Press Statement: Santa Clara County Immigrant & Civil Rights Organizations Call on President Obama Not to Delay Review of Deportation Policies

On May 28, 2014, President Obama ordered U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to delay his current review of the administration’s deportation policies until the end of the summer.  The Santa Clara County Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform issues the following statement.

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SIREN Spotlight: Leader Lydia Rueda

SIREN Spotlight: Leader Lydia Rueda

Less than a year ago, San Jose resident Lydia Rueda would have been terrified to speak in public. However, after taking the oath of citizenship last August, she acquired a new air of confidence.  She now feels she has earned the right to speak out publicly. She spoke publicly for the first time this January at an action for the restoration of state services in front of San Jose City Hall.

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Now Is the Time to Become a US Citizen

Now Is the Time to Become a US Citizen

Becoming a US citizen brings multiple benefits to an immigrant and their community.  US citizens can vote, travel freely outside of the country without restrictions and be protected from policies that target non citizens. Citizenship grants permanent protection from deportation, exclusive access to certain political positions and government jobs, and greater access to government benefits such as supplemental social security, health care, and general assistance.

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Immigration Reform and the State of the Union

Immigration Reform and the State of the Union

This year’s State of the Union address once again acknowledges that immigration reform remains a top priority for the nation.

“… what I believe unites the people of this nation, regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor, is the simple, proofed belief in opportunity for all —the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead.” – President Obama

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Policy Update: Immigration Reform, CA Drivers’ Licenses for All, the Governor’s Budget and Medical Expansion

Policy Update: Immigration Reform, CA Drivers’ Licenses for All, the Governor’s Budget and Medical Expansion

Momentum around commonsense immigration reform at the federal level continues to build. In 2013, the Senate passed its bill (S. 744) that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, alleviates visa backlogs, and restores fairness and due process for those in immigration detention yet also includes harsh border enforcement measures. The House of Representatives introduced similar legislation (H.R. 15), a bipartisan measure that currently has 195 co-sponsors including 3 Republicans. 

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Press Release: Santa Clara County Coalition Responds to GOP Principles on Immigration Reform

The Santa Clara County Coalition responds to the release of the Republican Party’s principles on immigration reform with the following statement:

In light of the Republican Party’s deeply disappointing principles on immigration reform released yesterday, the Santa Clara County Coalition for Immigration Reform calls on the community to come together to take a stand in solidarity with our families, friends, and neighbors who need real legislative solutions including legal status and a pathway to citizenship for all.  

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