Bill of Rights for Undocumented Americans
United We Stay, an undocumented immigrant group, has posted something new and novel — a Bill of Rights for Undocumented Americans. Here are the rights:
-
Acknowledgment that we are already here, that we are human beings with a right to be, that our mere presence cannot be deemed illegal or our existence alien.
-
Affirmation that we are to be treated with dignity and respect, not just because of who we are, but who you are – historic beneficiaries of immigrant struggles for the freedom to be.
-
Recognition of our right to be presented with a path to citizenship/residency as the first priority of future immigration policy combined with interim deferment of all law-abiding Undocumented Americans against detention and deportation.
-
Compelled authorization of birth certificates for our U.S.-born children to ensure their constitutionally guaranteed right to citizenship.
-
Protection against cruel and unusual punishment, including the separation of our immediate families and incarceration without charges, hearings or representation.
-
Access to non-discriminating public education and in-state tuition to ensure that our children realize their full potential for themselves and the country.
-
Guarantee of wage equality with a legal right to petition for wage theft or workplace mistreatment without jeopardizing our immigration status.
-
Assurance of humanitarian treatment, including medical care.
-
Protection against detention or deportation when we report a crime as a victim of witness.
-
Guarantee of the Declaration’s unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The Bill of Rights is receiving some critical attention.
KJ