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Groundswell Meets Groundwork Recommendations for Building on Immigrant Mobilizations Researched and Written by Ted Wang and Robert C. Winn | July 2006 gcir A Special Report from the Four Freedoms Fund and Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees Spring 2006 Immigrant Mass Mobilizations ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ WA ME ≠ ≠MN VT ≠ MT ND ≠ ≠ ≠≠ NH ≠≠ ≠ NY ≠≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ OR ≠ WI ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠MA ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠≠≠ CTME ≠ WA ≠ ≠ VT≠NJ ≠ ≠ ID SD ≠MN IA≠ ≠≠ MI ≠ ≠≠ WY MT ≠ ≠ ND ≠ ≠ ≠ NY≠ NHDE PA ≠≠ ≠≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ OR ≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠ NE ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ WIIL OH ≠ ≠ DC≠ MA ≠≠ ≠ ≠ NV ≠ ≠≠ ≠≠ ID UT ≠ IN CT ≠ ≠ ≠ WV ≠ CO ≠ ≠≠ MO≠ ≠MIKY≠ ≠ ≠NJ ≠ SD ≠ ≠ ≠≠CA ≠ ≠ ≠≠ PA ≠ VA ≠≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠ KS WY ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ TN ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ DE IA ≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠ NE ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ OH ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ NC ≠ ≠ ≠OK ≠ ≠ IL ≠ WV ≠ SC ≠ NV ≠ ≠≠ ≠≠ ≠ AZUT ≠NM≠ ≠ IN ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠ ≠MO≠ ≠ KY≠ GA ≠ ≠ DC ≠ ≠ CO AK ≠ CA ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠≠ VA ≠ ≠≠ ≠≠ KS ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠≠≠ ≠ ≠ AL ≠ MS≠ TN ≠ ≠≠ ≠ NC≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠NM ≠ ≠ OK ≠ LA ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠SC≠≠ ≠ ≠≠≠ ≠ ≠≠ AZ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ TX AK GA ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠≠≠ ≠ MS ≠ AL ≠≠ ≠ ≠ FL≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ LA ≠ ≠≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ TX FL≠ ≠ ≠ Crowd Size ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ ≠ > 200,000 ≠ 20,000 – 100,000 5,000 – 10,000 ≠ ≠ < 5,000 – #NA This map was created by Naomi Abraham, Public Interest Projects, with information provided by the Four Freedoms Fund grantees, immigrant organizations and news accounts. It is intended to provide readers with a sense of the scale of the mobilizations, but it does not represent all of the rallies that took place around the country. ≠ Cover: Thousands of supporters of immigrant rights rally at the State Capitol in Salem, Oregon on May 1, 2006. © Aeryca Steinbauer. Table of Contents Preface 1 Executive Summary 2 Introduction: HR 4437 Sparks a Groundswell 5 Challenges Facing the Immigrant Rights Movement 11 Funding Recommendations for Building on Recent Developments 14 Funding Recommendations If Congress Were to Adopt Comprehensive Immigration Reform 21 Funding Recommendations If Congress Fails to Adopt Comprehensive Reform and the Federal Government Emphasizes Enforcement-Only Policies 23 Conclusion 24 Interviewees 25 Four Freedoms Fund 26 Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees 27 About the Authors 28 © 2006 by Four Freedoms Fund and Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees. All rights reserved. Preface e are living in a remarkable What events and factors helped W The Four Freedoms Fund and and historical moment in create the groundswell that led millions Grantmakers Concerned with this country's struggle for of immigrants to participate in marches Immigrants and Refugees are publishing immigrant rights—one that across the country? this report to provide timely analysis is filled with great potential as well as What are the opportunities and and preliminary recommendations. great challenges. challenges for immigrant communities Recent developments have created a in the current environment? unique funding opportunity for philan- In spring 2006, millions of immigrants Specifically, how can foundations thropy, and we hope this report will and their allies have participated in support efforts to build upon recent stimulate discussion among funders on hundreds of marches across the United developments and increase newcomer how best to support and strengthen the States. The scale and power of these civic participation? emerging immigrant rights movement demonstrations surprised even long- during this critical time. We welcome time immigrant supporters. They What areas of needs are prioritized your comments and reactions to the increased immigrants' visibility and by national and regional immigrant findings and recommendations of this highlighted their potential power. The organizations? report. Our organizations look forward marches also influenced Congressional If Congress were to adopt an to serving as an information resource debate on reforming U.S. immigration immigration bill, what would be its and to providing technical assistance to policies, from an almost exclusive focus likely effects and how could funders national and regional funders. The Four on enforcement to one that—for all its help immigrants benefit, as well as Freedoms Fund, in particular, is also flaws—includes creating new opportu- respond to harmful provisions? available to help coordinate grantmak- nities for immigrants to legalize their How should funders respond to the ing if there is interest in forming status and reunify family members. growing anti-immigrant backlash at the collaborative efforts to address state and local levels? immigration issues. Yet, despite these gains, immigrant communities face considerable Our researchers interviewed a broad We hope you will consider acting upon challenges in converting their recent cross-section of immigrant leaders, some of the recommendations in this mobilizations into beneficial policy advocates, and policymakers and have report. Increased support—if provided changes and political empowerment. produced this report summarizing their in a timely, informed and strategic Any legislation that emerges from findings. The report briefly describes manner—can help create not only Congress is likely to include many the circumstances that produced the stronger immigrant communities but harmful measures. Efforts to enhance large immigrant marches and offers ultimately a better future for this immigrants' electoral power and their concrete funding recommendations for country. influence on national policymaking are supporting immigrant communities unlikely to succeed without innovative under different scenarios. strategies and increased and sustained Michele Lord funding to promote naturalization, A key theme that runs throughout this Executive Director voter engagement, leadership develop- report is the need for funders to Public Interest Projects ment, and advocacy among newcomers. provide increased support at this Four Freedoms Fund pivotal moment, while coordinating Recognizing that the current environ- their efforts to maximize impact and Daranee Petsod ment offers important opportunities for avoid duplication. Coordination of Executive Director funders to support and help empower funding will be especially important if Grantmakers Concerned with immigrants, the Four Freedoms Fund Congress were to pass a large-scale Immigrants and Refugees commissioned a field analysis to better immigration reform bill since it would understand recent developments and likely affect—both positively and provide funding recommendations. negatively—tens of millions of Some of the key questions that this immigrants. report addresses include: 1 Executive Summary n the spring of 2006, millions of I immigrants and their allies participated in hundreds of marches across the United States. The scale and power of these demon- strations have increased immigrants' visibility and highlighted their poten- tial power. While the long-term implica- tions remain to be seen, the passion that was unleashed in these unprece- dented demonstrations promises to be a potent force in shaping this country's future. © New York Immigration Coalition Drawing upon information gathered through media articles and interviews with over 60 immigrant leaders, advocates and policymakers, this report analyzes the recent events' implications for funders. Section I provides a brief overview of the demonstrations, examining the events and factors that helped create While the marches surprised many due tions have had a positive impact on the and nurture the groundswell that led to the apparently spontaneous partici- policymaking environment, though millions of immigrants to participate in pation by so many who had not demon- numerous challenges continue to marches and other civic actions. strated before, they were facilitated by impede affirmative policy change. As the groundwork laid by advocates, public officials have become more aware The major catalyst for recent events community groups, national coalitions that immigrants are a growing part of was the U.S. House of Representatives' and other organizations that have long the electorate, the national immigra- passage of HR 4437 in December 2005. worked together on issues affecting tion reform debate has shifted from an The harsh criminalization provisions immigrants. Broad coalitions that had almost exclusive focus on enforcement and enforcement-only approach to been convened to support comprehen- measures to an increasing realization immigration reform raised the stakes sive immigration reform played impor- that any comprehensive legislation not only for immigrants and advocates, tant roles in mobilizing support for the must also allow undocumented but also for faith-based organizations, demonstrations as well as coordinating immigrants and future guest workers a social service agencies, employers, and and shaping public messages. In many path towards citizenship. other groups that work closely with regions, religious groups (particularly immigrants and recognize their contri- various Catholic Church archdioceses), Responding to recent mobilizations, butions to U.S. communities. Ethnic economic justice and community organ- many immigrant organizations are media outlets, led by several nationally izing groups, and labor unions provided working to improve coordination syndicated Spanish-language radio critical support. Hometown associations between grassroots groups and national personalities, played a pivotal role in and other ethnic-based organizations advocates, as well as offer civic engage- publicizing events and the messages to were also instrumental in reaching out ment activities that will empower be conveyed, building a momentum to communities that typically have had immigrants and strengthen the broader that drew immigrant families and their limited participation in the political social justice movement. Through allies to the public demonstrations in arena. strategic investment in these groups, record-breaking numbers. foundations can strengthen and Advocates at the national and state advance the movement for immigrant levels confirm that recent demonstra- rights. 2 Section II elaborates on the skills; and (4) strengthen fundraising. Increase the communications challenges and obstacles for immigrant Funders should also continue to support capacity of immigrant rights communities in achieving short-term ethnic-based organizations that organizations, including (1) message policy goals and long-term empower- complement the roles of coalitions. development that can be used on a ment. Some of the key challenges that Strengthen collaborations between broad range of issues in different should concern funders include: local and national immigrant groups. regions of the country; (2) coordination Increased collaboration can build upon of communications strategies among Possibility that any immigration the groundwork underlying recent national and regional advocates beyond reform adopted this year will include mobilizations, strengthen the voice of the federal legislative context; harmful provisions, leading to immigrants in federal policymaking (3) factual or background information increased detention and deportation of through increased grassroots input and related to ongoing events; and (4) immigrants; militarization of the U.S.- support, and coordinate the develop- organizational capacity to work with Mexico border; and denial of due ment of shared public messages and media. process for growing numbers of immigrants. themes as well as advocacy strategies. Fund research on the impact of Funding national coalitions that devel- harmful enforcement systems, develop Limited capacity among op shared principles among diverse alternative enforcement policies, and immigrant-serving groups to provide immigrant communities and help facili- incorporate public opinion research public education, advice, and services tate communications across local and into future advocacy campaigns. These to eligible individuals if large-scale national organizations is critical to the activities are important to informing legalization programs were enacted. movement's future success. advocacy strategies that either address Limited resources within regional or help change harmful immigration Support efforts to build broader immigrant rights coalitions—organiza- enforcement systems. public support of immigrant issues. tions that have played major roles in Targeted public education campaigns, Support efforts to counter anti- supporting the recent mass mobiliza- particularly using print and electronic immigrant proposals at state and tions—to sustain the engagement of media, can increase public understand- local levels. Such funding can include individuals and groups new to the ing of the experiences of newcomers grants to national groups to provide movement and to build a broader base. and their contributions to society, as technical assistance and grants to local Large and growing numbers of well as inform debates on policy issues organizations which mobilize anti-immigrant proposals at the state that affect the well-being of immigrant immigrants to oppose these measures. and local levels that are creating an families. Support efforts to improve wages increasingly hostile environment for Increase funding for civic partici- and working conditions for low-wage newcomers. pation. Converting recent large workers. The enactment of any new Tensions between immigrants and mobilizations into electoral and politi- legalization program, by itself, will not other disadvantaged communities, cal power is a critical next step for the necessarily improve working conditions especially African-Americans. movement. Funders can support a range for many immigrants and could actually of activities in strategic geographic lead to increased exploitation by Section III provides recommenda- regions, including (1) naturalization unscrupulous employers. Improving the tions to help address these challenges efforts that expand the immigrant wages and working conditions of low- and to build upon the momentum electorate; (2) voter registration, wage earners is a key element to generated by recent events regardless of education, and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) helping immigrants become economical- whether Congress adopts immigration- activities; and (3) community organiz- ly self-sufficient and integrate into U.S. related legislative reform: ing and leadership development that communities. Support regional immigrant rights can expand the base and increase Support efforts to build stronger organizations to provide