Nichelle Mitchem

Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act of 2011 (H.R. 83)

As reported in the media, bullying is an ever increasing problem with sometimes lethal consequences. The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act of 2011 (H.R. 83) seeks to address this pressing social problem. The Act will “…amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Attorney General to establish guidelines to prevent and address occurrences of bullying, …provide for grant funding to states for programs to prevent and address occurrences of bullying, and … reauthorize the Juvenile Accountability Block grants program.” The legislation could be an important new tool to empower the community to prevent bullying.

The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act of 2011 (H.R. 83) was introduced on January 5, 2011. The sponsor of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act of 2011 is Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas18) and there are twenty-six (26) cosponsors for this piece of legislation.

In recognition of the growing prevalence of bullying, the Obama administration has also taken important measures to combat and prevent bullying. This administration is directing resources for the express purpose of reducing bullying incidents and to raising awareness around its ramifications, and, of course, to countering its negative impact. Toward that end, the White House convened a conference on preventing bullying, on Thursday, March 11, 2011. The Obama administration also announced the launch of a new website, www.stopbullying.gov, devoted to bullying prevention.

The Stop Bullying website provides information from various government agencies on
how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators, and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying. The website also provides information on bullying prevention and intervention measures. Topics on the website include but are not limited to: state policies and laws; violence prevention program directories; available online resources; and research. The website provides bullying prevention information for varied audiences such as victims, bystanders, parents, teachers, administrators, and others.

For information on bullying, there are several other websites you can visit including but not limited to: www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org; www.meganmeirfoundation.org; ww.fightcrime.org; www.bullypolice.org; www.healthline.com; www.cyberbullying.us; www.stopbullying.org; www.isafe.org; and others.

Source(s): www.govtrack.us. www.whitehouse.gov; www.hhs.gov; ww.stopbullying.gov; Cyber Research Center; Stop Bullying, Inc.; and i-Safe, Inc.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Nichelle Mitchem Discusses the Rebuild the American Dream Movement

 

This summer, important action is being taken to bring more people into the political process. It was reported that this month in every congressional district “Rebuild the American Dream” meetings were held in response to the challenges faced with the federal budget. People from all walks of life came together with the singular purpose of reclaiming the American Dream for all. As a participant at a Rebuild the American Dream meeting, I understand that the meetings held across the country were only the first of many steps on the way to regaining the dream for all. It has been reported that the American Dream Movement is growing stronger by the day. Participants are committed to ensuring that once again Americans are: employed, can afford to go to college, retire with dignity, and secure a future for their children and their communities.

In addition to the “Rebuild the American Dream” meetings, there were voter empowerment campaigns held this month across the country. There are three (3) stages in the voter empowerment process: registration, education, and mobilization. It has been reported that volunteers in all fifty (50) states were knocking on doors and registering new voters. The overarching goal of the voter empowerment campaigns lead by the Democratic Party is three-fold: to bring more people into the political process; to make certain that every voter who wants to exercise their right is registered; to ensure the reelection of President Barack Obama and that Democrats take back the United States House of Representatives.

Get involved. Take action that can and will change the future. If you are not already registered, get registered to vote. Seize the opportunity to cast your vote. As was aptly stated by President Johnson when discussing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” Your vote can be decisive, stand up, speak out, be heard— participate in the “Rebuild the American Dream” movement and vote!

For further information on the “Rebuild the American Dream Movement”, visit www.moveon.org. Sources: Moveon.org. Wikipedia.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

 

CIRCLE OF PROTECTION

Today, Bread for World sent out an Action Alert discussing the “Circle of Protection: A Statement on Why We Need to Protect Programs for the Poor” and encouraging supporters to take action to support funding for programs that serve the most vulnerable members of society. In Bread for World’s Action Alert, Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, states that, “Everything we have achieved for poor and hungry people in the last 35 years is under severe threat of budget cuts—nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and SNAP (formerly food stamps), as well as poverty-focused development assistance.”

