly impacted by this policy have demonstrated that this policy matters to make Denver a safer city,” said Denver At-Large Councilwoman Robin Kniech, one of the ordinance’s sponsors.

 

The vote happened less than 24 hours after Mayor Hancock’s staff informed the Denver Post of a potential executive order aimed at protecting the immigrant community. While the Mayor’s support is welcomed by many, Kniech and Lopez’s policy creates two critical protections absent from the Mayor’s current draft: 1) all Denver city employees would be prohibited from communication and collaboration with ICE, and 2) the Denver Sheriff Department would no longer send notification information to ICE about the time and place of an individual’s release from the Denver county jail without a warrant.

 

“Mayor Hancock, thank you for your renewed interest in the well-being and safety of our immigrant community. Help us make Denver stronger and safer by working with us to pass this ordinance that has been crafted with leadership and input from community members,” said Corrine Rivera-Fowler of Padres y Jóvenes Unidos.

 

Responding to Councilman Flynn’s concerns that this proposal would create false hope, Salvador Hernandez of Mi Familia Vota responded, “False hopes is telling Denverites that weare safe and welcoming, while allowing Denver employees to continue communicating with ICE. In the last fiscal year, at least 279 undocumented Denver residents were deported as a direct result of Denver Sheriff Department’s compliance with ICE requests. This policy will defend Denver residents from ICE’s federal overreach.”

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Uncategorized
copaadmin

 

*Seguido en Español*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1st 2017

Contact: Elizabeth Murphy, 720-515-6391

elizabeth@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Communities Demand Safe Drinking Water!

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Denver, CO  Community members  came together for a Water Justice meeting to launch Colorado People’s Alliance’s Water Justice campaign and to hear from folks in Montbello and Commerce City on the issue of clean and drinkable water.

During the meeting we heard from community members in Montbello and Commerce City as they shared about their lack of confidence in the safety of their drinking water, we heard unacceptable stories from people who don’t drink the water from the faucet as it makes them sick, so they have to rely on buying water in order to have safe drinking water in their homes.

Thirty Montbello and Commerce City leaders then discussed their priorities for addressing the issue, and their vision for a community led process to identify and address failing infrastructure issues. Our community was clear that this is only the first step, and collectively called on Denver Water to test the water and to take steps to address this critical issue. Community members and COPA leaders will continue to hold  Denver and Commerce City officials accountable for this crisis, it is unacceptable that our community doesn’t have access to clean water – we must work to ensure everyone regardless of where they live has  access to safe drinking water.

“Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right that is not being afforded to communities of color and low income communities. It is time that our elected officials pay attention to the water crisis those of us in Montbello have been living for a really long time, we all deserve access to clean water and I expect Denver to act to make sure my family can drink the water from our faucet.”  -Consuelo, Member of Colorado People’s Alliance and resident of Montbello

Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA) is a racial justice, member-driven organization dedicated to advancing and winning progressive social change locally, statewide and nationally. COPA builds power to improve the lives of all Coloradans through leadership development, organizing and alliance building.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

1 de junio 2017

Contacto: Elizabeth Murphy, 720-515-6391

elizabeth@coloradopeopleslliance.org

La Comunidad Demande Agua Potable!

 18766723_2010649532502374_4770105933742827969_o

Denver, CO–Miembros la comunidad reunieron para lanzar la campaña de la Justicia de Agua y para escuchar de la comunidad en Montbello y Commerce City de la seguridad y accesibilidad de su agua.

Durante de la reunión comunitaria escuchamos de miembros de la comunidad en Montbello y Commerce City, acerca de la falta de confianza en su agua, escucharon historias inaceptables de personas quienes no pueden tomar su agua y que están poniéndose enfermos, y que necesitan comprar su agua para tener agua seguro en sus casas.

Treinta asistentes de Montbello y Commerce City hablaron de sus prioridades para abordar el problema, su visión para un proceso dirigido por la comunidad para identificar y mejorar programas de nuestra infraestructura. Nuestra comunidad llamó al distrito de Denver Water para probar el agua y tomar pasos para abordar este problema crítico. Miembros de la comunidad y líderes de COPA continuarán a asegurar que nuestros distritos de agua, gobierno, y elegidos son responsables para asegurar que todos tienen acceso al agua potable y seguro.