leadership immigrants' influence in policymaking. relationships between immigrants and and coordination for the emerging Support the ethnic media's African-Americans. These efforts could movement. These groups need capacity to cover immigration issues. engage organizations at both national increased capacity to: (1) communicate Ethnic media outlets play a pivotal role and regional levels to build stronger with their constituencies; (2) engage in in informing newcomer communities relationships between the two commu- leadership development, community and engaging them in civic life. nities and to engage in collaborative organizing, and other programs to advocacy to achieve shared goals. incorporate newcomers and their groups into the immigrant rights movement; (3) enhance media and communications 3 Support administrative and public debate on reversing these "The demonstrations were so regulatory advocacy. This is especially measures in future immigration peaceful and strong because important to ensure proper implementa- legislation. They also need to they were about families. As tion, given the complexity of any law continue advocating for comprehensive people realized that families that is likely to pass Congress and the legislation that helps immigrants might be separated, everyone culture of the current Department of legalize, reunites families, and meets wanted to participate. Homeland Security. the social and economic needs of Children and youth joined in Support litigation to protect American communities. and were marching alongside immigrants' rights. This is especially Support public education efforts. their parents." important if Congress were to pass Materials, manuals, trainings, and legislation that restricts due process or media strategies will be needed to Jessie Diaz infringes upon other constitutional inform immigrants of the details of any League of United Latin American protections. new enforcement programs and how Citizens, Dallas Council they would affect their communities. Support planning for longer-term implementation of legalization Support administrative/regulatory programs and integration of advocacy and litigation. These strate- Section IV describes funding newcomers. Foundations can work with gies will be needed to limit the harmful recommendations for addressing any stakeholders to address English acquisi- impact of enforcement policies. comprehensive immigration reform tion needs and develop programs that Support monitoring of implementa- measures adopted by Congress: will maximize the skills and contribu- tion and increase service providers' Support large and coordinated tions that these new immigrants can capacity to assist immigrants harmed campaigns to educate and assist provide to their communities. by new policies. Proposed enforcement immigrants in the implementation of Continue to fund ongoing advocacy policies will require immigrant any new, comprehensive immigration to improve U.S. immigration laws and advocates and service providers to laws. Activities should include the policies. Such activities include efforts devote more resources to monitor development of public education to publicize and address the shortcom- implementation by immigration materials, trainings, outreach, and legal ings of any reform measures passed. enforcement agencies, address potential and other direct services needed to They also include community organiz- abuses or unlawful practices, and support implementation. Coordination ing, public education, and civic partici- provide legal assistance to growing among both funders and immigrant- pation efforts. numbers of immigrants facing detention serving organizations is a crucial and deportation. consideration, given the enormous scale Section V describes funding recom- Expand the field's communications of the potential legalization program. mendations if the federal government capacity. Publicizing the harmful Fund public education efforts on were to adopt only new enforcement effects of new enforcement policies and other provisions of any new law, such policies but no legalization or family- helping to develop more effective as enforcement issues, new guest based immigration measures: messages in support of immigrant rights worker programs, and the expansion of Support civic engagement to build will be important to minimizing the family unification opportunities. support for comprehensive immigra- likely negative impacts. tion reform. This would capitalize on the heightened public awareness of immigration issues. Depending on the scope of the new enforcement provi- sions, advocates may need to mobilize a strong public response to focus the 4 I. Introduction: HR 4437 Sparks a Groundswell I he dramatic series of rallies T the momentum of the mobilizations. that spread across the United This report's description of immigrant States in the spring of 2006 mobilizations is not a comprehensive have brought a new dimension analysis of the many marches that to the debate over comprehensive occurred in the spring of 2006. Instead, immigration reform. These events mark it is intended to provide the reader the entrance into the public eye of a with background information needed to large and vocal immigrant community better understand the recommendations claiming a right to be seen and heard discussed below. These recommenda- as part of the national dialogue over its tions focus on strengthening the fate. The mobilizations were remarkable immigrant rights movement's infrastruc- not only for their scale but also for ture, increasing civic engagement, Herman Martinez, Board member of the their unity and dignity. Although developing effective strategies to Florida Immigrant Coalition organizers were often rushing to keep counter harmful enforcement systems, up with popular momentum, and and improving relationships between communities of the issues at stake. despite some differences in strategy immigrants and other disadvantaged Community-based and immigrant rights and approach, these events were held communities. In addition, they also groups conducted public education together by a sense of common address possible legislative changes, campaigns about the implications of purpose. including comprehensive reforms, that the bill. Public awareness of the Congress may adopt over the next year. draconian implications also grew when The themes and messages that spread Los Angeles' Cardinal Roger Mahony through word of mouth, ethnic media, The major catalyst for recent events made a March 1st Ash Wednesday call and advocates' outreach and organizing was the U.S. House of Representatives' for defiance of HR 4437 should it efforts had deep resonance for the passage of HR 4437 in December 2005.1 become law, stating that he would be larger immigrant community and helped The bill's harsh provisions and enforce- willing to risk jail for his position. fuel the momentum. The masses of ment-only approach to immigration white t-shirts, the heartfelt, multi- reform touched a nerve and raised the Although local demonstrations began lingual slogans—from "I am a worker, stakes for a range of constituencies. shortly after the passage of HR 4437, not a criminal" to "today we march, Both the undocumented and the idea for mass mobilizations had its tomorrow we vote"—spoke to a deep immigrants with official status felt seed as local and national groups began reservoir of sentiment and potential directly targeted by the legislation and to gather and strategize a response in capacity for action. While the long-term the accompanying tide of anti- early 2006. In one significant example, implications remain to be seen, the immigrant sentiment, prompting over 500 Latino activists and academics passion that was unleashed in these widespread indignation and a desire to from across the country met at the unprecedented demonstrations promises rise up and claim their dignity. Many University of California, Riverside on to be a potent force in shaping this businesses, churches, social service February 11th to consider a response to country's future. agencies, and individuals, realizing HR 4437. The event was convened by their own potential liability under HR the National Alliance for Human Rights, Drawing upon information gathered 4437's provisions criminalizing assis- an organization of Latino activists and through media articles and interviews tance to the undocumented, felt with over 60 immigrant leaders, compelled to increase their participa- advocates and policymakers, this report tion in the debate over immigration 1. The text and summary of HR 4437, primarily authored analyzes the implications of recent reform. by Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), is available at http://thomas.loc.gov. While media attention has focused events for funders. It briefly highlights on the bill's attempt to criminalize undocumented the factors behind the recent In this environment, awareness of the immigrants and those who help these individuals, the bill groundswells in selected locations, perceived injustice of HR 4437 spread contains a number of other harmful provisions, including those that would dramatically increase passport and analyzes their impact on federal and throughout immigrant communities. document fraud penalties, expand mandatory detention state policymaking on immigrant- Ethnic media outlets—in print, on the to apply to more categories of immigrants, create new related issues, and provides grant- radio and television, and online—were grounds of inadmissibility and deportability, and authorize state and local police agencies to enforce immigration making recommendations to build upon instrumental in informing immigrant laws. 5 academics founded by Armando radio show host). After organizers one interviewee mentioned that it was Navarro, a U.C. Riverside ethnic studies convinced the DJs that this was an not so much that the Giant had been professor with roots in the Chicano important moment, they helped spread sleeping as it was that he had been so movement. Consensus was reached that information about immigration reform, busy working; now it was time for the mass action should be taken, and shared their own immigration histories Giant to stand and speak. Participants attendees from both Chicago and Los and publicized the event, leading to a and bystanders were swept up in the Angeles returned to their home cities March 25th turnout estimated at dramatic, peaceful, and celebratory and started working with coalitions 500,000 to one million. tone of these demonstrations. that became the basis of the seminal Immigrant families were claiming their mobilizations in those cities. April saw efforts to continue the right to exist and be recognized. When momentum. Between 350,000 and asked about the factors underlying the These efforts bore fruit in March as 500,000 marched in Dallas' "Mega tremendous turnout, Father Richard people drew together in a mass Marcha" on April 9th, the largest Estrada of La Placita Church in Los movement that steadily gained momen- civil rights march in the city's history. Angeles, an early meeting place of the tum. On March 7th, a crowd of 20,000 A coordinated "National Day of Action" March 25th planners, stated simply that to 40,000 (as estimated by officials and was organized on April 10th. That day, "it was in the people's will already." organizers, respectively) gathered in a organizers estimate that over 300,000 Washington, D.C. event organized by rallied in New York and hundreds of Ethnic media played a pivotal the National Capital Immigration thousands more participated in 170+ role. Ethnic media closely followed the Coalition, among other groups. On events across the country. These progress of immigration reform legisla- March 10th, the rallying cry in Chicago mobilizations were remarkable not only tion and helped keep immigrant was "El Gigante Despierta" ("The Giant for their scale, but also their reach. communities informed of the potential Wakes") as an estimated 100,000 to South Carolina, with a relatively new ramifications. As the mobilizations 300,000 marched through the streets in immigrant population, drew unexpect- developed, Spanish-language media and a record-breaking demonstration that edly large crowds; Schuyler, Nebraska, a several key DJ's, in particular, were put the rest of the country on notice. town of 5,300, saw 3,000 people rally- instrumental in raising awareness about Spontaneous student walkouts started ing for immigrant rights. These April the events. They publicized the rallies across the nation, facilitated by rallies were also more ethnically diverse and, among other things, advised MySpace.com and text-messaging. than the March rallies, as organizers listeners to wear white shirts, downplay reached out beyond the Latino commu- the Mexican flag in favor of the Organizers of subsequent events across nities. While the April 19th federal American flag, and present a dignified the country noted that each successful immigration raids at IFCO Pallet image to the rest of America. In mobilization increased popular interest Management Systems plants generated Chicago, Rafael Pulido of WOJO-FM in the issue, and they often found fear within immigrant communities, (nicknamed "El Pistolero") used his themselves scrambling to respond in a further rallies on May 1st were also well show to reach a large cross section of very short timeframe. For example, attended around the nation, despite the Spanish-speaking community.3 In emboldened by the turnout in occasional strategic differences over Los Angeles, groups such as the Washington and Chicago, Los Angeles whether to call for a boycott.2 Coalition for Humane Immigration geared up for its own "Gran Marcha" on Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) that March 25th. Activists who had settled Why were the mobilizations had preexisting relationships with on the idea of a mass demonstration at so successful? ethnic media helped engage them as the February 11th conference in Riverside, including Jesse Diaz and The people were ready. The unprece- dented scale of the mobilizations took 2. These differences included concerns about whether a Javier Rodriguez, met with immigrant boycott would create a backlash against the movement supporters, adversaries, and the rights and community groups that were generally, as well as possible retaliation by employers mainstream public by surprise. A against individual workers. In Los Angeles, for example, actively supporting comprehensive organizations and individuals in favor of a May 1st boycott unique confluence of factors helped to immigration reform and began organiz- continued under the "March 25th Coalition" umbrella, create a movement that is still unfold- ing as the "March 25th Coalition." In including activists such as Javier Rodriguez, Jesse Diaz, and ing. To a large extent, the mobilizations Nativo Lopez; they pushed for "A Day Without an addition to the efforts of activists and Immigrant", a phrase that was taken up by the mainstream were so well attended and spread so organizers, a crucial factor was the buy- media, and organized a midday rally on May 1st. quickly across the country because the in of Spanish language DJs — most Established immigrant rights groups, most community- themes resonated deeply among based organizations, the Archdiocese, SEIU 1877, notably two nationally syndicated radio Unite/HERE, and the LA County Federation of Labor immigrant communities, regardless of personalities, Renán Almendárez Coello formed the "We Are America" coalition to organize a late whether or not they were undocument- ("el Cucuy") and Eduardo Sotelo ("el afternoon march and rally timed to provide individuals an ed. There was a sense that the rallies opportunity to participate with less of a chance of jeopard- Piolin," who entered the U.S. in the izing their jobs. Many participants in the midday rally were an organic and authentic expres- trunk of a car in 1986, and who is now continued on to the second rally. sion of a long-suffering desire for Los Angeles' highest-rated morning 3. Fornek, Scott. 