LATINO ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS OPPOSE ELECTION DAY FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION

The conveners of the National Latino Congreso will hold a press conference on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 to express their strong opposition to Congress’ last minute attempt to pass enforcement-only immigration legislation. The press conference will take place at 1:00 pm at the headquarters of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) at 634 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles , CA . The National Latino Congreso, called by eight convening organizations and endorsed by hundreds of other organizations and elected officials, met earlier this month to develop a national policy agenda for Latino advocacy organizations. One of the resolutions adopted by the Congreso asserted opposition to local law enforcement of federal immigration law, and specifically “that Congress should reject any and all proposals including H.R. 4447 and S. 2611 in their current form unless and until amended consistent with the principles and purposes in this resolution [4.2]. We particularly object to measures that criminalize immigrants and militarize border communities, undermining civil and human rights.” The Congreso also supported comprehensive immigration reform bills related to students and agricultural employees that the U.S. House of Representatives ignored and are not part of the bills being debated this week. The press conference marks the first time these organizations meet after the historic 5-day National Latino Congreso, in support of one of the many resolutions approved by delegates of hundreds of organizations. These resolutions express many concerns and issues of the Latino population in the United States.

KJ