This is not the time to be cutting very necessary programs for the most vulnerable members of our society. It has been reported that more than 49 million Americans lack reliable access to the food. Childhood hunger is a growing reality in America. In one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the prevalence of childhood hunger is a national travesty and for many a well-kept secret. Approximately, one in four children in America is food insecure.

Statistics on Childhood Hunger in the United States: According to the USDA, over 17 million children lived in food insecure (low food security and very low food security) households in 2009. ii 20% or more of the child population in 16 states and D.C. are living in food insecure households. The states of Arkansas (24.4 percent) and Texas (24.3 percent) have the highest rates of children in households without consistent access to food. (Cook, John, Child Food Insecurity in the United States: 2006-2008. iii

• In 2009, households that had higher rates of food insecurity than the
  national average included households with children (21.3 percent),
  especially households with children headed by single women (36.6 percent)
  or single men (27.8 percent), Black non-Hispanic households (24.9 percent)
  and Hispanic households (26.9 percent).v

These heartbreaking facts about the prevalence and the face of hunger in America and the proposed cuts to very necessary social service programs has drawn the attention of thousands of Christians, people of other faiths, heads of denominations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations and compelled them to take action. These groups have formed what has been termed a Circle of Protection around funding for programs that are vital to hungry and poor people both in the United States and abroad. It has been reported that in excess of thirteen thousand (13,000) Americans have signed a memorandum to their members of Congress, supporting the need to reduce deficits but not at the expense of hungry and poor people. The “Circle of Protection” statement reads as follows:

“In the face of historic deficits, the nation faces unavoidable choices about how to balance needs and resources and allocate burdens and sacrifices. These choices are economic, political—and moral.

As Christians, we believe the moral measure of the debate is how the most poor and
vulnerable people fare. We look at every budget proposal from the bottom up—how
it treats those Jesus called “the least of these” (Matthew 25:45). They do not
have powerful lobbies, but they have the most compelling claim on our consciences and common resources. The Christian community has an obligation to help them be heard, to join with others to insist that programs that serve the most vulnerable in our nation and around the world are protected. We know from our experience serving hungry and homeless people that these programs meet basic human needs and protect the lives and dignity of the most vulnerable. We believe that God is calling us to pray, fast, give alms and to speak out for justice.

As Christian leaders, we are committed to fiscal responsibility and shared sacrifice. We are also committed to resist budget cuts that undermine the lives, dignity, and rights of poor and vulnerable people. Therefore, we join with others to form a Circle of Protection around programs that meet the essential needs of hungry and poor people at home and abroad.

1. The nation needs to substantially reduce future deficits, but not at the expense of hungry and poor people.

2. Funding focused on reducing poverty should not be cut. It should be made as effective as possible, but not cut.

3. We urge our leaders to protect and improve poverty-focused development and humanitarian assistance to promote a better, safer world.

4. National leaders must review and consider tax revenues, military spending, and entitlements in the search for ways to share sacrifice and cut deficits.

5. A fundamental task is to create jobs and spur economic growth. Decent jobs at decent wages are the best path out of poverty, and restoring growth is a powerful way to
reduce deficits.

6. The budget debate has a central moral dimension. Christians are asking how we protect “the least of these.” “What would Jesus cut?” “How do we share sacrifice?”

7. As believers, we turn to God with prayer and fasting, to ask for guidance as our nation makes decisions about our priorities as a people.

8. God continues to shower our nation and the world with blessings. As Christians, we are rooted in the love of God in Jesus Christ. Our task is to share these blessings with love
and justice and with a special priority for those who are poor.

Budgets are moral documents, and how we reduce future deficits are historic and defining moral choices. As Christian leaders, we urge Congress and the administration to give moral priority to programs that protect the life and dignity of poor and vulnerable people in these difficult times, our broken economy, and our wounded world. It is the vocation and obligation of the church to speak and act on behalf of those Jesus called “the least of these.” This is our calling, and we
will strive to be faithful in carrying out this mission.”—Circle of Protection

This summer, Bread for the World supporters and others are encouraged to visit or call their senators and representatives at their local offices to urge them to protect funding for programs for hungry people. For further information about shared sacrifice or the “Circle of Protection” visit one of the sources listed below.