“El acceso al agua seguro y potable es un derecho humano que nuestras comunidades, comunidades de color y de bajos recursos, no tienen. Esto es debido a la falta de inversión económica y falta de priorización históricamente en el desarrollo de nuestras comunidades. Es tiempo que nuestros elegidos prestan atención a este crisis de agua que nosotros en Montbello hemos vivido por mucho tiempo, todos deben tener acceso al agua seguro y potable, y espero que Denver tome acción para asegurar que mi familiar puede usar nuestro agua”  -Conseulo, Miembro de COPA y residente de Montbello

Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA) is a racial justice, member-driven organization dedicated to advancing and winning progressive social change locally, statewide and nationally. COPA builds power to improve the lives of all Coloradans through leadership development, organizing and alliance building.

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Uncategorized

Boycotting Coors–Spreading Beer and Hate for Too Long

juliecopa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 1, 2017

Contact: Ana Rodriguez, 720-722-4272

ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Boycotting Coors–Spreading Beer and Hate for Too Long

(May 1, 2017) DENVER:  Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA), SEIU Local 105, Fight for $15 Denver, Padres & Jóvenes Unidos, Together Colorado, American Friends Services Committee (AFSC), and other local groups rallied at Coors Headquarters today to launch a boycott of Coors beer.  “We demand that Coors stop funding terror in our communities” stated Lizeth Chacon, Executive Director of COPA. “By supporting Trump and Gardner, the Coors Corporation sends a strong message to the community, that they do not support working families and our communities but solely their personal interest and profit.”

A letter was presented to a Coors staff member decrying the support Coors has provided to anti-immigrant, anti-worker candidates and elected officials such as Senator Cory Gardner and President Trump.  The groups demand that Coors stop funding politicians who attack working families, and since Coors is a funder of Senator Cory Gardner, the groups pushed Coors to demand Gardner meet with his constituents. Gardner is one of a few Senators who has refused to meet with his constituents in person.  “He is afraid to talk to his own constituents face to face” said Jordan T. Garcia, Immigrant Ally Organizing Director of AFSC.  “We will remember this in 2018.  If he doesn’t want to meet with us in Colorado, he shouldn’t be representing us in DC.”

Today’s action is part of the national movement RISE UP!. As Kica Matos of Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM)  described: “On Monday, May 1st, in 200 events (and still growing) across the United States, hundreds of thousands of immigrant Americans and their supporters will loudly make their voices heard. The immigrant rights movement, standing arm-in-arm with our allies in the faith community, the environmental movement, labor unions, business community and women’s groups will send a strong message: We will not stand for one dollar being allocated to Donald Trump’s hateful immigration policies.  We will not tolerate his continuing efforts to criminalize immigrants and separate families. Any support whatsoever for his deportation machinery is unacceptable to all Americans of goodwill.” 

“It is clear these politicians are not representing nor acknowledging their constituents and so it is time for us to take the fight to the funders.” said Michaela Miller, a member leader with COPA. “We are calling on communities across the nation to join us today.  Boycott Coors and stand up for democracy!”

Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA) is a racial justice, member-driven organization dedicated to advancing and winning progressive social change locally, statewide, and nationally. COPA builds power to improve the lives of all Coloradans through leadership development, organizing, and alliance building.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

1 de mayo, 2017

Contacto:  Ana Rodriguez, 720-722-4272

ana@coloradopeoplesalliance.org

Boicotear a Coors–Propagando cerveza y odio por demasiado tiempo

(Mayo 1, 2017) DENVER:  Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA), SEIU Local 105, Fight for $15 Denver, Padres & Jóvenes Unidos, Together Colorado, American Friends Services Committee (AFSC), y otros grupos locales protestaron en la oficina central de Coors para lanzar un boicot de cervezas Coors. “Demandamos que Coors deje de financiar el odio en nuestras comunidades,” dijo Lizeth Chacón, Directora de COPA. “Al apoyar a Trump y Gardner, la Corporación Coors manda un mensaje fuerte a la comunidad, que no apoyan las familias trabajadoras ni nuestras comunidades, solo a el lucro y sus intereses propios.”