2006. "Chicago 'Giant' put rest of respect. In a representative comment, country on notice," Chicago Sun Times, April 2. 6 helped build important local-national collaborations. These coalitions have articulated shared principles, goals, and strategies and have brought together diverse allies ranging from community- based organizations to national unions. In doing so, they have amplified immigrants' voices in national policy- making by connecting grassroots advocacy and civic participation to the ongoing debate on reforming federal immigration policies. CCIR, FIRM and RWG, in particular, have not only provided leadership for these © New York Immigration Coalition collaborations, but with funding from the Atlantic Philanthropies, Ford Foundation, Open Society Institute, and other foundations, have re-granted support to regional organizations to increase their capacity to participate in national policy debates. The results of these collaborations were evident in recent mobilizations, as the regional active participants. Two of the major groups took the lead in organizing local Los Angeles-based radio personalities— "Many organizations and coalitions contributed to the events in support of comprehensive Eddie Sotelo and Renán Almendárez immigration reform, and the national Coello—challenged other radio person- historic mobilizations that coalitions worked with their members alities to join them in gathering transpired this past spring. to coordinate events and public support for the mobilizations. Because As an organized network with messages, as well as provide assistance both Sotelo and Coello broadcast a presence in 37 states, to smaller groups across the country. nationally, their messages regarding the CCIR and its New American March 25th march and subsequent Opportunity Campaign played The participating groups' relationships events were also heard by Spanish- a crucial role, working with with immigrant communities and ethnic speaking immigrants across the groups nationwide to organize media, their familiarity with issues country.4 surrounding immigration reform, and coordinate unified action on April 10th and beyond. experience in collaborating with diverse Groundwork greased the wheels. communities, as well as their grassroots While the organic nature of these Success was evident not only in turnout, but also in the legitimacy, were all significant factors events cannot be overstated, in many in the mobilization and planning of localities they were facilitated by the white t-shirts, American flags, recent events. Without much advance groundwork laid by advocates, commu- and 'We Are America' signs warning or preparation, representatives nity groups, and other organizations that unified the demonstra- from regional and national organiza- that have long worked together on tions and message." tions were able to speak to both the issues affecting immigrants. In particu- mainstream press and to their grass- lar, regional and local organizations Frank Sharry roots constituents about the core issues that had previously convened broad National Immigration Forum of immigration reform in a way that coalitions to support comprehensive resonated with large numbers of people. immigration reform played important roles in mobilizing support for and events. Over the past few years, the 4. The significance of ethnic media is increasing: Univision, shaping public messages generated by emergence of the Coalition for for example, is the fifth-largest network in the United the demonstrations. Comprehensive Immigration Reform States, and its primetime viewership among 18-34 year (CCIR), the Center for Community olds has ranked as high as second overall, behind only Fox. Likewise, a 2005 survey by Bendixen and Associates and National coalitions and networks that Change's Fair Immigration Reform New America Media found that 51 million Americans, 24 link many of these regional groups Movement (FIRM), Rights Working percent of U.S. adults, are either primary or secondary Group (RWG), the Catholic Church's consumers of ethnic media. See "The State of the News were also a critical part of the ground- Media" available at work, helping to turn what started as Justice for Immigrants Campaign, and www.stateofthenewsmedia.org/2006/narrative_ethnic local rallies into nationally coordinated ethnic-based national networks have alternative_audience.asp?cat=4&media=10. 7 for the mobilizations. The Catholic Church, in particular, provided critical support in a number of communities. The most visible example was in Los Angeles, where Cardinal Mahony's personal investment in the issue has been a major factor in publicizing the harmful impact of HR 4437, but the Church also played significant roles in mobilizing support in Chicago, Houston, Washington, D.C. and other metropoli- tan areas. Labor unions, especially in Los Angeles (SEIU Local 1877, UNITE/HERE, and the © New York Immigration Coalition LA County Federation of Labor), and New York (SEIU Local 32BJ and SEIU Local 1199), also became increasingly involved in working directly with immigrant groups. Unions, with resources far greater than grassroots community organizations, were instru- mental in providing key logistical and financial support, as well as bringing out the rank and file. In New York, for These same evolving networks have Likewise, in Nebraska, an existing example, Change to Win representatives since become the basis for further work network of organizations participating flew in from Washington, D.C. to facili- to turn the mass mobilizations into in the Immigrant Rights Network of tate permit negotiations on an expedit- political power.5 Iowa and Nebraska provided critical ed basis. These unions brought their support for helping local immigrant organizing and mobilizing experience. In Los Angeles, for example, groups groups to organize large-scale marches Their involvement may also have been a which had been working together in in several different cities.6 In South factor in encouraging mainstream the Southern California Comprehensive Carolina, where the immigrant popula- politicians to attend the rallies. At the Immigration Reform Workgroup, such as tion and related organizations were still national level, SEIU has played a CHIRLA, the National Korean American relatively new, groups such as central role in developing a new nation- Service & Education Consortium Acercamiento Hispano ("Hispanic al coalition, the We Are America (NAKASEC), Service Employees Outreach") and the Coalition for New Alliance, to follow up on the mobiliza- International Union (SEIU) locals, the South Carolinians were able to draw tions with the goal of naturalizing and Korean Resource Center, the Central upon relationships they had built up registering more than a million voters American Resource Center (CARECEN), with community groups, service from immigrant communities before the and the Archdiocese Office of Justice agencies and churches to facilitate November 2006 elections. and Peace took the lead in coordinating organizing for the April 10th mobiliza- the movement, especially after the tions. In Dallas, the League of United Hometown associations and other initial March 25th demonstration. In Latin American Citizens (LULAC) took ethnic-specific organizations were also New York City, groups with a long the lead in forming a coalition with the instrumental in bringing out crowds. history of providing immigrant rights faith community (through the Dallas These include groups such as Casa advocacy, including unions, became the Area Interfaith Sponsoring Committee) Michoacan in Chicago, which hosted backbone for pulling together the April to bring out more than half a million early organizing meetings for the March 10th mobilization and shaping the participants. 10th mobilization, Hermandad Mexicana positive public messages conveyed at chapters and other groups in Los the rally. In less than two weeks, these The coalition broadens. In addition groups and other allies successfully to organizations that have typically organized the largest rally held during focused on immigration issues, the 5. See description below of the formation of the We Are the National Day of Action. recent mobilizations have seen the America Alliance. increasing involvement of other stake- 6. These organizations include Nebraska Appleseed, holders. In certain communities, faith Omaha Together One Community, the Chicano Awareness Center in Omaha, Hispanic Community Center of Lincoln, institutions and leaders played major and the Office of Latin and Latin American Studies at the roles in organizing turnout and support University of Nebraska – Omaha. 8 Angeles, and groups such as Casa enforcement measures to a growing Milo Mumgaard, executive director of Guanajuato in Dallas. These associations realization by many mainstream legisla- Nebraska Appleseed, reflects widespread have typically focused more on service tors that any comprehensive legislation sentiment when he notes that "every- provision, cultural and social activities, must also allow undocumented thing we've done since April 10th has but as a result of the recent mobiliza- immigrants and future guest workers a been to try and figure out how to take tions, they have emerged as a key path towards permanent residency and advantage of this energy." Many player in the immigrant rights citizenship. In late May, the U.S. immigrant organizations already are movement and in the larger political Senate passed by almost a two-third building on the recent mobilizations arena. Finally, low-income community margin the Hagel-Martinez bill, S. 2611, through better coordination between organizing groups, including faith- containing provisions that were largely grassroots groups and national based organizations and worker centers, unthinkable only a short time ago. advocates, as well as engaging in civic also helped mobilize support for recent S. 2611 includes the DREAM Act,9 activities that will empower immigrants rallies. A number of these groups have a modified version of AgJOBS,10 and a and strengthen the broader social become deeply involved in organizing three-tiered legalization program11 that justice movement. immigrant communities in specific is expected to benefit a significant regions and are emerging as important portion of the undocumented popula- An important development coming out institutions for newcomers. tion. While the legislation contains of the mobilization has been the forma- many worrisome enforcement provisions tion of a national coalition, the We Are Impact of the Marches and restrictions to legalization, its America Alliance, to coordinate actions on Policymakers passage illustrates the powerful politi- in support of immigration reform and cal forces that have been unleashed in to translate the high level of immigrant "Today we march, tomorrow we vote," the five months since the House passed interest in these issues into civic and the slogan repeated throughout the HR 4437. electoral power. At the time of this demonstrations, has framed the mobilizations as part of a political Similarly, at the state level, advocates movement that will hold elected report that a number of anti-immigrant 7. The potential voting population of immigrant communi- officials and political parties account- ties is substantial. As of 2004, there were 12.4 million legislative proposals were modified or able to immigrant communities. For naturalized citizens eligible to vote. Passel, Jeffery S. 2005. withdrawn shortly after the April 10th Unauthorized Migrants: Numbers and Characteristics. years, political pundits have discounted National Day of Action. Even immigrant Washington, D.C.: Pew Hispanic Center. Another approxi- the large and growing immigrant mately 10.7 million immigrants were eligible but had yet to leaders who fear that local demonstra- population,7 citing low naturalization apply for citizenship. Fix, Michael, Jeffrey Passel, and tions could cause backlash in their Kenneth Sucher. 2003. Immigrant Families and Workers: rates among Mexican and Central communities believe that the long-term Trends in Naturalization. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute. American newcomers and poor voter In addition, an estimated four million U.S.-born children benefits of raising the visibility of turnout among naturalized citizens. But of immigrants between the ages of 18–24 are also eligible immigrants and engaging large numbers voters. Hoyt, Joshua and Fred Tsao. 2006. Today We March, the recent marches call these assump- of newcomers far outweigh any possible Tomorrow We Vote: The Untapped Power of Over 14 Million tions into question. Even mainstream Potential New Immigrant Voters in 2008. Chicago: Illinois short-term harms. political observers recognize that the Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. 8. Balz, Dan. 2006. "In Speech, a Balancing Act of Policy current context could motivate many more individuals to naturalize and vote. Capturing the energy of the and Politics," The Washington Post, May 16. 