On August 1, our Executive Director Sarita Gupta was arrested in an act of civil disobedience with more than 40 other national leaders in front of the U.S. House of Representatives to send a clear message that Congress must move our nation forward by passing comprehensive immigration reform legislation that includes a pathway to citizenship and strong worker protections.
Sarita chose to get arrested to “directly confront elected leaders for embracing the status quo over the will of the American people who want a comprehensive fix for our current broken, immoral, and unjust immigration system. “
Thursday’s protest was just the beginning of the 40 Days of Action and Prayer as Representatives head home for August recess. As The New York Times explained in a must-read editorial, “it is the people’s turn to push, to be heard and, if at all possible, to move Congress in the right direction.”
Hearing that call, Jobs with Justice local coalitions are working harder than ever to educate policymakers and mobilize local activists to push for meaningful immigration reform. Be prepared for numerous actions, meetings with House representatives and workshops in your area during the next six weeks as Jobs with Justice and others from around the country demand that Congress deliver real immigration reform that includes citizenship and worker protections for all.
Here’s a sampling of what’s going on in August:
- August 5 in Market Square – East Tennessee JwJ will host a public forum on immigration reform and its benefits to our economy, followed by a rally and a march to their local sheriff’s office.
- August 6 – Central Florida JwJ will host a workers’ rights forum in Rep. Webster’s (FL-10) district.
- August 16 -St. Joseph Valley Project in Indiana will host a Street Fair Party with South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg in celebration of the Senate approval of the immigration reform bill while discussing demands for the House as the bill sits on the floor.
- August 27 – Portland JwJ is planning a community meeting with Rep. Blumenauer (OR-3) to discuss immigration reform.
- Labor Week: Rhode Island JwJ along with the Guatemalan consulate will host several events leading up to a march and rally for “No More Second Class Workers” on Labor Day. Keep your eyes and ears alert for news of various panels and community forums with workers from the POWER Committee.
