Farm workers and immigrant rights leaders travel the road to citizenship, vow not to take ‘No’ for an answer
Immigration reform advocates throughout California caravan to Bakersfield, home of the third-ranking Republican in the House Rep. Kevin McCarthy, to demand he support a path to citizenship
Bakersfield, CA –From all corners of the Golden State, thousands of immigrant rights leaders, faith organizations, student groups, elected officials, allies, labor unions, including the United Farm Workers, and other supporters will travel in car and bus caravans to Bakersfield, California where they will urge House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) to support and press for a vote on immigration reform with a path to citizenship.
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.
“The Path to Citizenship Goes through Bakersfield” 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. The time is now for a real solution and the message to lawmakers is that reform with a path to citizenship is the answer our community seeks and it will take no for an answer.
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 sendoff 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 Street, Bakersfield
1:00 PM – March to Rep. McCarthy’s office, 4100 Empire Drive, Suite 150, Bakersfield
WHO: Statewide coalition of independent organizations, including CHIRLA Action Fund, SEIU State Council, UFW, UFW Foundation, Campesina Radio Network, Cesar Chavez Foundation, 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.
‘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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