Message from The Executive Director April 2019

Dear Friends,

The fight for immigrant and refugee rights requires unrelenting vigilance, uplifting voices that need to be heard, and a commitment to justice. Thanks to the generous support of our members, donors, and funders, we are working every day to achieve our vision of a nation where immigrants and refugees are valued, integrated, and seen as essential to our society, and where the human rights of all persons are protected and honored.

In this past month, SIREN leaders have spoken up for Santa Clara County sanctuary policies that protect immigrants and refugees, and have addressed recent concerns that have put key protections in jeopardy. We’d like thank everyone who came out to support and for your advocacy.

This month we also watched the SCOTUS oral arguments to include a citizenship question in the upcoming 2020 Census. As we begin to ramp up our Census campaign work we will be needing all of your support to assure everyone is counted. We are seeking volunteers to help us with important outreach and education work regarding the 2020 Census. Click on the link to volunteer with SIREN .

As we look at the months ahead, we are preparing for the important work of building our next generation of leaders through our Summer Youth Leadership Institute. We are also joining organizations across the country in urging for the passage of the Dream and Promise Act, providing permanent protection to those eligible for TPS, DACA and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

We invite you to stand with immigrants and refugees in California by standing with SIREN. It is our collective voices that will help us build power for 2020 and beyond. Your financial support can make a world of difference in providing needed services to people in need and through the empowerment of our immigrant and refugee community. Join us and make a donation today.

Thank you for your kind and generous support.

In solidarity,

MG

An Inspiring SIREN Youth Leader, Amairani

SIREN has always believed that our best years are ahead with the next generation of youth leaders with progressive values and relentless passion and dedication. This is why SIREN’s Youth Leadership Program, designed for immigrant youth (14-25 years old), is focused on providing valuable leadership, community organizing, and policy advocacy skills, and learning about issues affecting immigrant communities.

We would like to share the story of Amairani who has been participating in our program since 2016. She became involved with SIREN because her family is directly impacted by the current wave of anti-immigrant policies. “I strongly believe that I need to be in the forefront and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves,” Amairani said.

As a DACA recipient, she is proud to be able to fight for the rights of others. For youth who are looking for ways to get involved she strongly recommends SIREN’s Youth Leadership Program because of the friendship and support she feels from being around like-minded participants. “Together we are able to come up with creative, innovative ways to help our community. The program also provides us an outlet to channel our energy and concerns in a positive way.”

Thank you, Amairani, for being a strong and powerful leader!

Welcome to the Team, Ambar Gonzalez!

Ambar Gonzalez was born and raised in Santa Clara County. Growing up she discovered a passion for politics, and found herself interested in finding an opportunity related to political activism.  She attended Fisk University in Tennessee where she received a degree in psychology and political science.

After graduating, Ambar moved back to San José and volunteered with many organizations, but it wasn’t until she attended a protest in San Diego to defend children held in detention camps that she found her calling. The protest helped her realize her interest was to champion immigrant rights, and fight to abolish ICE.

Shortly after, Ambar began attending SIREN’s Youth Leadership Program meetings. Her passion and love for our beliefs was what sparked an interest to apply. “ I am ecstatic to be working with SIREN and want to help others be involved and informed, not only about immigration but about their civil rights as well,” she said.

SIREN Empowers New Voters

Edwin and Lezba are long time legal permanent residents who came to SIREN's free, monthly Citizenship Legal Clinic for naturalization services. They had put off applying for naturalization because they were nervous about the administration and possible consequences of failing the examination. After coming to SIREN’s Legal Clinic, they spoke with one of SIREN's Attorneys who eased their fears about applying and helped them to fill out the applications.

In April of this year, Edwin and Lezba returned to SIREN with their naturalization certificates in hand. Edwin, especially proud, indicated that he had answered all of the questions on his citizenship exam correctly. They both plan on voting in the upcoming elections and are very happy to be newly minted US citizens.

We are so proud of Edwin and Lezba for overcoming their fears and becoming empowered US citizens! For more information about our citizenship programs and services, visit us here.

Fighting for a Representative Census

On April 24, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in cases challenging Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross' decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 U.S. Census. Last year, the Trump administration gave a green light to adding an untested, and dangerous citizenship question to the 2020 Census-- a move that could lead to severe undercounts of communities of colors and immigrants. We don’t expect to hear a ruling until June.

The U.S. census takes place every 10 years and the data collected impacts the future of our communities. The data helps determine how more than $800 billion in federal resources will be distributed, including where schools, roads and hospitals are built, as well as providing the basis for funding for other essential programs and services. The census is also used to decide congressional representation.

We are looking for volunteers who can help with community outreach to work with our immigrant and refugee communities about the importance of the Census, and how to fill out the form. If you are interested in joining our Census Street Team, please email action@siren-bayarea.org. Together we can make a difference!

SIREN in the News April 2019

San Jose Council Member Maya Esparza honors SIREN’s voter empowerment work through a commendation on April 9, 2019.

Labor leaders condemn Sam Liccardo over stance on immigration. San Jose Spotlight. April 12, 2019.

Sanctuary policy and board of supervisors meeting. KCBS-AM; April 10, 2019 03:24 AM PDT.  

Sanctuary policy could be undone in Santa Clara County. KCBS Radio Blogs; April 10, 2019.

Board of Supervisors Meeting and Sanctuary Policy. Noticiero Telemundo 48; April 9, 2019 11:03 PM PDT.  

Public spars over Santa Clara County sanctuary policy at supervisors' meeting. East Bay Times Online; April 9, 2019. 

Public spars over Santa Clara County sanctuary policy at supervisors' meeting. The Mercury News Online; April 9, 2019.

Hundreds pack hearing on Santa Clara County’s sanctuary policy. SFGate, April 9, 2019.

Santa Clara County supervisors vote to explore changes to sanctuary policy. The Mercury News; April 8, 2019.

Santa Clara County supervisors vote to explore changes to sanctuary policy. East Bay Times; April 8, 2019.  

Update on Santa Clara County Civil Detainer Policy

On April 9, after over four hours of public testimony, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to direct county staff to explore changes to the notification and transfer process of our county’s sanctuary policy. The policy is currently in place, and no changes have been made. The Santa Clara County Executive’s Office, along with County Counsel have sent out an organizational feedback form for organizations within the county to give feedback on what changes, if any, should be made to the current sanctuary policy. The deadline to submit feedback was April 26.

We would like to thank all of the SIREN community leaders who came out to make their voices heard. By coming forward to share our concerns, we are making sure that our public officials know how they can protect immigrants and refugees in our community. It is through this type of activism that we will continue to keep families together!