Source(s): www.bread.org/go/circle. www.circleofprotection.us. www.huffingtonpost.com/…/circle-of-protection-budget-cuts. www.christiannewswire.com/news/5693716844.html. www.uscatholic.org/…/christian-leaders-call-circle-protection. Sources: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; U.S. Census Bureau; Feeding America (online); Rhoda Cohen, J. Mabli, F., Potter,Z., Zhoa. Hunger in America 2010. Feeding America. February 2010; Nord, Mark, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. United States Department of Agriculture/Economic Research Service, Household Food Security in the United States, 2008 and 2009; Cook, John. Feeding America. Child Food Insecurity in the United States: 2006-2008; www.share.org; www.feedamerica.org; www.nokidhungry.org; and Food Research and Action Center.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

______________________________________________________

iBread for the World Action Alert.

iiRhoda Cohen, J. Mabli, F., Potter,Z., Zhoa. Hunger in America 2010. Feeding America.
February 2010.

iiiNord, Mark, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. United States Department of

Agriculture/Economic Research Service, Household Food Security in the United States, 2008.

iv Cook, John. Feeding America. Child Food Insecurity in the United States:2006-2008.

vNord, Mark, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. United States Department of Agriculture/Economic Research Service, Household Food Security in the
United States, 2009.

Shared Sacrifice?

This is the third in a series of posts written on the topic of the “Public Good” and “Shared Sacrifice”. We, as a nation, cannot address our long-standing fiscal challenges by cutting necessary programs and services for the most vulnerable members of our state such as WIC, SNAP, Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid while corporations receive tax breaks. Instead of cutting necessary program and services, we must raise taxes on corporations and the wealthiest members of society. There must be shared sacrifice.

In response the series of House budget proposals cutting programs for the most vulnerable members of our society, voters have called out to their elected officials in Washington, DC for “shared sacrifice” when looking at the federal budget. Voters are telephoning, emailing, faxing their elected officials in Washington, DC to ask that Congress cut the multi-billion dollar subsides to oil companies. Like the hard-working citizen’s in the United States, many voters assert that corporations and wealthy Americans must pay their fair share of the tax burden.

Corporations and the affluent members in our society maintain an army of lobbyist in Washington promoting their best interest. Their voice on taxes has been heard by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner. On Friday evening, John Boehner, yet again, pulled out of negotiations for a compromise on a package that raises the debt ceiling and addresses the deficit. The New York Times reported that the Republican House speaker, John A. Boehner, said Friday that, “…he had broken off talks with President Obama on getting a budget deal to avert a government default. Mr. Boehner said that Mr. Obama wanted to raise taxes too high and won’t make fundamental changes to help programs such as Medicare.”

In response to the recent action taken by Speaker Boehner, progressive organizations have sent out action alerts to their members and supporters including but not limited to: the National, A National Catholics Social Justice Lobby, reminding them/us that like Congress this weekend we need to take action about the debt ceiling debate. In the National’s Action Alert, it reminds us/the reader that the default date is fast approaching and SOMEONE needs to get an agreement to raise the debt ceiling. It is imperative that this action is taken swiftly and citizen involvement is key to reaching an outcome that is in keeping with the “Public Good”.

As aptly stated in the action alert, it is imperative that persons concerned by the “Public
Good” let the President, House and Senate members know that any agreement reached
must include protections for low-income people. It is evident that, we, as a nation, cannot protect members of our communities who rely on programs such as Medicaid and nutrition assistance without increased revenues. With that said, it is imperative that we tell Congress (that has sworn an oath to act in the “public good”) that this means that tax reform and protections for the poor must be included in any deal reached on the debt ceiling. The wealthiest among us who benefit most from our government must now be made to pay their fair share of the tax burden. Toward that goal, call the local offices of your members of Congress over the weekend.

