Farm workers lead statewide caravan to Bakersfield urging Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy to support path to citizenship
Bakersfield, CA – Representing the United Farm Workers, agricultural laborer Bernardo Garcia will join thousands of other farm workers, immigrant rights leaders, faith organizations, student groups, elected officials, allies, labor unions, and immigration reform supporters next Wednesday in a massive caravan headed to Bakersfield. Garcia, 52-year-old Lamont resident, hopes the effort would persuade Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) to advance immigration reform legislation with a path to citizenship in the House.
Garcia has worked for 15 years harvesting the fruits and vegetables that grow in the rich agricultural lands of California. Two weeks ago, he was able to share his story of personal success and struggles with Rep. David Valadao, who recently announced his support for immigration legislation that includes a path to citizenship.
“I dream of becoming an American citizen,” said Garcia, who is undocumented. “I love this country and becoming a citizen would be like a legacy for my family. After all, citizens or not, immigrants do come to work and die in this country.”
“The Path to Citizenship Goes through Bakersfield” caravan is one of hundreds of actions and activities across the nation, escalating the stakes for reform during the congressional August recess. The 1,100-car caravan highlights the urgency for immigration reform in the immigrant, Latino, and Asian communities who have marched, mobilized, and voted in support of an overhaul for years.
Supporters from more than 30 cities, including 13 farm worker communities, will be joining the caravan. Farm workers will be coming from Stockton, Salinas, Santa Rosa, Napa, Porterville, Fresno, Madera, Bakersfield, Delano, Arvin, Lamont, Wasco and Oxnard to join in the immigration reform effort (departure locations below).
WHAT: “Caravan for Citizenship” mobilizes thousands of immigration reform supporters to the city of Bakersfield in a car and bus caravan, rally and action directed at House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy.
WHEN & Tuesday, August 13, 2013 – Local send-off actions from over 30 cities across the state.
WHERE: Times and locations will vary for individual events. Please check with contact above.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 – Caravan, rally and action in Bakersfield.
Morning send-offs from at least 32 cities. Times and locations vary.
10:00 AM – Gathering at 1300 Wible Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93304
11:00 AM – Caravan through streets of Bakersfield begins
12:00 PM – Rally at Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive, Bakersfield
1:00 PM – March to Rep. McCarthy’s office, 4100 Empire Drive, Suite 150, Bakersfield
WHO: Statewide coalition of independent organizations, including United Farm Workers, UFW Foundation, Campesina Radio Network, Cesar Chavez Foundation, CHIRLA Action Fund, SEIU State Council, Kern County Coalition for Citizenship, MiFamiliaVota, COFEM, PICO California, Campaign for Community Change, CLUE LA, SIREN, KRC, NAKASEC, LA County Federation of Labor – AFL/CIO, SEIU-521, SEIU USWW, CARECEN, CLC, NBOP, Nuestra Casa, JOB, ACLU San Diego, CAUSE, Equality California, and others.
VISUALS: Thousands of vehicles and people, banners, posters, large Statues of Liberty, deadline poster, large copies of Rep. McCarthy, marching, chanting and testimonials.
Farm worker delegation departure locations:
|
City of Origin |
Time |
Pick Up Location |
Address |
|
Stockton |
5 am |
Rancho San Miguel |
1409 S. Airport Way Stockton, CA 95206 |
|
Fresno |
9 am |
Super Mercado Mexico |
1435 Fresno Street Fresno CA 93706 |
|
Madera |
8:30 am |
99 Cent Store |
1333 Country Club Dr. Madera CA 93638 |
|
Porterville |
9 am |
Giovanni’s Pizzeria and Arcade |
45 N 2nd St Porterville, CA 93257 |
|
Santa Rosa |
5 am |
UFW Office |
1700-D Corby Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95407 |
|
Napa |
5 am |
Fuller Park |
Between Jefferson St. and |
|
Salinas |
6 am |
UFW Office |
437 E. Alisal Street Salinas, CA 93907 |
|
Gilroy |
5:30 am |
McDonald’s |
6990 Chestnut St, Gilroy CA 95020 |
|
Oxnard |
8:30 am |
UFW Office |
920 S. A Street Oxnard, CA 93030 |
To reserve a seat in the bus or for more information on how to participate please call:
Fresno: 559-496-0700
Visalia: 559-674-4525
Salinas: 831-757-6700 or UFWF 831-758-2611
Bakersfield: 661-324-2500
‘Con La Union de Campesinos Tendremos Papeles'(With the United Farm Workers, we will get our papers) campaign: United Farm Workers, UFW Foundation, Campesina Radio Network, Cesar Chavez Foundation stepped up efforts during this August recess urging House Republican leadership to make immigration reform a reality this year and to schedule a vote on comprehensive immigration reform legislation. To get involved visit our website at www.ufw.org or call a UFW office in your area.
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