UUA Immigration News
Join DREAM Act Sponsor US Senator Durbin on Wed Call (Tomorrow 9-14!) at 3 pm EDT; & Register Now for UUA Webinar on September 26th (4pm EDT)
Dear Immigration News Readers:
A few weeks ago the Obama Administration announced a new process for handling deportation cases of immigrant (DREAM Act) students and others deemed ‘low priorities’ for deportation by the Department of Homeland Security. While this represents a small but important step forward, we know that it is a result of ours and our partners’ witness and pressure on the Obama Administration to act. That gives us reason to celebrate and to step up our organizing for change.
Senator Durbin, the lead sponsor for the DREAM Act, will be joining the monthly Faith and Immigration Coalition Grassroots Conference Call tomorrow, Wednesday, September 14, at 3 pm EDT. Please join us for a briefing and to learn what you can do.
Call 1-800-920-7487 and the code, 76723736.
Standing on the Side of Love has joined Senator Durbin and the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in organizing for a DREAM Sabbath between September 16 and October 9 around the country. Close to 30 UU congregations signed up this summer. If you haven’t yet signed up please do – there is still time to include this in worship, hold a program, or host a table at coffee hour. Please sign up your congregation to participate in DREAM Sabbath today!
Webinar on Immigration for Congregational Leaders
Monday, September 26th, 4 pm EDT -- Register Now!
Strengthen your immigrant justice ministry, connect with other UUs and partners, and help prepare your congregation for Justice GA 2012!
Join UU State Advocacy Networks, Standing on the Side of Love and our partners, New Sanctuary Movement, for 45 minute webinar on:
- Immigration Policy Update (New Sanctuary Movement)
- Best Practices for Engaging Congregations (UU State Advocacy Networks)
- Actions We Can Take (Standing on the Side of Love)
- Q & A Discussion
Sign up Here. We will send out more details closer to the date!
Congregations Mobilize to Stop ICE's Secure Communities (S-COMM) Program
Our partners at National Day Laborer Organizing Network report that the DHS/ICE Task Force on Secure Communities will be releasing their report soon and they anticipate that it willl seek to justify the program. See NDLON and the National Community Advisory Commission report “RESTORING COMMUNITY: A National Community Advisory Report on ICE’s Failed “Secure Communities” Program.” It is endorsed by the UUA and includes a statement from UUA President Peter Morales.
Congregations continue to organize around the country to stop S-Comm. Last month, First Unitarian Church of Dallas TX mobilized at the first of the ICE Task Force hearings on S-COMM. Since then, mass mobilizations and walk-outs occurred at the Los Angeles, Chicago, and Arlington VA hearings where UUs made a strong showing. UUs from around the Greater Boston area will be vigiling next week with Centro Presente, Standing on the Side of Love, UU Mass Action and others. UU ministers will be speaking, including the Mass Bay/Clara Barton District Executive.
In faith,
Audra, Kat, Dan, Meredith, Susan, and Craig
UUA Witness Ministries staff
P.S. See www.uua.org/immigration for resources and more!
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