If “shared sacrifice” is important to you, please call and/or write to your members of Congress immediately. Tell them we cannot accept cuts to programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, nutrition assistance or affordable housing programs (just to name a few) that would devastate people who are poor and vulnerable while affluent members and countless corporations in our nation will continue to get a free ride and not pay their fair share of taxes.

Get involved in the federal budget process—contact your elected officials in Washington, DC. If you will be calling this weekend, you can find the phone numbers for your elected officials in Washington DC by going to www.networklobby.org. If you are calling next week, you can call the Washington offices via the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. If “shared sacrifice” is important to you then when speaking with your representatives you should indicate that she/he should Vote NO on any debt/deficit deal that does not protect low-income people and fails to raise revenues on the affluent and corporations.

Sources: The New York Times, Breaking News Alert, Friday, July 22, 2011 — 6:05 PM EDT. Action Alert: National, A National Catholics Social Justice Lobby.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Congressional Black Caucus `For the People’ Jobs Initiative Resolution: H. RES. 348

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Administrator

On July 13, 2011, US House of Representative Member, Emanuel Clever, III, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) introduced the “Congressional Black Caucus `For the People’ Jobs Initiative Resolution: H. RES. 348 in the US House–in response to record unemployment and the fact that there has been little or no action on the House floor taken to address this pressing matter. His rationale basis for the resolution is as follows:

“Over six months into the 112th Congress, no jobs creation legislation has been considered on the House floor despite the introduction of over forty bills by members of the CBC. It is clear that the unemployment numbers throughout the country require effective legislation and tangible action to address the crisis. The reported unemployment numbers in the African American community are hovering over sixteen percent.

The CBC is not standing idly by, but rather with the For the People Jobs Initiative, we are providing all of our constituents with what you need—aggressive action that remedies the stymied economy instead of protecting special interests and embarking on ideological crusades. To address the unemployment crisis and the need for job creation solutions in underserved communities, the CBC has called upon the private and public sectors to immediately remedy the crisis by going into communities with legitimate, immediate employment opportunities for the underserved.”

Like most Americans, US Representative Clever asserts that, “It is time for action on the most important issue of our time—economic opportunity through jobs! Every American deserves the right to be gainfully employed or own a successful business.” Clever goes on to state that “…the Congressional Black Caucus is committed to that right and will not rest until there is parity in access to economic opportunity.”

The text of the resolution he introduced is below.

RESOLUTION

"Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that critical jobs legislation should
be considered and passed to address the growing jobs crisis throughout America,
and for other purposes.

Whereasthis resolution may be cited as the `Congressional Black Caucus `For the
People’ Jobs Initiative Resolution’;

Whereas over six months into the 112th Congress and no jobs creation legislation has
been considered on the House floor despite the introduction of over 40 bills by
members of the Congressional Black Caucus (`CBC’);

Whereas the unemployment numbers throughout the country mandate legislative, tangible action to address the crisis;

Whereas the reported unemployment numbers in the African-American community are
hovering over sixteen percent and in the double digits in other communities of
color in these United States;

Whereas for 40 years the CBC has introduced legislation for the people and has served
as the unwavering `Conscience of the Congress’;

Whereas the CBC recently launched the `For the People’ Jobs Initiative to directly
address the lack of jobs for people of color by holding job fairs and town hall
meetings throughout the country in areas hardest hit by the recession; and

Whereas, to address the unemployment crisis and the need for job creation solutions in
underserved communities, the CBC has called upon the private and public sectors
to immediately remedy the crisis by going into communities with legitimate,
immediate employment opportunities for the underserved: Now, therefore be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should– (1) consider and pass critical jobs legislation to address the crisis facing communities of color disproportionately; and (2) consider and pass critical jobs legislation to address the nationwide economic crisis."

This resolution was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. For further information visit the websites listed below under sources.