Una carta fue presentada a un representante de Coors denunciando el apoyo que Coors ha brindado a los candidatos  y funcionarios electos anti-inmigrantes y anti-obrero como el senador Cory Gardner y el presidente Trump. Los grupos exigen que Coors deje de financiar a los políticos que atacan a las familias trabajadoras, y ya que Coors es un financiador del senador Cory Gardner, los grupos impulsaron a Coors a exigir que Gardner se reúna con sus electores. Gardner es uno de los pocos senadores que se ha negado a reunirse con sus constituyentes en persona. “Tiene miedo de hablar cara a cara con sus propios electores”, dijo Jordan T. Garcia, Director de Organización de Aliados a los Inmigrantes de AFSC. “Recordaremos esto en 2018. Si no quiere reunirse con nosotros en Colorado, no debería estar representándonos en DC”.

La acción de hoy es parte del movimiento nacional RISE UP!. Kica Matos, del Movimiento de Reforma de Inmigración Justa (FIRM), describió: “el lunes 1 de mayo, en 200 eventos (y aún creciendo) en todo Estados Unidos, cientos de miles de inmigrantes americanos y sus aliados harán oír su voz en voz alta. El movimiento por los derechos de los inmigrantes, unidos de brazo en brazo con nuestros aliados en la comunidad de fe, el movimiento ambientalista, los sindicatos, la comunidad empresarial y los grupos de mujeres enviará un fuerte mensaje: No vamos a defender ni un dólar asignado al odioso Donald Trump y sus políticas de inmigración. No toleraremos sus esfuerzos en criminalizar a los inmigrantes y separar a las familias. Cualquier apoyo para su maquinaria de deportación es inaceptable para todos los estadounidenses de buena voluntad.”

“Está claro que estos políticos no están representando ni reconocen a sus electores y por lo tanto es el momento para que llevemos la pelea a los financiadores”, dijo Michaela Miller, miembro líder de COPA. “Estamos llamando a las comunidades de todo el país a unirse a nosotros hoy. Boicotear a Coors y defender la democracia! “

 

Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA) is a racial justice, member-driven organization dedicated to advancing and winning progressive social change locally, statewide, and nationally. COPA builds power to improve the lives of all Coloradans through leadership development, organizing, and alliance building.

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Uncategorized

More Than a Half-Million Signatures Delivered at Disney Shareholder Meeting Demand that CEO Bob Iger Leave Trump’s Business Advisory Council

copaadmin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 9, 2017

Contact: Robel Worku, (678) 907-3866

robel@coloradopeopleslliance.org

More Than a Half-Million Signatures Delivered at Disney Shareholder Meeting Demand that CEO Bob Iger Leave Trump’s Business Advisory Council

By association, Disney is complicit in Trump’s anti-immigrant, anti-refugee agenda. Disney can’t pick and choose which of Trump’s policies they support and which they don’t

DENVER – Community members and activists delivered more than 511,000 signed petitions to the Walt Disney Co. during its annual shareholder meeting in Denver Wednesday, demanding that CEO Bob Iger step down from President Trump’s Business Advisory Council.

Activists also spoke inside the shareholder meeting, calling on Iger directly to break ties with Trump, and noting potential harm to Disney’s brand from such a relationship.

The half-million signatures were collected by a coalition of organizations (see the list below) representing millions of people who have come together to hold Disney accountable to families.

“Business leaders like Iger are legitimizing and normalizing Trump’s entire agenda,” said Heidi Hess, CREDO’s senior campaign manager.  “CEOs who are prioritizing access to political power and their companies’ profits over the core values of our democracy must do better.”

About 70 local activists rallied outside the shareholder meeting holding signs of Mickey Mouse wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat with the hashtag #BadMickey. They waved mock movie posters parodying Disney films and sang Disney tunes with lyrics about the impact Iger’s collaboration with Trump has on families.

“Folks here in Colorado, in our communities, are afraid to leave the house to drive their kids to school because they’re afraid of being picked up by ICE and not making it back home. Disney’s relationship with President Trump is an endorsement of these policies that hurt families,” Robel Worku, Colorado People’s Alliance, told shareholders in the meeting.

With Iger on the advisory council, Disney is tangled with the Trump agenda, tethering its brand and reputation to an anti-immigrant, anti-refugee, anti-women administration and contradicting the Walt Disney Company’s stated values of inclusion and diversity.

