IMMIGRANT RIGHTS GROUPS DEMAND JUSTICE

IMMIGRANT RIGHTS GROUPS DEMAND JUSTICE
By Mike Rhodes

Over 100 immigrant rights activists and their supporters marched through downtown Fresno on July 10, 2003 demanding justice. The march, part of a statewide tour organized by Centro Azteca de Informacion, promoted several issues. A central theme in the march was the need for undocumented workers to have a drivers license. Speakers at the rally said that Immigrant workers need to have the ability to obtain a drivers licence so they learn the driving rules of this country and to prevent the exploitation that takes place when they are dependent upon farm labor contractors for all of their transportation needs.

One aspect of the march and rally that surprised some local participants was the call to recall California Governor Gray Davis. Largely seen as a Republican effort, the recall of Davis is not supported uniformly by the broad progressive movement. But, the effort to oust Davis was a central theme at the event. Peter Camejo, the Green Party candidate for Governor in the last election, was on hand and appears prepared to run again if the recall effort succeeds. Camejo said that “at this time the Democrats are not planning on running a candidate.” If there are 4 or 5 Republicans on the ballot they will split the conservative vote leaving everyone else to vote for the only left of center candidate on the ballot - Camejo. What a fascinating prospect!

Speakers at the rally demanded drivers licences for immigrants, legalization for undocumented workers, and an end to racial profiling of police who target immigrants - often times impounding their cars and then charging extortion like rates for their return. Governor Davis was a frequent target and listeners were reminded that he had pledged to support a drivers license bill for immigrants and then reversed his position vetoing SB60 written and sponsored by Senator Gil Cedillo. Cedillo, who spoke at the rally in front of Fresno City Hall, called on Governor Davis to honor the hard work and dignity of immigrant workers by supporting their call for “Legalization and Drivers Licences for All.”

The predominately Latino/immigrant participants in the march were joined by local Green Party activists. The event was largely organized by Centro Azteca with local support from a group in Parlier called Proyecto de Union Cominitaria. They can be reached by calling Angelina Solano (559) 213-3306 or Pastor Durate at (559) 459-0744. Their email is unioncomunitaria [at] hotmail.com

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