Sources: www.govtrack.us. www.thomas.loc.gov. Facebook page Emanuel Clever, III, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

 

Fair Employment Act 2011 (2501)

What are some of the factors contributing to long-term unemployment? Some assert that unemployed workers are being discriminated against by prospective employers. In other words, when reviewing applicants some employers are only electing to interview workers that are currently employed. In response to this observed phenomena, this month, Democratic members of congress introduced legislation to prevent discrimination against unemployed workers. Representatives Rosa DeLauro’s of Connecticut and Congressman Hank Johnson of Georgia introduced the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 (2501), which would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers by refusing to consider them for employment. According to Representatives Rosa DeLauro’s press release— “In today’s tough economy, more than 6 million Americans have been out of work for more than six months. But companies across the country have begun to require current employment to be considered for available positions, and these discriminatory practices are eliminating employment opportunities. The Fair Employment Opportunity Act will prevent employers and employment agencies from refusing to consider or offer employment to someone who is unemployed, or including language in any job advertisements or postings that states unemployed individuals are not qualified. A recent survey, conducted by the National Employment Law Project (NELP), of four of the top job search websites, CareerBuilder.com, Indeed.com, Monster.com, and CraigsList.com, found over 150 job advertisements that specified applicants must be currently employed. And the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey shows that there are 4.7 unemployed workers for every 1 job opening." The legislation, if passed by the House and Senate, would apply to employers with over fifteen (15) employees and would provide protection to job applicants who are discriminated against because they are unemployed. Key provisions of the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 include but are not limited to: (a) Employers – It shall be an unlawful practice for an employer to– Refuse to consider for employment or refuse to offer employment to an individual because of the individual’s status as unemployed; Publish in print, on the Internet, or in any other medium, an advertisement or announcement for any job that includes— - any provision stating or indicating that an individual’s status as unemployed disqualifies the individual for a job; and - any provision stating or indicating that an employer will not consider an applicant for employment based on that individual’s status as unemployed; and 3.Direct or request that an employment agency take an individual’s status as unemployed into account in screening or referring applicants for employment. Representatives Rosa DeLauro’s press release aptly states that, “In a tough job market, where workers are competing against tens and sometimes hundreds of others for every available job opening, it is unjust for employers to discriminate against those who are unemployed. We have seen ample evidence that unemployed individuals are increasingly falling prey to discriminatory practices reducing their opportunities to be considered for a job. The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers, and ensure that all Americans have the same opportunities for employment. Discrimination against the unemployed – especially the long-term unemployed – in job advertisements and hiring practices flies in the face of what we stand for as a nation: Equal opportunity for all,” said Rep. Johnson. The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 will help us level the playing field and get people back to work.” In March of 2011, Representative Johnson introduced the “Fair Employment Act of 2011”, which also seeks to protect job applicants against discrimination by prospective employers on the basis of their unemployment status. Representative Johnson has been involved with this pressing economic issue since 2010.

Sources: Representatives Rosa DeLauro website, HR 2501, Representative Johnson website, and opencongress.org. Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

 

Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act (H.R. 2364, S. 1283)

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Administrator

For almost two decades, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has afforded employment protected leave for workers to care for their new-born baby, sick family members, or to recover from their own serious illnesses. It has been reported that since the enactment of FMLA millions of Americans have been able to take up to twelve (12) weeks of unpaid leave from work. Some assert that FMLA has proven essential to achieving greater employee retention and reducing employee turnover. The Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act (H.R. 2364, S. 1283) would not change the terms of the FMLA, but rather expand its coverage to more family members.

H.R. 2364 amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and title 5, United States Code, to permit leave to care for a domestic partner, parent-in-law, adult child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent who has a serious health condition, and for other purposes. While protections afforded workers under FMLA have helped millions of families, they do not show the many care-taking roles that workers may have, forcing many to choose between employment and responsibility to care for an ill family member. Many assert that all of America’s workers should be afforded the opportunity to fulfill their critically important family and caregiver roles while continuing to contribute to our nation’s economy. This belief led US Congresswoman Maloney to introduce legislation in the House of Representatives and Senator Durbin to introduce a similar piece of legislation in the Senate.

