United Farm Workers join national ‘Fast for Families’ to press key House Republicans on immigration reform
National action pushes back on Speaker Boehner’s reform blockade;highlights costly human & economic toll of broken immigration system
A broad coalition of California businesses, labor, community and faith groups will ramp up the pressure on House leaders to schedule a vote for immigration reform before the end of 2013. The renewed efforts come after House Speaker John Boehner signaled his intention to halt reforms that are critical to the nation’s economy and family dignity.
Hundreds of Latinos, Asian Americans, faith, union, and community members across California will join the National Fast for Families, where they will abstain from all food to highlight the moral crisis caused by our broken immigration system. Participants will fast and pray in a spirit of hope, calling on elected leaders to show moral leadership in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Cesar E. Chavez.
Fasts will be held in key targeted congressional districts where House members are key on influencing a vote for immigration reform or where the Republican leadership has refused to address the No. 1 issue for Latino and immigrant voters. Those lawmakers include, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, and Republican Representatives Gary Miller, R-Rancho Cucamonga; Buck McKeon, R-Santa Clarita; Ed Royce, R-Fullerton; and Jeff Denham, R-Turlock.
Pro-reform advocates are calling on these members of Congress to stand up, do the right thing, and challenge Speaker Boehner and the House leadership to act immediately on reforms that are critical to the state’s economy and can restore dignity for families living in the shadows. Tabling such an action will only prompt Latinos and other minority votes to express their opinion at the voting polls.
EVENT DETAILS:
Los Angeles
Solidarity Fast in Congressman Ed Royce’s District
Date and Time: Monday, November 18, 11:00 AM thru Friday, November 22nd
Location: 210 W Birch St, Brea CA
Contact: Dayne Lee, 909-525-8565
Modesto
Solidarity Vigil in Congressman Jeff Denham’s District
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 20th, 12-1:30pm
Location: Britton/Van Konynenburg Ranch at the end of Sisk Road, Modesto
Contact: Sergio Lara, 209-589-576
Bakersfield
Solidarity Fast in Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s District
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 20th, 11am – 8pm
Location: Liberty Bell, 1400 Block of Truxton Ave, Bakersfield, CA NB: Cesar Chavez’ grandson Andres Chavez will be participating in this fast, continuing a multi-generation tradition of nonviolent protest.
San Bernardino
Solidarity Fast in Congressman Gary Miller’s District
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 20th, 5-6pm
Location: St. Anthony Church, 1510 West 16th St, San Bernardino, CA
Contact: Elena Carrasco, 909-810-3867
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The California Table for Immigration Reform is a statewide coalition of over 85 community, labor, faith, youth, small business and allied organizations. Among the groups participating in the action are United Farm Workers of America, Mi Familia Vota, a Latino voter registration and mobilization organization; PICO; the California Labor Federation; members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Locals 521, 721, 1000, and the United Long Term Care Workers, CHIRLA, and CARECEN, a civil rights organization for Central American immigrants