9. The DREAM Act would help undocumented youths who As described in an analysis by The mass mobilizations have grown up in the United States and graduated from high school. It would permit many to apply for temporary Washington Post, the marches have One of the most remarkable aspects of legal status and eventually permanent status if they go to "mobilized a nascent political the mobilizations was their sense of college or serve in the U.S. military. For more information, movement, one that over time will grow common resolve and purpose, particu- see the National Immigrant Law Center web site at www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/DREAM/index.htm. in size and strength as younger Latinos larly given the geographic and ethnic 10. The Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefit and begin to register and vote in larger and diversity of the participants, which Security Act would allow certain undocumented larger numbers… [T]here is little included both native-born Americans farmworkers and H-2A guestworkers to obtain temporary immigration status, with the possibility of becoming perma- disagreement that in the longer term, a and immigrants. This unifying message nent residents if they prospectively work a specified party seen as hostile to immigrants, was due not only to the tireless and amount of time in the agricultural industry, pay a fine, and legal or illegal, could pay a stiff price."8 coordinated work of a broad range of establish that they have paid income taxes. For more infor- mation, see the Farmworkers Justice Fund web site at Interviews with immigrant leaders and stakeholders, but also because the www.fwjustice.org. advocates in Washington, D.C. and at cause, and the message, resonated so 11. S. 2611 includes a three-tiered legalization program the state level confirm that the recent deeply with immigrant communities. that would be available to many undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for (1) five or more demonstrations have had a large and The mass mobilizations, in retrospect, years and (2) between two to five years, but these individ- positive impact on their policy advoca- seem both surprising and inevitable, uals would have to first leave the country and receive a cy efforts. At the national level, discus- and have left in their wake a sense of temporary work visa. Those here less than two years would have to leave. See Title VI of S. 2611. Detailed sions on immigration reform have gone power and possibility. analysis of this extremely complex program and its various from an almost exclusive focus on requirements is available from the American Immigration Lawyers Associations' web site at www.aila.org. 9 writing, the coalition is still in the Immigrant leaders and advocates agree early stages of formation, but it "[B]y going through this that translating the energy of the proposes to become a very broad historic moment, I truly felt mobilizations into ongoing community- grassroots-based collaboration. like I became a full member building and policy work will be Its membership includes regional of this society. My participa- challenging given their limited immigrant rights organizations, unions tion in this rally was a decla- resources and as different goals and (including SEIU and UNITE HERE), the ration that I, as an immigrant, strategies emerge within the movement. New American Opportunity Campaign,12 am ready to fully pursue Organizers also note the difficulty of the Center for Community Change, large responsibility while exercising maintaining focus while accommodating Catholic Church archdioceses, large the desires and needs of a very diverse my rights. Immigrants may ethnic-based organizations, farm and growing group of stakeholders. workers' groups, and many other emerge not only as a new "Making history is hard," said Chung- immigrant organizations. Renán political force, but as new Wha Hong, "but every problem has the Almendárez Coello and Eduardo Sotelo, guardians of justice in this potential to strengthen us." Addressing the two DJs who played such an impor- society." these challenges holds the promise of tant role in mobilizing the initial increasing the capacity and effective- S.J. Jung demonstrations, are also part of the ness of immigrant organizations, as well Young Korean American Service coalition and have pledged to continue as providing the training ground for and Education Center to use their radio shows to support leadership development. immigration reform and immigrant rights. The Alliance's announced goal to Grassroots immigrant-led groups, in naturalize and register over one million Advocates have also tried to capitalize particular, may provide touchstones to individuals before the November 2006 on the current interest in immigration help maintain a clarity of vision and elections clearly is intended to issues by educating the public about purpose as the movement goes forward. maintain pressure on Congress to enact harmful policies and proposals that S.J. Jung of the Young Korean responsive immigration reform. separate immigrant family members and American Service and Education Center increase detention and deportation offers the following thought: "By In addition, the current national focus without increasing border security or participating in this campaign, by on immigration following the mobiliza- deterring undocumented migration. going through this historic moment, tions presents a crucial opportunity to Over 300 immigrant family members, I truly felt like I became a full member educate the broader public about for example, converged on Washington of this society. My participation in this immigrant issues. Interviewees note the D.C. on April 24, 2006 to mark the rally was a declaration that I, as an importance of seizing the moment to anniversary of the 1996 laws that have immigrant, am ready to fully pursue inform, and change, public perceptions resulted in over a million deportations, responsibility while exercising my of immigrants and immigration reform. primarily of lawful permanent residents rights. Immigrants may emerge not The New York Immigration Coalition who have been convicted of crimes. only as a new political force, but as (NYIC), for example, is embarking on a Advocates have also publicized the new guardians of justice in this campaign intended to dispel misinfor- harmful provisions within S. 2611 that society." mation through education forums and would further expand the 1996 laws publications that will address contro- and increase deportation of newcomers The remainder of this report examines versial questions about immigrants, for even minor infractions of immigra- the challenges and opportunities faced such as their effect on the economy tion laws (see discussion below). by immigrants in light of recent and their contributions to a vibrant developments and the various ways in America. As Chung-Wha Hong of the which funders can help them achieve NYIC noted, the goal is to help the their goals. mainstream public shift their thinking of the issue from "how to treat immigrants and what rights to give them, to defining the issue as how to reform immigration so that we build a stronger future for everybody." 12. The New American Opportunity Campaign is itself a national coalition formed to support comprehensive immigration reform and includes hundreds of local and regional organizations across the country. For more information, see its website at www.cirnow.org. 10 II. Challenges Facing the Immigrant Rights Movement II hile the recent large-scale this legislative session, Congress is (some of which are described in the W demonstrations have had a transformative effect, immigrant communities continue to face many challenges in achieving policy goals and long-term likely to enact some of the enforcement provisions in separate legislation prior to the November election. Differences in federal legislative previous paragraph). However, there are differences between advocates on how to best address these proposals. A majority of the interviewees, including many who have deep reservations about empowerment. Foundations that wish strategies among immigrant the proposed legislation, believe that to build upon the recent events must advocates. All of the interviewed the most effective strategy leading up take into account both political and advocates universally oppose the to the passage of S. 2611 was to work structural barriers that immigrants must harmful enforcement and restrictive with sympathetic legislators to produce overcome in the current environment. provisions contained in the Senate bill the best possible bill; they view this Some of the key challenges include: Uncertainty on whether positive immigration reform can be achieved in the short-term, and the likelihood that any legislation adopted in 2006 will include harmful and restrictive measures. The impact of recent march- es have not fundamentally changed Congress' desire to pass punitive enforcement measures that will separate immigrant families, infringe on civil liberties, and harm communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. For instance, the Hagel-Martinez Senate bill, among other things, greatly expands immigration-related offenses that constitute "aggravated felonies," thereby creating new grounds for detention and deportation. It encour- ages cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement officials; requires the building of new walls along the U.S.- Mexico border; increases penalties, including the risk of deportation, for minor infractions, such as failing to file a change of address form; creates a new employer verification system; and limits judicial review of deportation orders.13 Many D.C. advocates interviewed for this report also believe that even if a comprehensive immigration bill fails in © Jon Melegrito 13. A short, useful summary of these enforcement provisions is provided in Goldstein, Amy. 2006. "Critics Say Bill Diminishes Due Process for Immigrants." The Washington Post, May 26. More extended summaries Members of South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT) at the April 10, 2006 of these provisions are available at www.aila.org, immigrant rights rally in Washington, D.C., where SAALT Executive Director, Deepa Iyer, www.immigration.forum.org and www.nilc.org. addressed the participants. 11 option as one of the only ways to prevent the enactment of damaging ANTI-IMMIGRANT POLICIES ARE GAINING STRENGTH legislation as well as to further the AT THE LOCAL LEVEL possibility that comprehensive reform could be adopted over the long-run. While no group systematically tracks for cracking down on immigrant housing, municipal immigration-related develop- but their intention, says David Harris of These advocates believe that the Senate ments, interviewees and media accounts the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston, legislation provided an alternative to suggest that an increasing number of local "is to limit housing opportunities for the harsh bill adopted by the House governments are pursuing anti-immigrant newcomers."15 Some of the more extreme and could potentially tie up a policies. These local efforts have focused proposals, such as prohibiting extended Conference Committee that would have primarily in three areas: family members from living in the same to reconcile vastly different proposals. household, have been successfully A number of advocates also believe that Increased local enforcement of challenged by legal advocates.16 But S. 2611, despite its flaws, represents an federal immigration laws. More local several municipalities, such as Hazeleton, important political achievement. The governments appear to be cooperating Pennsylvania, have enacted laws requiring Senate's bi-partisan passage of a bill to with the U.S. Immigration and Custom private landlords to verify their tenants' legalize millions of immigrants provides Enforcement agency or assigning their immigration status. a base on which to advance future own police forces to engage in immigra- legislative goals, even if Congress fails tion enforcement activities, including Crackdowns on day laborers. Local to act this year. several highly visible examples along the proposals targeting day laborers have U.S.-Mexico border.14 risen significantly over the past year.17 These include prohibiting governments "Making history is hard, Increased attempts to use restrictive from contributing funds to support day but every problem has the housing laws to target immigrants. Local laborer activities, requiring day laborer potential to strengthen us." anti-immigrant activists increasingly have centers to verify immigration status, and attempted to use housing occupancy barring job solicitation in public areas. Chung-Wha Hong standards or other housing rules (e.g., Observers report that anti-immigrant New York Immigration Coalition laws that prohibit overcrowding or illegal forces have targeted day laborers because in-law units) to drive immigrants away they believe that there is little public from their cities. Local officials cite health support for these vulnerable workers. However, other advocates, especially and safety concerns as their justification those who work with populations most affected by the harmful provisions, actively opposed the bill, believing that on balance the legislation could harm legal status. Its complexity, especially public demonstrations and follow-up immigrant communities. These differ- if the three-tiered program is enacted, activities in support of comprehensive ences in strategy could be amplified in will create a great deal of confusion, immigration reform. But most acknowl- the field if a confusing law is adopted and many immigrants will need assis- edge that they have limited capacity to that provides benefits to certain tance and legal advice. Legislative interact with the growing numbers of immigrant communities while harming enforcement provisions, in particular, individuals and groups that have others. But one promising sign that will increase risks for undocumented become interested in immigration such differences are unlikely to under- immigrants seeking adjustment. issues. Regional advocates view the mine the movement's long-term work is Individuals who step out of the shadows recent mobilizations as a unique oppor- that most advocates have continued to hoping to adjust their status could be work together, especially on civic deported because of minor infractions. engagement efforts, despite their 14. Pomfret, John and Sonya Geis. 2006. "One Sheriff Sees Implementation Answer as Simple." The Washington Post, disagreements on the Senate bill. The resources and capacity of May 20; Dell'Orto, Giovanna. 2006. "Local Police Face regional immigrant coalitions are Immigration Dilemma." The Associated Press, May 4. Limited capacity among stretched thin by their efforts to 15. Abraham, Yvonne. 2006. "Towns Taking Own Action On Immigrants: Opposition, and Support, Surfaces." Boston immigrant-serving groups to provide provide leadership for and information Globe, May 21. (citing cases in Massachusetts, Connecticut, public education, advice and services to a growing movement. The recent New York, and Georgia). to eligible individuals if large-scale mobilizations have required regional 16. McCrummen, Stephanie. 2006. "Virginia City Suspends 'Family' Rule." The Washington Post, Jan 5. legalization programs are enacted. immigrant organizations to assume an 17. See also Center for New Community. 2006. The Road The scale of the proposed legalization entirely different level of work. As Ahead: 2006 and Beyond: Summarizing a National Strategy programs in the Senate compromise bill discussed above, many of these organi- Discussion on Anti-Immigrant Activities and the Challenges to Human Rights. Chicago, IL: Center for New Community far exceeds any past efforts to help zations have played an important role in (reporting that Minutemen and other nativists are increas- undocumented immigrants adjust to mobilizing immigrants to participate in ingly directing their actions against day laborers). 12 tunity to expand their base, help devel- op new immigrant leaders, and educate "One of the primary challenges the general public about immigrant and opportunities for the issues. But many have limited capacity emerging immigrant rights © Palermo Galindo 2006 to fully take advantage of the current movement is to become truly situation. multiracial—in its leadership, constituency, goals, and Growth of anti-immigrant propos- actions. There is a real als at state and local levels. Over 460 possibility of building an immigration-related bills have been Fort Wayne, IN rally on March 4, 2006 inclusive alliance to address introduced in 43 states in 2006, with most barring undocumented immigrants not only immigration policy from receiving certain public benefits, Perceived competition between but the broader underlying in-state tuition and financial aid, and immigrants and African-American and social and racial justice identification documents and driver's other disadvantaged communities. barriers that could lead to a licenses. Others would also require that The visibility of the recent demonstra- deeper commitment to human voters provide specific documents tions has also raised the stakes in rights and a more equitable demonstrating U.S. citizenship, encour- improving relationships between and fair society." age local or state agencies to enforce immigrants and other disadvantaged immigration laws, and impose penalties communities. While this is a longstand- Karen Narasaki on employers who are suspected of ing challenge, perceived competition Asian American Justice Center hiring undocumented workers.18 Only over jobs, economic resources, housing, a handful of anti-immigrant bills are and even political power has grown as expected to be enacted at the state more immigrants have moved to new level. But as described in the accompa- gateways. A number of the interviewees nying box, a growing number of local express concern that some of the governments also appear to be pursuing messages articulated by immigrants in such harmful policies, and their recent demonstrations (e.g., the narra- proliferation is creating a hostile tive of hard-working individuals taking and harmful environment for many jobs that no Americans want, newcomers.19 "immigrants have built this country," etc.) could alienate African-Americans in particular. These advocates believe that without concerted efforts to build bridges between these communities, poor relations could seriously under- mine efforts to achieve mutually beneficial social justice goals. 