Nationwide Boycott Called for May 1

Immigrantadvocates called Tuesday for a nationwide boycott of jobs and schools on May 1,even as senators appeared stymied in their efforts to finish the immigrationbill that’s provoking controversy.

Theproposed “Great American Boycott of 2006” is being organized by someof the same activists who rallied an estimated half a million demonstrators inLos Angeles on March 25. Now, in a bid to show nationwide clout, they wantimmigrants and supporters to avoid work, school, buying and selling on May 1.

“Werealize that we have been absent from the political debate in Washington,although we are the voices of those most affected by the legislation,”Juan Jose Gutierrez, director of Latino Movement USA, said at a Washington newsconference.

Thenationwide boycott is also being organized through the ANSWER Coalition, whosemember groups range from the Free Palestine Alliance to the Party for Socialismand Liberation and the Korea Truth Coalition.

Theboycott, along with upcoming nationwide rallies scheduled for April 10,represent the loudest aspect of a debate that has meandered on Capitol Hill forthe past week. On Tuesday, despite some ongoing Republican compromisenegotiations, increasingly irritated senators acknowledged they lack the 60votes necessary to pass legislation.

“I’mvery frustrated right now,” Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist concededearly Tuesday evening, adding, “We’re making no progress whatsoever.”

Eighthours of debate Tuesday, interrupted by frequent quorum calls, did not resultin any substantive progress and yielded only one, symbolic, vote.

One hundred amendments still await action,prompting some senators – including Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas – tosuggest that the Senate might have to postpone action until after a two-weekApril recess now scheduled to start Saturday. Throughout most of Tuesday,Democrats used the Senate’s procedural rules to block voting on amendments.
Source: McClatchy Newspapers, April 4, 2006
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