If this ia an important issue to you, let your elected officials know about your support of this legislation. Let your voice be heard in Washington, DC. Get involved.

Sources: www.govtrackus.com. www.opencongress.com. www.ifebp.org. Action Alert 9 to 5. www.lawheadlinesandnews.com/hd/index.php? =Family+Act+Leave. consultarehr.com/tag/work-family-balance/. “Bill Would Extend FMLA Benefits and Protections to Additional Family Members”, Washington DC Employment Law Update, Ilyse Schuman,
July 1, 2011.

Photocredit: Microsoft Clip Art

VOTE 2012

Today, Saturday, July 16th 2011, has been declared National Day of Action by the Democratic Party. Across the country there are efforts being made to bring new supporters into the campaign. It has been reported that volunteers in all 50 states will be knocking on doors and registering new voters. The overarching goal for this campaign is to register voters in order to ensure: the reelection of President Barack Obama and that Democrats take back the United States House of Representatives.

This summer, important action is being taken to bring more people into the political process- thus making certain that every voter who wants to exercise their right is registered. There are three stages in the voter empowerment process: registration, education, and mobilization. Today, Democratic supporters can join a national day of action dedicated to voter registration. Get involved. Your vote can be decisive, stand up, speak out, be heard— vote!

Take action that can and will change the future. On November 2, 2012, seize the opportunity to cast your vote. As was aptly stated by President Johnson when discussing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.”

Each election day, countless eligible voters deprive themselves of their voting right through complacency or apathy. Don’t be among them—exercise your right to vote.

Source:[email protected]. Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Georgia's Anti-Immigration Law (House Bill 87)

Georgia followed Arizona’s lead and passed stringent new legislation targeting illegal immigrants and those who harbor them. Supporters of the new law state that Georgia enacted anti-immigration law (House Bill 87) with the overarching goal of saving money. They contend that illegal immigrants are burdening Georgia’s hospitals, jails and public schools. Further, they assert that illegal immigrants are taking jobs in a period of record unemployment in the State. It was clear on its face that this piece of legislation would not have the anticipated result of saving money for the state or opening up jobs for citizens that were unemployed.

Prior to the passage of the law, there were rallies that opposed the legislation and urged the governor to veto the bill. Democrats vigorously fought House Bill 87 arguing that it would damage Georgia’s agricultural and tourism industries and force the state to defend itself against costly court battles. It was passed. Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal (Republican) signed the anti-immigration legislation into law.

In response to this poorly thought out piece of legislation, thousands Georgia residents
rallied against the recently enacted Georgia anti-immigration law House Bill 87. The Georgia Anti-Immigration law has had serious economic consequences for the state. It has been reported that Georgia’s tough anti-illegal-immigrant law drove a sizable fraction of the migrant labor pool out of the state, and as a result, “millions of dollars’ worth of blueberries, onions, melons and other crops [are] unharvested and rotting in the fields.”[i] “The jobs the migrants did paid an average of eight ($8)/hour, without benefits, a wage that is so low that the state’s probationed prisoners have turned it down.[ii] Guest-writing in the Atlantic’s economics section, Adam Ozimek doesn’t believe that the farms would be viable if they paid wages that legal American workers would take: “it’s quite possible that the wages required to get workers to do the job are so high that it’s no longer profitable for farmers to plant the crops in the first place.” [iii]

Georgia’s tough anti-illegal-immigrant law has created a labor shortage in one the state’s largest industries.[iv] Hopefully, it is clear to the supporters of this poorly thought out piece of legislation that this law should be repealed. If not, it is certain that there will be a case filed by the ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center barring its implementation in Georgia.