18. Interview with Ann Morse, National Conference of State Legislatures, May 11, 2006. 19. See Gonzalez, Karina. 2006. "Law Spurs Fear Among Hispanics." Chattanooga Times Free Press, May 24. 13 III. Funding Recommendations for Building on Recent Developments III n light of the opportunities and enhanced level of activities. Core I recent demonstrations. Foundation challenges facing immigrants at grants can support web sites that support to expand development capaci- this pivotal moment, individuals provide timely information and help ty can help leverage additional funding interviewed for this report were them take action, upgrade database during these critical times. asked to make recommendations to systems to meet new communication funders about the most effective ways needs, and provide sufficient staffing to 2. Ensure that funding to provide strategic support to the interact and maintain contact with strategies include ethnic-based movement. Despite the diverse growing constituencies. groups that can strengthen the background of the interviewees, there Leadership Development, were broad areas of agreement about immigrant rights movement. Organizing and Coordination. The how to build on the recent develop- Regional immigrant coalitions are effec- need for such activities has grown ments, regardless of whether Congress significantly given the growing tive only when they represent broad adopts any new immigration legislation. cross sections of local immigrant numbers of immigrant groups and Below are their key recommendations: communities. Because many immigrants leaders interested in participating in initially organize by ethnicity, nation- policy advocacy, voter engagement 1. Support regional immigrant ality, or religion, ethnic-based organi- activities, or media work. Organizing rights organizations to provide these individuals and helping them leadership and coordination engage in constructive and coordinated for the emerging movement. activities are difficult but important "Foundations can play a critical challenges to undertake. Advocates role in strengthening the The recent events highlight the impor- believe that the recent marches provide immigrant rights movement, both tance of maintaining strong regional an extraordinary opportunity to build by providing long-term sustained organizations that can integrate new or expand their community base among support and by increasing that players into the movement and link immigrants and native-born residents investment during pivotal times. these local groups or leaders with state but need increased resources to seize The immigrant rights infrastruc- or national campaigns to help inform this opening (see Recommendation #5 ture might not have existed but those efforts. Yet, many of these groups for program examples). for long-term support from the need resources to support their expand- Media Training, Capacity for Ford Foundation and the major ed role and to increase their capacity to Mainstream Media Communications, infusion of funding from the interact with the growing numbers of and Message Development. Since the Open Society Institute in the late individuals who are engaged in demonstrations, the regional coalitions 1990s, strategically timed to immigration issues. Specific priorities have had to dramatically increase their respond to devastating welfare include: interaction with mainstream media, reform policies aimed at legal Constituency Communication. immigrants. Most recently, fielding questions from national and Regional immigrant coalitions need to Atlantic Philanthropies made local media outlets. In addition to build their capacity to communicate substantial investments in antici- addressing capacity constraints, founda- with and to mobilize an expanded base pation of a major legislative tion grants can support message devel- of stakeholders who participated in the debate, which has been instru- opment, coordination of media advoca- cy among regional advocates, as well as mental in establishing and training needs. These issues are strengthening the field's ability to discussed in a media communication connect local and national advoca- section under Recommendation #7, cy on immigration policy reform below. issues. All of these investments have contributed to the networks © Palermo Galindo 2006 Fundraising. The combination of that have served as the backbone expanded program needs, high work of the recent mobilizations." demands on executive directors, and the lack of development staff in smaller Cecilia Muñoz organizations have made it difficult to National Council of La Raza raise the funds needed to maintain an Fort Wayne, IN rally on March 4, 2006 14 TABLE 1. Potential Voters: Naturalized and Eligible Immigrant Population By State (2003) State Eligible to Naturalized Percent Naturalized Soon-to-be Naturalize (000s) (000s) of Eligible Eligible (000s) Total 7,911 11,146 58% 2,661 Major Destinations 5,914 7,663 56% 1,758 California 2,695 3,018 53% 717 New York 1,133 1,673 60% 282 Texas 766 727 49% 263 Florida 607 1,181 66% 219 New Jersey 373 592 61% 134 Illinois 340 473 58% 142 New Growth States 981 1,474 60% 419 Arizona 183 223 55% 36 Washington 114 207 65% 82 North Carolina 69 71 50% 36 Georgia 69 139 67% 31 Nevada 69 123 64% 18 Oregon 63 79 56% 35 Colorado 61 87 59% 51 Minnesota 47 88 65% 7 Utah 39 40 51% 12 Oklahoma 31 33 52% 8 Arkansas 30 20 40% 3 Tennessee 28 58 67% 17 Iowa 28 32 53% 19 South Carolina 27 48 64% 8 Idaho 25 17 41% 5 Kansas 24 46 65% 15 Indiana 19 59 76% 5 Nebraska 18 25 58% 5 Kentucky 13 24 65% 13 Alabama 12 25 67% 7 Mississippi 6 10 60% 5 Delaware 4 18 80% 2 All Other States 1,016 2,009 66% 484 Massachusetts 179 278 61% 89 Pennsylvania 115 225 66% 65 Michigan 115 269 70% 53 Maryland 98 220 69% 51 Virginia 84 203 71% 65 Ohio 83 140 63% 44 Connecticut 63 173 73% 18 Wisconsin 45 77 63% 20 New Mexico 40 39 49% 10 Hawaii 39 99 72% 14 Rhode Island 35 48 57% 9 Missouri 26 63 71% 8 Louisiana 23 48 68% 18 New Hampshire 17 30 64% 2 District of Columbia 14 21 60% 5 Maine 14 17 55% 2 Alaska 9 25 73% 4 Vermont 5 10 68% 1 West Virginia 3 9 73% <1 Montana 3 5 68% 1 South Dakota 2 5 69% 2 North Dakota 2 2 48% 3 Wyoming 1 5 79% 1 Reprinted from: Fix, Michael, Jeffrey Passel, and Kenneth Sucher. 2003. Immigrant Families and Workers: Trends in Naturalization. Washington D.C.: Urban Institute. 15 zations often play important roles in educating community members, increas- ing their civic participation, and helping them work in coalition with other communities. Support for ethnic- based groups that can perform these important functions is critical to strengthening the movement. 3. Strengthen collaborations between local and national immigrant groups. One characteristic of the emerging immigrant rights movement is the growing collaboration between local, immigrant-based organizations and national policy groups. As illustrated by recent events, national coalitions can play an especially important role in June 2005 March against REAL ID in Arcadia, Florida. sharing information and coordinating emphasize the net positive contribu- engagement generally is an important activities to maximize the influence tions of immigrants, and help humanize goal, many interviewees recommend and power of grassroots efforts to these individuals. Broad public educa- that any national funding effort priori- reform federal policies. With the tion campaigns can reframe the debate tize geographic areas where (a) emergence of a broad range of from one dominated by fear and anger increased immigrant engagement is immigrant groups, with widely varying to an emphasis on how fair and just likely to have a significant political or strategies and goals, these coalitions immigration reform can help build a electoral impact at the state or national can identify common ground upon better future for all Americans. Support level, and (b) existing groups or coali- which large numbers of groups agree. for planning and execution of such tions have the capacity to implement Over the long run, these coalitions can campaigns are incorporated in a large-scale campaigns. also strengthen infrastructure to number of recommendations below, nurture the development of the emerg- including developing civic participation For instance, prioritized regions could ing movement. For instance, over the activities and supporting media commu- include states with large citizenship- past several years, several key coali- nication resources. These activities can eligible populations. Demographers tions—including CCIR, FIRM and RWG— help immigrants communicate and estimate that over 40 percent of have provided opportunities for region- amplify their voices so that the public immigrants who are eligible for U.S. al and national advocates to collabo- has a better and more accurate under- citizenship, approximately 10.7 million rate, build trust, improve their working standing of immigrant issues; they can individuals, have yet to naturalize.20 relationships, and develop shared also blunt attempts by nativists to Table I provides a breakdown of the principles and policy goals. As the scapegoat immigrants and undermine eligible citizenship populations by national debate over U.S. immigration efforts to enact anti-immigrant policies. states. The states with the largest eligi- policy continues to heat up, these and ble populations are California and New other coalitions that facilitate broad collaboration among immigrant rights 5. Increase funding for York, where an estimated 4.7 million civic participation. eligible immigrants have yet to natural- groups will continue to play important ize. However, the table also shows that roles in strengthening the voices of Interviewees unanimously agree that immigrants in federal policymaking— the movement's critical next step is to and in winning important policy convert the large mobilizations into 20. As described in Table I, the Urban Institute estimates changes. electoral and political power. that as of 2003, almost eight million immigrants were eligi- To this end, funders should increase ble to naturalize, and 2.7 million would soon become eligi- ble. Fix, Michael, Jeffrey Passel, and Kenneth Sucher.2003. 4. Support efforts to build support for (1) naturalization efforts Immigrant Families and Workers: Trends in Naturalization. broader public support of that expand the immigrant electorate, Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute. Limited English profi- (2) voter registration, education and ciency, low levels of formal education, low household immigrant issues. get-out-the-vote activities, and (3) income, and unfamiliarity with the application process are barriers to naturalization for many eligible immigrants. For The current public focus on immigra- community organizing and leadership promising practices to address these barriers, see tion issues presents an important development that can increase Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees. opportunity to address anti-immigrant 2006. Investing in Our Communities: Strategies for Immigrant immigrants' voice in policymaking. Integration. Sebastopol, CA: Grantmakers Concerned with sentiment, correct misinformation, While increasing immigrant civic Immigrants and Refugees. 16 policies that erode human rights for INCREASING ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION immigrants and U.S. citizens. The campaign addresses a wide range of Over the past five years, more and more Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and issues—detention, due process, secret immigrant organizations have implement- Refugee Rights partnered with smaller surveillance, and racial and religious ed voter engagement campaigns to immigrant organizations in the Chicago profiling. Led and supported by region- increase their community's electoral influ- area during the 2004 presidential election al immigrant organizations throughout ence. These campaigns range from tradi- to increase registration and voter turnout. the country, the campaign seeks to tional voter outreach efforts to those that The campaign registered 27,000 new connect to non-immigrant as well as are designed to train and engage large voters, distributed voter education immigrant groups and build a numbers of immigrant organizations over materials in eight different languages, movement to change such harmful an extended period of time.23 Below are and brought an additional 62,500 voters practices.24 brief descriptions of three widely recog- to the polls in targeted precincts over the nized programs that helped numerous previous election. www.icirr.org/nadp.htm The Center for Community Change has naturalized immigrants become first-time also proposed an ambitious project to voters during the last presidential Mobilize Immigrant Vote (MIV)'s launch "citizenship schools" across the election: movement-building campaign brought country in coordination with regional together 112 immigrant community immigrant coalitions. These schools The People for American Way's "Mi organizations in California to participate would help newcomers learn about the Familia Vota" registered 72,000 new in voter registration and Get Out the Vote U.S. political system, the issues under- Latino voters in Florida during the 2004 (GOTV) activities during the 2004 lying the immigration reform debate, elections and mobilized almost 90 percent elections. MIV's approach is not only to and develop skills to engage in advoca- of them to cast a ballot. Mi Familia Vota increase voter participation but to link cy. These "schools" provide a way for is expanding its work in Florida and has electoral work to ongoing community regional immigrant groups to organize launched campaigns for the 2006 organizing. It uses this work to raise the newcomers who have been inspired by elections in Arizona and Pennsylvania. visibility of these communities. Its 2004 recent events, expand their member- www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx? campaign registered 20,000 new voters. ship, and develop leadership to www.immigrantvoice.org/miv2004 participate in or help with future mobilizations. In addition, interviewees urge funders large numbers of the eligible citizenship oped civic engagement campaigns in to prioritize support for several population live in political "swing" anticipation of such ballot measures. populations that are often overlooked states where any significant increase in Targeted efforts to increase naturaliza- in this area: their electoral participation could influ- tion followed by voter engagement ence election outcomes. These states activities in these and other key states Children of Immigrants. Youth include Florida (with an estimated could significantly increase immigrants' played an important role in recent 607,000 immigrants who are eligible to visibility and empowerment at both the mobilizations, organizing walkouts and become citizens), Arizona (183,000), regional and national levels.22 protests that often preceded larger Pennsylvania (115,000), Washington demonstrations (e.g., Dallas, Nebraska (114,000), Ohio (83,000), Georgia Beyond focusing on naturalization and (69,000), North Carolina (69,000), voter engagement, the interviewees also Nevada (69,000), and Colorado (61,000). urge funders to support community 21. Arizona voters passed Proposition 200 in 2004, which requires state officials to verify the immigration status of organizing and leadership development individuals seeking certain state public benefits and to Many of these swing states are also programs aimed at strengthening the report discovered immigration violations to federal testing grounds for immigration issues. grassroots and increasing immigrants' agencies. 