 We had an amazing time yesterday at the Immigration Seminar at Clallam Bay Corrections Center. Lawyers, community organizers and advocates from the inside and out came together for educational presentations, direct immigration legal consultations, community building, and to learn how to better fight back against the ways immigrants are oppressed within the WA DOC. We were proud to be in attendance alongside amazing folks from (click for links): APICAG - Asian and Pacific Islanders Cultural Awareness Group Nuestro Grupo Cultural STREETS API Chaya FIGHT Washington Defender Association Columbia Legal Services   Thursday, October 3, 6:00 to 8:30 pm, Benefit Dance for JCIRA at Finn River Farm and Cidery in Chimacum. World music by DJs David Bonobo and Johan, and the Port Townsend Village Drummers!
All contributions benefit JCIRA. Bring your friends and family - children especially welcome. Enjoy the beautiful setting in Finn River in a comfortable covered space. Sip local cider, eat yummy food. Share your commitment to helping immigrants here at home and on the Border.   Our mission is to support the rights of immigrants through legal services, standing witness, advocacy and community education. Upcoming Events!!
In Case You Missed It... (Here are the highlights from JCIRA's monthly meeting in August)
JCIRA'S Rapid Response Team (RRT) Works to Protect Local Immigrants Members of RRT have been meeting and reviewing their training in response to Trump’s July 23 mandate to greatly expand “Expedited Removal” (ER). As of July 23, people anywhere in the country can be stopped by ICE or Border Patrol officers. These officials have been given complete authority to demand proof of citizenship, a visa, and/or proof that someone has been in the US for at least 2 years. They can then take immediate action, acting as on-the-spot judge, jury, and enforcer. It is unlikely that white people will be questioned, but all others must carry documents with them at all times – racial profiling at its worst. JCIRA wants to get the word out to as many immigrants as possible. For more details, or to join the Rapid Response Team, contact Katie at katiegagefranco@gmail.com, or Jean at jmwalat@gmail.com ________________________________________________________________________ "Public Charge" Explained The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule related to "public charge" on August 14, to take effect October 15, unless the numerous legal challenges prevent its implementation. The rule expands the list of publicly-funded programs, such as health benefits, nutrition programs, housing, and cash aid that would disqualify an applicant seeking admission into the United States or applying for adjustment of status. This provision of the law does not apply to all immigrants. Immigrants should consult with an immigration expert who understands public charge to learn whether the public charge rule even applies to them or their family. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has prepared "Core Messages to Share with the Community":
How You Can Help Right Now! JCIRA's Postcard Writing Campaign:
JCIRA Needs!
On the Lighter Side The best LA BAMBA you've ever heard! The song started in Vera Cruz, Mexico, has spread around the world and now, in this latest version, musicians around the world join to perform it together: From the Port Townsend Leader, Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Our local immigrant rights organization, the Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates (JCIRA), stands in solemn and shocked solidarity with the communities in El Paso. We join the chorus of condemnation against those who participate in white nationalist groups, against those who support such groups, and especially against those in power whose rhetoric and statements encourage such groups or their members to act as in El Paso. No one following the continued demonizing and dehumanizing of immigrants on our southern border can fail to understand that this tragic mass murder in El Paso on Saturday is but the latest harvest of the hatred and racism so freely spewed by leaders in public discourse. The deaths and injuries occurred in El Paso, but this evil act is causing fear and anxiety across our land including in Jefferson County. We urge you to join us in making clear that all immigrants are welcome here and that we stand with them in this difficult time. John Collins and Lawrence Jensen Board members, JCIRA Port Townsend Click here for link to letter in the Leader LIGHTS FOR LIBERTY: Vigil to End Concentration Camps this FRIDAY, July 12th, in Port Townsend7/8/2019
Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Concentration Camps, will bring thousands of people to locations worldwide as well as to concentration camps across the country, into the streets and into their own front yards, to protest the inhumane conditions faced by migrants. JOIN US! Friday the 12th 5-6:30 p.m. At the intersection of Adams and Water Streets in downtown Port Townsend (next to Nifty Fifty's)  #CloseTheCamps Protest in Port Angeles a Success! Stay Tuned - More Protests Planned for July 12th7/2/2019
We will not be silent in the face of such horrors. Now is the time to speak up and fight back. Join JCIRA and others TOMORROW, July 2nd, as we protest in to #ClosetheCamps in Port Angeles at Representative Derek Kilmer's office. Bring signs! Please share! Protest starts at noon Rep Kilmer’s Office 332 E 5th St Port Angeles, WA 98362 If you want to carpool from Port Townsend, meet JCIRA at the Port Townsend Park n Ride at 10 am. We will set up informal carpools there. Learn more about the protest here  Please join us!
Come do Yoga on the 4th with Terry Wagner at Unity Center for Spiritual Enrichment, 3918 San Juan Ave., Port Townsend, Washington 98368 9:30-11:00 a.m. All levels are welcome. All proceeds will go to Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates. For info contact Terry at 360-821-8363.
Please call your Senators and Representatives NOW and let them know that the cruel treatment of immigrant children is not acceptable, now or ever. Reports this morning exposed the disturbing conditions at a Clint, Texas facility that holds at least 250 immigrant children, many of whom have families in the US waiting to take care of them.
We cannot stand by while these atrocities happen. All children deserve high standards of safety and care and respect. Our representatives and senators really do see every message that we send them, so please CALL NOW, and tell them your name and where you live and why this is NOT OKAY. They have the power to take a public stand for what is ethical and just:
Please watch this video report from Democracy Now this morning below for more talking points:
"They’re breaking law as to the conditions of detention.
They’re breaking the law as to the number of hours that they can keep the children in Border Patrol facilities. They’re breaking the law as far as how long these children are being kept in ORR facilities. They’re breaking the law by taking the children away from their families. And they’re also breaking the law by transporting them on Texas state highways without the appropriate child seats and infant carriers and, you know, these booster seats that are required by law. Everywhere I look, this administration is breaking the law. And the Border Patrol employees that we talked to said they don’t understand why the American people aren’t outraged by the mismanagement that they’re experiencing." (Warren Binford on Democracy Now! 6/24/19) |
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