“As an immigrant kid from Iran, I grew up in the U.S. and Disney movies became part of my picture of America. They taught me a sense of possibility; the importance of family and community; and sharp lines between right and wrong,” said Mehrdad Azemun, campaigns director for People’s Action, speaking inside the shareholder meeting.

“By its association, Disney is complicit in Trump’s Muslim ban and his anti-immigrant, anti-refugee agenda,” said Azemun. “Disney can’t pick and choose which of Trump’s policies they support and which they don’t. The only solution is for Bob Iger to leave Trump’s business council.”

Some of the half-million petitions signers said they will cancel family trips to Disney theme parks and avoid Disney films until Iger parts ways with Trump.

“My family is a Disney family, but families like mine deserve better, and we will not support a company that helps this hateful administration enact discriminatory policies against vulnerable communities,” said Jennifer Epps-Addison, President and Co-Executive director of Center for Popular Democracy, and a signer on the petition.

Serving on Donald Trump’s closed-door economic advisory board is risky business for major corporations. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick resigned from Trump’s Advisory Council in February after an online campaign led more than 200,000 customers to delete their Uber accounts.

Photos and tweets from the rally: #BadMickey, #QuitTheCouncil, and #LetHimGo @WaltDisneyCo

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2lExjaI

Flickr photo album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/freepress/sets/72157677778525363

Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA) is a racial justice, member-driven organization dedicated to advancing and winning progressive social change locally, statewide and nationally. COPA builds power to improve the lives of all Coloradans through leadership development, organizing and alliance building.

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Uncategorized

Coloradans: Protect licenses for Dreamers, push for a just renewal process

copaadmin

*Seguido en español*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2017

Contact: Ana Rodriguez, (720) 722-4272

ana@coloradopeopleslliance.org

 

Coloradans: Protect licenses for Dreamers, push for a just renewal process

DENVER, CO– Today, March 1, 2017, Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA) members are leading an action in support of the I Drive Colorado campaign urging their fellow Coloradans to join efforts to protect licenses for Dreamers and a just renewal process for all drivers. They will meet at the west steps of the Capitol at 3pm then march to the intersection of Lincoln and Colfax to bring their message to motorists.

When the SB-251, the “Colorado Road and Community Safety Act” was signed into law in 2013, 142,000 Coloradans became eligible to obtain a driver’s license, buy car insurance, and provide an identification document to law enforcement for the first time. However, while SB-251 created a process for undocumented Coloradans to obtain a license, the legislation unintentionally excluded some people and made renewals inaccessible to many Coloradans.

Under the original SB-251 bill language, individuals who at some point received a valid social security number through a temporary immigration program but have since had that program rescinded are excluded from receiving a license. This drafting error that has excluded many since the program’s start would leave even more Coloradan’s out of the program if the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) program were eliminated.

Eder Torres, a COPA member describes his fear if this drafting error is not fixed. “Losing DACA would rob me of my ability to provide from my family and to reassure my children that I won’t be taken from them, but it should not also mean that I will lose my ability to take them to school safely with my Colorado license.”

A recently introduced clean-up bill HB17-1206 titled the “Eligibility for the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act,” would fix that unintended error and streamline the renewal process so that it is just and accessible to all drivers.

“It’s not just about Dreamers either, everyone I know who has a license through the SB-251 program is worried about whether they will be able to renew in time or at all if we are required to make an appointment all over again.” Torres continued, “We already had a hard enough time getting our appointments in the first place because there are only 3 offices in the entire state where we can get a SB-251 license. We should be treated like all other Colorado drivers and be able to renew online or any DMV office.”

There are 42,000 Coloradans with an SB-251 license who will have to renew. Unless HB17-1206 is enacted, all those motorists will have to compete with first time applicants for the 90 in-person appointments available in the entire state every work day.

That’s why COPA members are urging their fellow motorists, especially those with an SB-251 license, to join their fight to protect licenses for Dreamers and streamline the SB-251 renewal process. Eder Torres’s final message to every Coloradan who wants to keep driving on safer roads is this: “Join us in urging our legislators to approve this legislation to ensure that all Dreamers can keep driving safely even if DACA is taken away, and to ensure that all driver can renew their license without unnecessary delays.”