22. Many interviewees express concerns that the federal They have been targeted by restriction- influence in policymaking. A number of government is imposing new barriers to citizenship, includ- ist groups that have proposed, and in a national and regional organizations are ing higher application fees, online applications, and the few instances enacted, anti-immigrant developing or expanding projects that development of a new naturalization test that is expected to require greater English skills and knowledge of U.S. legislation or ballot measures. For help immigrants build skills to engage history. In addition to funding naturalization campaigns, instance, Arizona, which saw the their communities, the media, and foundations can also support advocacy by immigrant rights passage of Proposition 200 in 2004,21 is policymakers on important issues. groups to monitor the redesign of the citizenship test and to ensure that the naturalization process is accessible to all facing another anti-immigrant ballot For example, the Rights Working Group eligible immigrants.23. For promising practices and funding measure in the November 2006 election. recently launched its Liberty & Justice strategies, see New Americans Vote! Advancing Social Change Similarly, anti-immigrant ballot initia- for All campaign, a joint effort of local and Strengthening U.S. Democracy. 2006. Washington, D.C.: Funders Committee for Civic Participation and tives have been proposed in Colorado and national groups to expand the base Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees and Washington State. Immigrant of the public committed to speaking 24. More information about the Justice for All campaign is advocates in these states have devel- out against post-September 11th available at www.rightsworkinggroup.org. 17 and Southern California). Many inter- 6. Support ethnic media's issues, they believe that the assistance viewees believe that children of capacity to cover immigration needs to be extended to other issues immigrants are an especially strategic and audiences at the regional level. issues. constituency because of their high Among the key gaps identified by energy, ability to bridge immigrant and Ethnic media played an extraordinarily interviewees include: mainstream culture, and to convey important role in the recent mobiliza- sympathetic images of immigrant tions, and funders should continue to Public opinion research to identify communities to the public and policy- support projects that provide these effective messages that can be used in makers. These interviewees urge better outlets with up-to-date information different regions of the country and for integration of youth activities within about immigration issues. Important various audiences. Funding for such the broader immigrant rights areas include: research and message development movement, including electoral and Regular media briefings (by would augment the communications other civic activities. telephone and in-person) involving work being done by national advocates Women. Despite the fact that both national and regional advocates; and enhance their relevance and impact women play significant economic and Coverage of other ethnic or racial in local communities. family support roles in immigrant communities' perspectives on immigra- Message development and coordina- communities, their specific concerns tion issues; and tion across regions as new events or and issues are frequently overlooked in Innovative participatory activities, crises occur. The growing interconnect- policy debates, and they must overcome such as the inclusion of the Spanish edness of the immigrant rights stereotypes, isolation, and other barri- radio personalities in the We Are movement—combined with the high ers to civic participation. However, a America Alliance's citizenship and voter level of media interest—requires growing number of successful leader- engagement projects. greater coordination of communication ship development and civic engagement strategies among national and regional programs have amplified women's voices Many interviewees also indicate that advocates. In addition to coordination, on immigrant issues—especially in the increasing coverage of immigration foundations can support analysis or areas of domestic violence, human issues in non-Spanish, ethnic media is recommendations to the field on how to trafficking, women's health and politi- important to developing a more respond to anti-immigrant messages or cal asylum. Drawing upon these promis- multiracial movement. actions, particularly at the local level. ing practices, funders can help expand Up-to-date demographic or factual opportunities for leadership develop- information that can be used in policy ment for immigrant women. These 7. Increase the communication capacity of immigrant rights debates at the regional level. Regional efforts will ensure that immigrant advocates indicate that their effective- women's concerns are addressed and organizations. ness in explaining federal proposals or will help to advance policies that Immigrant advocates, especially at the national issues to the media often strengthen immigrant families and regional level, expressed a need for depends on their ability to provide local promote gender equity. more media communications assistance or regional analysis. Having access to in several contexts: engaging the public regional demographic and other factual in the ongoing federal immigration information is especially important. "There's not one strategy that policy debates, responding to anti- works—strategies have to be Resources to hire media staff or immigrant proposals at the state and informed by local dynamics. provide training to improve staff local levels, developing positive It's important to understand members' media skills. These resources messages about the contributions of would allow immigrant groups to the complexity of different newcomers, protecting immigrants who respond effectively to increased media regions and landscapes, and are the target of harmful enforcement requests and attention. try to find multiple layers of policies (see Recommendation #8), and leadership and approaches. providing public education if Congress We've got to go beyond the were to adopt new immigration laws. traditional immigrant rights While regional advocates generally groups and include churches, praised ongoing efforts by the National businesses, service providers, Immigration Forum and other D.C. ethnic media, labor and other advocates to provide assistance with community groups." media messaging on immigration reform Gouri Sadhwani New York Civic Participation Project 18 8. Support efforts to address document fraud provisions on asylum 9. Support efforts to counter harmful enforcement practices applications;27 (4) increased detention anti-immigrant proposals at for immigrants facing deportation; (5) and increase due process the state and local levels. immigration barriers for individuals protections for immigrants. with HIV; (6) proof of citizenship or While the recent focus on federal Because public concerns about high legal immigration status for certain reforms has shifted attention away immigration levels and national securi- government services; and (7) militariza- from defending newcomers at the state ty are unlikely to fade anytime soon, tion of the border. This type of research and local levels, advocates urge funders a number of interviewees believe the should examine the economic, health, to continue supporting efforts to movement needs to develop more and community impact on immigrants, oppose the various anti-immigrant focused advocacy and communications their citizen family members, and other proposals discussed earlier. These issues strategies to address harmful immigra- U.S. residents. can be incorporated into local and tion enforcement practices. regional civic engagement and leader- Convenings to discuss and develop ship development projects that can alternative enforcement practices. mobilize immigrants and their allies to Advocates note that current "enforce- Funders can help facilitate discussions oppose such proposals. Interviewees ment" systems, which would be expand- among advocates, policymakers, schol- emphasize several key funding recom- ed under the Senate and House bills, ars, and former government officials to mendations in this area: actually do very little to control undoc- develop alternative enforcement umented migration. Expanding the Support national or regional techni- policies or frameworks that address definition of "aggravated felonies" or cal assistance projects. These projects border control but without sacrificing allowing indefinite detention of provide legal and technical advice as, migrants' rights. Doing so would put immigrants, for instance, has almost no well as information on effective advocates in a better position to argue impact on stopping undocumented practices, talking points for legislators, that (1) the current system—requiring entries. Yet these measures can violate technical analysis, and media messages mandatory detention and deportation legal norms, divide families, and make that help local and regional advocates for even minor infractions—is inconsis- social and economic integration nearly effectively address anti-immigrant tent with fundamental U.S. values; and impossible for growing segments of proposals. (2) there are better and more economi- immigrant communities. cally efficient ways to achieve border Fund community-organizing efforts and national security goals without that develop leadership capacity and Similarly, research suggests that milita- inflicting such harmful effects on increase civic engagement of newcomers. rizing the U.S.-Mexico border, by immigrants and U.S. citizen family These affirmative projects are especially increasing Border Patrol agents and members. Given the public's overarching important in the current context and National Guard units, are unlikely to concerns about "securing the borders," can include advocacy to oppose reduce migration but will lead to an investment in this area may help increased migrant deaths as individuals reduce harmful enforcement policies are forced to travel through dangerous and lead to the development of more 25. Massey, Douglas S. 2005. "Beyond the Border Buildup: and difficult border crossings25. "We Towards a New Approach to Mexico-U.S. Migration." humane immigration policies in the Immigration Policy in Focus, Vol. 4, No. 7, September, need to develop better enforcement long run..28 Washington, D.C. (demonstrates how punitive immigration alternatives," says Don Kerwin, execu- and border enforcement policies have backfired, resulting tive director of Catholic Legal Integrate the above analysis with in higher numbers of undocumented individuals spreading Immigration Network, Inc. "The public opinion research to produce across larger areas of the United States). messages and advocacy strategies that 26. Expedited removal is a procedure that allows an challenge is to identify measures that immigration enforcement official to summarily remove a enhance border control but respect support the re-examination of harmful non-citizen without a hearing or review by an immigration human rights." Regardless of the or wasteful enforcement policies. Many judge, if the person is encountered within 100 miles of a advocates believe that current enforce- border and cannot establish that he or she has been outcome of the current Congressional present in the United States for 14 days or longer. 69 Fed. debate to reform U.S. immigration laws, ment policies need to be re-framed as Reg. at 48878. funders can help address these anti-integration measures that work at 27. For example, a provision of the Hagel-Martinez Senate cross purposes with economic, law bill makes the carrying of fraudulent documents an "aggra- challenges by supporting: vated felony," which would result in automatic grounds for enforcement and other government deportation. Advocates worry that the change could Research to document the impact of goals. Foundation-supported public prompt the government to expel people who use such recently enacted or proposed enforce- documents to escape oppressive regimes. opinion research and message develop- ment measures, including: (1) deporta- 28. For instance, several interviewed advocates indicate ment can be incorporated into broader that any alternative enforcement proposals must start with tions based on minor criminal convic- advocacy strategies to address the increasing wage and safety protections for low-wage tions or immigration law infractions; workers. If real workplace protections exist for these effects of specific enforcement practices (2) expanded use of expedited removal workers, they argue, employers would have fewer incen- and to begin public discussion of tives to hire an undocumented workforce. See also (in which an immigrant is deported alternative policies. National Employment Law Project. 2006. More Harm Than without a hearing);26 (3) proposed Good: Responding to State's Misguided Efforts to Regulate Immigration. New York, NY: National Employment Law Project. 19 anti-immigrant proposals as part of national African-American organiza- broader projects. "Our experience is that tions improve their understanding of Prioritize support for immigration immigrants and African immigration's impact on their commu- battleground states. These include Americans share many issues nities, with the goal of enhancing their Arizona, Colorado, and a number of new in common—the need for ability to communicate this information gateways in the Southeast, stretching better police protection, to constituents, engage in dialogue from Oklahoma to Virginia, where anti- education, and access to with immigrant leaders, and develop immigrant activities are on the rise and healthcare, just to name a few public education materials that can be where outcomes of proposed ballot examples. What is needed is a used by local affiliates.30 Similar measures in November 2006 could have support could be provided to immigrant concerted effort by funders to a national impact.29 The large number groups to help their communities support projects that facilitate understand the role of race in American of immigrant marches that occurred in dialogue, relationship building these states indicate growing capacity history, the lingering effects of discrim- and organizing on shared ination, and the economic relationships for organized immigrant advocacy that interests so that our communi- between the communities. Some of can be strengthened with foundation support. ties can harness this amazing these activities could be incorporated potential for solidarity and into the immigrant civic participation empowerment." activities described above in 10. Support efforts to improve Recommendation #5. wages and working conditions David Lubell for low-wage workers. Tennessee Immigrant and Foundations could supplement these An important way for foundations to Refugee Rights Coalition projects by supporting dialogue and support immigrant communities is to joint work between immigrants and help improve the wages and working African-Americans at the regional level conditions of low-income workers. 