Sources: “Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011″; “Georgia’s anti-immigrant law leaves millions in crops rotting in the fields” Cory Doctorow, BOINGBOING, Wednesday, Jun 22, 2011. HB57- Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011, Dustin, Georgia Politico, January 28, 2011. georgiabulletin.org. “Local ministers: HB 87 is NOT what Jesus would do” Gwynedd Stuart, Creative Loafing, April 25, 2011. Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

“Georgia’s anti-immigrant law leaves millions in crops rotting in the fields” Cory Doctorow, BOINGBOING, Wednesday, Jun 22, 2011.

[ii] Ibid.

[iii]Ibid.

[iv] Ibid.

Civil Rights Organizations Challenge Alabama’s Extreme Anti-Immigrant Law (HB56)

Alabama Governor Robert J. Bentley recently signed into law what has deemed to be one of the strictest anti-immigration laws in the country. This law has generated great public outcry by many sectors of the community. This month, the American Civil Liberties Union, along with the Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Immigration Law Center, the Asian American Justice Center and the Asian Law Caucus filed a class action lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Alabama’s anti-immigrant law (HB56).

It has been reported that the Alabama anti-immigration bill (HB 56) replicates portions of Arizona’s anti-immigration law. Alabama’s anti-immigration law would:

• Allow local law enforcement to demand papers from and detain those they believe are in the country illegally.
• Make it a crime for undocumented immigrants to hold a job in Alabama, and make it a crime for any immigrant in the state to be caught without documentation proving status.
• Make it illegal to sign a contract with undocumented immigrants, to knowingly rent property to them, to knowingly hire them for jobs.
• Require businesses to use E-Verify, the government database of names, to check employees’ legal status.
• Mandate that parents report the immigration status of their children to public schools to assist the schools to: maintain legal status records on all their students; and document the costs of educating undocumented children.

On July 8, 2011, the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) released a press release regarding Alabama’s discriminatory anti-immigrant law. The SPLC press release reads as follows: “We have filed this lawsuit today because Alabama’s immigration law is blatantly unconstitutional,” said SPLC Legal Director Mary Bauer. “This law revisits the state’s painful racial past and tramples the rights of all Alabama residents. It should never become the law of the land.

The recently filed lawsuit also asserts that the law’s provisions regarding education will deter children from immigrant families from enrolling in public schools and will bar many non-citizens lawfully within the country from attending public colleges or universities in Alabama. These provisions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and are contrary to U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Other provisions deny individuals access to the state’s judicial system due to their immigration status – depriving them of due process guaranteed by the Constitution.”

Many community leaders oppose the anti-immigration law for a range of reasons and held a march in Birmingham. “This legislation not only violates our values as a community but will also create astronomical costs at a time when our state can least afford it,” said Shay Farley, Legal Director, and Alabama Appleseed. “If these legislators have their way, millions of taxpayer dollars will be squandered and our already underwater state economy will take another serious hit.”

For further information about anti-immigration laws, visit the website for the Southern
Poverty Law Center, ACLU, the National Immigration Law Center, National Immigration Forum, or the Asian American Justice Center. Sources: Americasvoiceonline.org. “Alabama enacts anti-illegal-immigration law described as nation’s strictest” Richard Fausset, Los Angeles Times, June 10, 2011. “In Alabama, a Harsh Bill for Residents Here Illegally”, Julia Preston, New York Times, June 3, 2011. Alabama Coalition for Immigration Justice Press Release, National Immigration Forum, Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU, the National Immigration Law Center, the Asian American Justice Center. “Anti-immigration law march in Birmingham draws a crowd and keeps commenters divided, too”, The Birmingham News, June 26, 2011. “Report: Anti-Immigration Law Cost Millions”, Jamilah King, COLORLINES, Thursday, January 27, 2011. Huffington Post. “America’s Voice on Line, “Alabama anti-immigration law facing court challenge”, Tom Baxter, Southern Political Report, July 8, 2011. “HB 56: Alabama May Pass Nation’s Harshest Anti-Immigrant Law”, Nsenga Burton, the Root, June 9, 2011.