I Drive Colorado campaign is a coalition led effort committed to ensuring equal access to licenses and IDs. for Coloradans who are immigrants We’ll organize until the spirit of the law is fully implemented. The Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA) is a member of the I Drive Colorado coalition. COPA is a member led multi-issue racial justice organization.

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PARA PUBLICACION INMEDIATA

1 de marzo, 2017

Contacto: Ana Rodriguez, (720) 722-4272

ana@coloradopeopleslliance.org

Coloradenses: Protejan las licencias para Dreamers, apoyen un proceso de renovación más justo

DENVER, CO– Hoy, primero de Marzo del 2017, los miembros de La Alianza del Pueblo de Colorado (COPA, por sus cifras en inglés), liderarán una acción en apoyo de la campaña Yo Manejo Colorado para urgir a todo Coloradense que se unan a los esfuerzos para proteger las licencias de los Dreamers y un sistema de renovación justo para todo motorista.

Cuando la SB-251, “La Acta de Seguridad en las Carreteras y Comunidades de Colorado” fue hecha ley en el 2013, 142,000 Coloradenses se hicieron elegibles para obtener una licencia, comprar seguro de auto, y proveer identificación a un oficial de policía por primera vez. Mientras la ley SB-251 creo un proceso por el cual Coloradenses indocumentados pudieran obtener una licencia, la ley involuntariamente excluyo a algunos e hizo la renovación inaccesible para muchos Coloradenses.

Bajo el lenguaje original de la ley SB-251, las personas que en algún momento recibieron un número de seguro social válido a través de un programa de inmigración temporal, pero quien desde entonces han perdido la protección de ese programa porque fue rescindido, están excluidas de recibir una licencia. Este error al crear la ley que ha excluido a muchos desde el inicio del programa, pero dejaría aún más Coloradenses fuera del programa si se eliminara el programa de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Niñez (DACA, por sus cifras en inglés).

Eder Torres, un miembro de COPA describe sus miedos si no se elimina este error en la ley. “Perder la DACA me quitaría la habilidad de proveer por mi familia, y de asegurar a mis hijos que no me separaran de ellos, pero no debería también perder mi habilidad de llevarlos a la escuela seguramente con mi licencia de Colorado.”

La HB17-1206, una propuesta legislativa recientemente introducida para eliminar los errores de la ley original, y titulada “Elegibilidad para La Acta de Seguridad en las Carreteras y Comunidades de Colorado” eliminaría este problema relacionado con los números de seguro social y crearía un proceso de renovación más justo y accesible para todos los conductores.

“No solo se trate de los Dreamers, toda persona que yo conozco que tiene una licencia por el programa SB-251 está preocupado porque no sabe si podrá renovar o renovar a tiempo si nos requieren hacer una cita otra vez.” Continuo Torres, “ya tuvimos suficiente dificultad en obtener una cita la primera vez porque solo hay 3 oficinas en todo el estado done podemos sacar la licencia Sb-251. Debemos ser tratados como todo otro conductor en Colorado y poder renovar en línea o en cualquier oficina de departamento de vehículos.”

Hay 42,000 Coloradenses con una licencia SB-251 quienes tendrán que renovar pronto. A menos que se haga ley la HB17-1206, todos los motoristas tendrán que competir con los solicitantes por primera vez para las 90 citas en persona disponibles en todo el estado cada día.

Por eso los miembros de COPA están urgiendo a todo motorista, especialmente los que tienen licencia SB-251, que se unan a la lucha para proteger las licencias para los Dreamers y para mejorar el proceso de renovación para el programa SB-251. El mensaje final de Eder Torres para todo Coloradense quien quiera seguir manejando en carreteras seguras es este: “Únanse en urgir a nuestros legisladores que aprueben esta legislación para asegurar que todo Dreamer pueda seguir manejando con seguridad aun si nos quitan la DACA, y para asegurar que todo conductor pueda renovar su licencia sin retrasos innecesarios.

La campaña Yo Manejo Colorado es un esfuerzo liderado por una coalición comprometida a asegurar el acceso igualitario a licencias e identificaciones para Coloradenses inmigrantes. Vamos a organizar hasta que el espíritu de la ley se aplique plenamente. La Alianza del Pueblo de Colorado (COPA, por sus cifras en inglés) es miembro de la coalición Yo Manejo Colorado. COPA es una organización de justicia racial con varias áreas de enfoque dirigida por sus miembros

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