11. Support efforts to build to achieve shared policy or advocacy Advocates note that the enactment of goals. Existing local projects that work stronger relationships between any legalization program, by itself, will on a wide array of shared concerns, not necessarily improve working condi- immigrants and African- such as employment and health, could tions for many immigrants. In fact, Americans. serve as good models for expanded legalizing immigrants will need to meet Developing and maintaining good work in this area. Some of the most a number of work requirements, which relationships with various low-income exciting recent work has been done by could lead some desperate workers to communities, particularly African- worker centers, housing activists, and accept abusive or harsh treatment by Americans, is a critical priority. other community organizations that employers. Undocumented immigrants Although many immigrant and African- engage with multiracial, low-income who are unable to legalize their status American leaders have worked hard to constituencies.31 will be even more vulnerable to find common ground and support one exploitation. "If sweatshops and poor another's agenda, interviewees also work conditions are allowed to contin- acknowledge increasing signs of tension ue," says Bruce Goldstein of Farmworker between the communities, most visibly Justice, "legalizing immigrants will due to competition for jobs and govern- have neither the time or resources to ment services and growing electoral integrate into U.S. communities, rivalry. 29. As of this writing, Arizona will have an immigrant-relat- support their family members' develop- ed ballot measure for the November 2006 election, and anti-immigrant activists are gathering signatures to qualify ment, or participate in civic activities." Foundations interested in investing in measures in Colorado and Washington State. However, the Supporting efforts to improve working this area should consider developing a Colorado Supreme Court recently ruled that the proposed conditions for low-wage workers can comprehensive strategy to fund both anti-immigrant ballot measure violates the state's constitu- tional requirement that initiatives deal with only one also provide opportunities for newcom- national and local organizations to subject matter. As a result, its proponents may not be able ers to build bridges to other disadvan- improve their analysis of key issues as to qualify their measure for the 2006 election. Sarche, Jon. taged communities and work together well as their capacity to engage in 2006. "Court: Service Denial Measure Can't Be On Ballot," The Associated Press, June 12. to address shared goals (see activities across communities. For 30. These materials could summarize the impact of Recommendation #11, below). example, funders could help interested immigration on different segments of the African-American community, and could include position papers, public education materials, and talking points that could be used to guide communications with the media. 31. For some promising practices, see Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees. 2006. Investing in Our Communities: Strategies for Immigrant Integration. Sebastopol, CA: Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees. 20 IV. Funding Recommendations If Congress Were to Adopt Comprehensive Immigration Reform IV hile there was a great deal regions.32 By itself, this approach will make information and services available W of uncertainty about whether Congress will pass a comprehensive immigration law when the interviews took place, most interviewees believe that the still result in geographic gaps or limit- ed services for specific populations. But support from regional funders, familiar with the needs of local populations, could complement any national strate- to help the country's estimated 11-12 million undocumented immigrants make informed choices. Some critical elements in this process include: Planning and assessment to identify momentum for enacting such legislation gy. In addition, national funders can priorities. Research to assess where the is building, and that the field needs to prioritize regions that need assistance affected populations are located and begin to prepare for implementation. but which have few funding resources. the capacity of local organizations to help with implementation will be Beyond the substantive priorities Interviewees identify the following needed. Such research can build on a described below, interviewees believe funding priorities if a comprehensive demographic study commissioned by that coordination and shared strategic law were adopted: public education, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, planning by a broad range of funders application assistance, and legal Inc. (CLINIC) that analyzes the undocu- will be critical to maximize limited services; administrative and regulatory mented population within the Catholic resources. Some of the ways in which advocacy; litigation; long-term Church's dioceses across the country. funders should consider collaborating planning; and continued advocacy to with each other include: address the immigration system's flaws. Public education materials and train- Advocates emphasize that much of this ings. Multilingual public education Make relevant analyses, studies, materials and in-depth documents and information or data on implementation work needs to begin before a law is adopted. trainings about the new law and its issues widely available to interested impact will be needed to help commu- funders to help identify their potential nity organizations prepare for questions roles. 1. Support large and from their constituents. These materials Ensure coordination to prevent coordinated campaigns to duplication of efforts. educate and assist immigrants 32. Examples of networks include Catholic Legal Facilitate participation by local in the implementation of Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), the U.S. Committee foundations and funder networks to any new comprehensive for Refugees and Immigrants (with its International Institute affiliates), the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, complement efforts by national founda- immigration laws. the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) and other tions. If large-scale legalization programs were farmworker community groups, the Appleseed Centers, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, worker Identify other potential funding adopted, immigrant-serving groups will center networks, regional immigrant rights coalitions, and sources, including support from need to quickly develop the capacity to national ethnic-based organizations or coalitions. businesses or state and local govern- ments. Develop and distribute funding recommendations to regional and local foundations, including proposed strate- gies, prioritized activities and promis- ing practices. Urge funders to make a commitment to provide multi-year funding since any legalization program is likely to occur over an extended period of time. © Aeryca Steinbauer One possible strategy for national funders is to support a combination of (1) organizations with substantive expertise in specific areas and (2) exist- ing networks that reach across multiple Thousands of supporters of immigrant rights rally at the State Capitol in Salem, Oregon on May 1, 2006. 21 must specifically address how the 2. Fund public education and programs that support these enforcement and legalization provisions efforts on other provisions immigrants' goal of becoming lawful of the legislation interact to affect permanent residents and, ultimately, of any new law. program eligibility. Funders should citizens. Funding will be needed to invest in organizations that have These include a wide range of enforce- increase the supply of English and expertise, relationships with community ment issues, new guest worker civics classes. Since foundations alone service providers, distribution networks, programs, and the expansion of family cannot expand the availability of such and capacity to provide ongoing techni- unification opportunities. programs, they should consider conven- cal assistance to do this work. ing various stakeholders (e.g., Coordination between these organiza- 3. Support administrative and immigrant leaders, adult educators, tions is critical to minimizing confusion regulatory advocacy. business leaders, government policy- and duplication of services. Such advocacy will be required to makers, legislators, etc.) to begin Ethnic media outreach. Funders can address policy ambiguity at both the planning at both the national and support the development of materials agency and district office levels of the regional levels for expanding opportuni- and briefings for ethnic media outlets Department of Homeland Security ties for immigrants to learn English. so that they can convey accurate and (DHS). It could also prevent the DHS timely information. from developing unworkable procedures Local and regional foundations could and overly restrictive interpretations of play a similar role in working with Community service organizations' stakeholders to develop policies to capacity to help with legalization appli- the law. Administrative and regulatory advocacy is especially important support the integration of immigrants cations. Foundation funding is critical who attempt to legalize their status. to (1) help immigrant organizations because changing caselaw and statutes limiting immigrants' access to the Policies that ensure access to educa- plan for the implementation phase, tion, health and human services, and (2) add staff members to provide direct judiciary are likely to make affirmative legal challenges more difficult than economic mobility can help maximize services and/or recruit and oversee the skills and contributions that volunteers, and (3) develop local those filed against the 1986 legaliza- tion program. immigrants can provide to their outreach and public education. Several communities. organizations have begun working with local groups to prepare for implementa- 4. Support litigation to protect immigrants' rights. 6. Continue to fund ongoing tion. For example, CLINIC has developed a "train the trainer" curriculum; the advocacy to improve U.S. While administrative advocacy has United Farm Workers Union is working grown in importance, litigation by immigration laws and policies. with several California communities to immigrant advocates will be needed if A number of interviewees strongly urge establish an infrastructure to assist Congress were to pass legislation that foundations not to let funding for farm workers in filing their legalization denies due process or other constitu- implementation reduce support for applications. tional protections to immigrants. other advocacy-related activities. Immigration legal services. Because Litigation will also be necessary to Continued support for community most undocumented immigrants are challenge any misinterpretation of the organizing, leadership development, ineligible for federally funded legal law by DHS when administrative public education, and advocacy is services33 and many legal aid agencies advocacy is unsuccessful. Advocates essential to addressing anti-immigrant offer only limited immigration law predict that litigation is likely to occur sentiments as well as the flaws of any representation, increasing the availabil- over the following issues: rules allowing "reformed" U.S. immigration system. ity of low-cost immigration legal servic- for extended or indefinite detention, Without sufficient funding for these es should be prioritized. For example, attempts to limit the judiciary's power activities, public support for any new undocumented immigrants with compli- to address legal violations within the legalization program is likely to erode cated factual situations will need legal U.S. immigration system, new deporta- over time, and it will become more and advice in deciding whether and how to tion grounds, and the implementation more difficult to reverse the harmful apply for legalization. Those who apply of legalization programs. enforcement provisions that have been and are deemed ineligible will be placed enacted over the past decade. in removal proceedings, where legal 5. Support planning for representation will also be needed. longer-term implementation of legalization programs and integration of newcomers. Beyond the immediate goal of helping immigrants become eligible for legaliza- tion programs, advocates and policy- 33. For more information about immigrant eligibility for makers will need to develop policies federally funded legal services, go to www.nilc.org. 22 V. Funding Recommendations If Congress Fails to Adopt Comprehensive Reform and the Federal Government Emphasizes Enforcement-Only Policies V ven if Congress fails to agree on E a compromise immigration bill, most interviewees believe that some enforcement and border provisions are likely to be adopted either administratively or through an appropriations bill. Indeed, the Bush administration has indicated that it will take a number of administrative steps to increase border security, including sending National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. In addition to the recommendations previously described in Section III, interviewees urge funders to prioritize the following issues under an enforce- ment-only scenario: 1. Support civic engagement to build support for compre- hensive immigration reform. Depending on the scope of the new Members of the Farmworker Association marching in Tallahassee enforcement provisions, advocates may need to mobilize a strong public 3. Support administrative/ measures expected to further increase response to interpret the events for regulatory advocacy and the number of immigrants requiring their constituencies and to focus the such assistance, additional resources litigation. will be needed to help service providers public debate on reversing these measures in future immigration legisla- These strategies will be needed to respond to these increased demand. tion. Such efforts would require coordi- limit the harmful impact of these new policies. 5. Expand the field's nation of activities across the country. The newly formed We Are America communications capacity. 