Press Statement: New Californian House Majority Leader Must Bring Immigration Reform Vote to the Floor

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Today, House Republicans voted California’s Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) as their new Majority Leader after the defeat of Rep. Eric Cantor in the Virginia Primary earlier this month. Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN) calls on the new Majority Leader to lead the House of Representatives and boldly and promptly address immigration reform. The following is a statement from SIREN:

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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