4. Support efforts to monitor Alliance could serve as a potential Publicizing the harmful effects of new implementation and increase enforcement policies and helping to vehicle for large-scale mobilization activities, as well as existing national service providers' capacity to develop more effective messages in coalitions that support immigration assist immigrants harmed by support of immigrant rights will be reform.34 In addition, funders may want new policies. important to minimizing the likely to support communities that will be The proposed enforcement policies will negative effects (see discussion in disproportionately affected by any new require immigrant organizations and Section III, above, for specific enforcement harmful measures (e.g., service providers to increase their recommendations). border or specific ethnic communities). monitoring of immigration enforcement 2. Support public education agencies, address potential abuses or unlawful practices, and provide legal efforts. assistance to growing numbers of 34. Some of the major national coalitions and movements Advocates will need to develop public immigrants facing detention and depor- include the New American Opportunity Campaign (the legislative advocacy arm of the Coalition for education materials, manuals, trainings, tation. The lack of free or low-fee Comprehensive Immigration Reform), the Center for and media strategies to inform immigration legal services already Community Change's Fair Immigration Reform Movement immigrants of the details of any new prevents many immigrants from assert- (FIRM), the American Friends Service Committee's Project Voice, the Rights Working Group, National Alliance of Latin enforcement programs and how they ing their rights in immigration proceed- American and Caribbean Communities, and the Catholic would affect their communities. ings. With proposed new enforcement Church's Justice for Immigrants Campaign. 23 VI. Conclusion VI he recommendations in this T The emerging movement can realize its report provide a starting place potential, however, only if funders to build upon the recent provide support in a timely, informed, immigrant groundswells. The and strategic manner. The Four dramatic series of marches and rallies Freedoms Fund and Grantmakers that spread across the United States, Concerned for Immigrant and Refugees facilitated by groundwork laid by welcome comments on this report and immigrant organizations, created a look forward to working with the field powerful moment of recognition. to strengthen the emerging movement Mainstream media and politicians who and help immigrant communities realize had long ignored immigrants' concerns the promise of their new homeland. began to understand the power behind this emerging movement and its poten- tial to shape not only immigration policies but the future of this country. Immigrant communities and their supporters are energized and eager to capture the moment. Regardless of whether comprehensive federal legislation emerges from Congress in 2006, funders can play a critical role to develop a stronger infra- structure for the movement, nurture new leaders, increase immigrants' © New York Immigration Coalition electoral power, and provide opportuni- ties for immigrants to build coalitions with other communities that share similar social justice concerns. Funders can also help communities begin preparing for the possibility that some type of legalization program will be available in the future to help millions of undocumented immigrants legalize their status. 24 Interviewees The Four Freedoms Fund, GCIR, and Bruce Goldstein, Farmworker Justice Milo Mumgaard, Felix Rivas, and Darcy the authors extend their thanks to the Tromanhauser, Nebraska Appleseed Center numerous people, listed below, who Javier Gonzalez, SEIU Local 1877 for Law in the Public Interest provided background information and Lourdes Gouveia, Office of Latin and Latin Cecilia Munoz, National Council of La Raza advice that informed the recommendations American Studies, University of Nebraska – contained in this report. Omaha Karen Musalo, Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, University of California Hastings Ana-Maria Archila, Latin American Lucas Guttentag, American Civil Liberties College of Law Integration Center Union Karen Narasaki, Asian American Justice Gilbert Bailon, Al Dia Wade Henderson, Leadership Conference for Center Civil Rights Willie Bennett, Dallas Area Interfaith Teresa Ortiz, Casa Guanajuato Sponsoring Committee Chung-Wha Hong, New York Immigration Coalition Gouri Sadhwani, New York Civic Participation Josh Bernstein, Tanya Broder, Joan Project Friedland, and Marielena Hincapié, Josh Hoyt, Illinois Immigrant and Refugee National Immigration Law Center Rights Coalition Shirley Sagawa, Annie E. Casey Foundation (Consultant) Deepak Bhargava and Son Ah Yun, Alvaro Huerta, Coalition for Humane Center for Community Change Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles Gaspar Rivera-Salgado, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles (Board Oscar Chacon, Enlaces America Pramila Jayapal, Hate Free Zone Chair) Eric Cohen and Judy Golub, Immigrant Legal S.J. Jung, Young Korean American Service & Irma Santana, Coalition for New South Resource Center Education Center Carolinians William Coley, American Friends Service Father Filemon Juya, St. John Newmann Carmen Enid Santiago, Acercamiento Hispano Committee and Homies Unidos Catholic Church de Carolina del Sur (Hispanic Outreach) (Consultant) Don Kerwin, Catholic Legal Immigration Gloria Saucedo, Hermandad Mexicana Christina DeConcini, Douglas Rivlin, Frank Network, Inc. Nacional – San Fernando Valley Sharry, Lynn Tramonte, and Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Dr. Elaine Lacy, Consortium for Latino Liz Sunwoo, Multi-Ethnic Immigrant Worker National Immigration Forum Immigration Studies, University of South Organizing Network Carolina Jesse Diaz, League of United Latin American Catherine Tactaquin, National Network for Citizens, Dallas Council Eun Sook Lee, NAKASEC - National Korean Immigrant and Refugee Rights American Service & Education Consortium Julian Do, New America Media Dr. Myriam Torres, Consortium for Latino Kimi Lee, Garment Worker Center Immigration Studies University of South Father Richard Estrada, La Placita Church Carolina Nativo Lopez, Hermandad Mexicana Latino Janice Fine, School of Management and Americana and Mexican American Political Rebecca Valdez, Chicano Awareness Center Labor Relations, Rutgers University Association Louis Velasquez, Office for Vicar for Clergy, Michael Fix and Doris Meissner, David Lubell, Tennessee Immigrant and Archdiocese of Los Angeles Migration Policy Institute Refugee Rights Coalition Eric Ward, Center for New Community Mark Franken, United States Conference Eliseo Medina, Service Employees of Catholic Bishop's Immigration and International Union Refugee Services Nancy Morawetz, New York University School Andrew Friedman, Make the Road By of Law Walking Ann Morse, National Conference of State Fernando Garcia, Border Network for Legislators Human Rights 25 Four Freedoms Fund The Four Freedoms Fund seeks to uphold To date, the Fund has invested over $6 Four Freedoms Fund Advisory Committee and advance core democratic values to million in 47 grantees across the country strengthen U.S. society. The Fund makes that: Henry Der grants to foster a strong, cohesive national Evelyn & Walter Haas Jr Fund movement for justice and democracy by Organize immigrants and refugees to San Francisco, California enhancing the capacity of local and state take leadership and speak on their own organizations to actively engage immigrants behalf. Larry Hansen in the civic, social and economic life of Joyce Foundation their communities and participate in Translate grassroots mobilization into Chicago, Illinois national policy and advocacy efforts. lasting change through civic participation. Taryn L. Higashi Established as a national funding collabora- Work with under-represented Ford Foundation tive in July 2003, the Four Freedoms Fund constituencies (e.g. Arabs, Muslims and New York, New York responds to the urgent need to safeguard South Asians) and issues (e.g. workplace immigrants' human rights, civil rights and raids, detentions and deportations). Geri Mannion civil liberties, as well as to strengthen the Carnegie Corporation of New York democratic values upon which America was Unite diverse issues and constituencies. New York, New York built. The Fund derives its name from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1941 Connect immigrants with native-born Maria Teresa Rojas State of the Union address in which he allies and address the tensions between Open Society Institute shared his vision of a world founded upon them. New York, New York four interconnected freedoms: freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom of speech Are growing their organizational and Darren Sandow and expression, and freedom of religious networking capacity. Horace Hagedorn Foundation worship. Port Washington, New York Operate in strategic geographic areas with large and/or growing immigrant Four Freedoms Fund Staff populations. Michele Lord, Executive Director Play an important role in national strategies. Margarita Rubalcava, Program Manager Current funders include the Carnegie Naomi Abraham, Program Associate Corporation of New York, Ford Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Evelyn and Walter Haas Monona Yin, Program Consultant Jr. Fund, Horace Hagedorn Foundation and Open Society Institute. The Fund also works Contact Information closely with the John S. and James L. Four Freedoms Fund Knight Foundation, which created the 80 Broad Street Suite 1600 American Dream Fund as a sister fund to New York, New York 10004 promote immigrant integration in 26 local 212.764.1508, ext. 215 communities. 26 Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants Substantive opportunities to learn about Baltimore, Maryland and Refugees (GCIR) seeks to move the emerging trends and share experiences and philanthropic field to advance the contribu- strategies through member-driven programs, Bob Glaves tions and address the needs of the world's learning circles, and national convenings. Chicago Bar Foundation growing and increasingly diverse immigrant Technical assistance and consultation to Chicago, Illinois and refugee populations. With a core focus members wishing to incorporate immigrant on the United States, GCIR provides grant- and refugee issues into their portfolios or José González, Program Committee Chair makers with opportunities for learning, seeking to expand or redirect their Bush Foundation networking, and collaboration. Our immigrant-related grantmaking. St. Paul, Minnesota information resources aim to: Technical assistance and consultation to Victor Quintana Enhance philanthropy's awareness of members wishing to incorporate immigrant Communications Committee Chair issues affecting immigrants and refugees. and refugee issues into their portfolios or Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Deepen the field's understanding of how seeking to expand or redirect their Shelter Rock these issues are integral to community immigrant-related grantmaking. Manhasset, New York building in today's dynamic social, econom- ic, and political environment. In 2005, more than 1,500 grantmakers took Maria Teresa Rojas advantage of our information resources and Open Society Institute Increase philanthropic support for both another 1,000 participated in our programs. New York, New York broad and immigrant/refugee-focused strategies that benefit newcomer popula- GCIR Board of Directors Sandra Smith tions and strengthen the larger society. The Columbus Foundation Susan Downs-Karkos, Co-Chair Columbus, Ohio Given immigrants' growing numbers and The Colorado Trust their expanding role in the economic, Denver, Colorado Ralph Taylor social, and cultural life of nations across the Central Indiana Community Foundation globe, GCIR has become an invaluable Taryn Higashi, Co-Chair Indianapolis, Indiana resource to many foundations, whether they Ford Foundation have immigrant-specific funding initiatives New York, New York Ellen Widess or wish to incorporate the immigrant and Rosenberg Foundation refugee dimension into their core grantmak- Laura Hogan, Treasurer San Francisco, California ing programs. The California Endowment Sacramento, California GCIR Staff GCIR provides members the opportunity to connect with diverse colleagues, build new Tom Kam, Secretary Daranee Petsod, Executive Director skills, increase knowledge, and become part Community Foundation for the National of a dynamic movement to fully integrate Capital Region Alison De Lucca, Program Director immigrants into U.S. society through: Washington, District of Columbia Bryan Rhodes, Executive Assistant A one-stop center for high-quality Henry Allen Web-based and printed resources, including Discount Foundation Ada Tso, Research Assistant in-depth issue reports that help funders Boston, Massachusetts quickly grasp the substance of specific topic Jacqueline Menendez, Research Assistant areas and learn about proven grantmaking Lina Avidan, Membership Committee Chair strategies. Zellerbach Family Foundation Contact Information San Francisco, California Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees Sue Lin Chong P.O. Box 1100 Annie E. Casey Foundation Sebastopol, California 95473-1100 www.gcir.org Phone: 707.824.4374 Fax: 707.581.1716 Email: email@example.com 27 About the Authors Ted Wang provides public policy consult- Robert C. Winn is a consultant and ing services to foundations and nonprofit independent documentary filmmaker with a organizations on immigrant and civil rights legal background in immigration, human issues. His areas of expertise include rights and international trade. Robert's language access in public services, English current areas of interest include immigra- acquisition, workforce development, affirma- tion, language access and social justice. tive action, voting, and immigrant rights Recent public television projects include advocacy. He previously served as policy Grassroots Rising (2005) about labor issues director at Chinese for Affirmative Action and the Asian Pacific Islander community in and as a staff attorney at the Lawyers' Los Angeles; Saigon, USA (2003) about the Committee for Civil Rights of the San development of the Vietnamese American Francisco Bay Area. In these positions, he community 25 years after the fall of Saigon. litigated affirmative action and voting cases His current documentary project is and drafted local and state laws in the areas Childhood in Translation, about language of immigrant rights, racial justice, and access issues through the eyes of immigrant economic development. Ted has published children who are the linguistic and cultural numerous academic articles, reports, and op- brokers for their families. eds on these issues, including co-authoring "Supporting English-Language Acquisition: Opportunities for Foundations to Strengthen The authors wish to thank Four the Social and Economic Well-Being of Freedoms Fund, its donor foundations, Immigrant Families," and "Investing in Our and Grantmakers Concerned with Communities: Strategies for Immigrant Immigrants and Refugees for their Integration," published by GCIR in 2005 and support of this research. They are 2006, respectively. especially grateful to Taryn Higashi of the Ford Foundation for her advice and guidance, Daranee Petsod of GCIR for editing the report, and Michael Kay and Jacqueline Menendez for proofreading previous drafts. The authors also wish to thank the many individuals who read an earlier version of this report and provided invaluable feedback. 28
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