SIREN Calls for Permanent Solution For All on 9th Anniversary of DACA

For Immediate Release:

June 15, 2021

Contact: Jose Servin, Communications Manager, SIREN

jose@sirenimmigrantrights.org, 714-728-2520

9 Years of DACA: Temporary Solution Continues to Leave Too Many Out, 11 Million Waiting on A Permanent Solution 

California – Today is the ninth anniversary of the landmark Executive Action enacted by the Obama administration in 2012 intended to protect certain young, undocumented immigrants from deportation and allow them to work legally in the US. Since its inception, the executive order has faced legal threats and charged rhetoric from Republicans and Democrats alike. On its ninth anniversary, 634,000 DACA-recipients anxiously await a ruling by U.S District Judge Andrew Hanen that could strike down the action entirely. DACA has become a contentious policy that, on the one hand, is a lifeline for many young immigrants, who are grateful for the opportunity to work and provide for themselves and their families. On the other hand, the majority of undocumented people in the United States are left out of any form of relief, and are subject to targeting, detention and deportation by an Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agency designed to ruthlessly dehumanize individuals and separate families.

At SIREN we believe that the only solution lies in all-inclusive, comprehensive immigration reform that provides citizenship for all 11 million undocumented people in the US, without any carveouts for individuals affected by the criminal injustice system. Undocumented people are a part of our social fabric, and they deserve the ability to exist with dignity, and to access the resources necessary to survive.

Maricela Gutierrez, Executive Director at Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN), issued the following statement:

“Every day that we do not put forward a truly permanent immigration solution, we allow families to be separated, communities to be terrorized, and fear to spread. For those that can benefit from it, DACA is always under threat. For those that can’t, it is a moving target they cannot reach because of arbitrary restrictions, like age. We’re at a pivotal moment in history where anything less than full citizenship for all 11 million undocumented individuals in the U.S is, frankly, a political failure.”

At SIREN, we provide free legal services related to immigration, refugee, and asylum cases to protect our community from detention and deportation. We also engage in policy advocacy, community organizing and civic engagement. Every year, we assisted thousands of clients with affirmative and defensive legal services, including DACA renewals and citizenship applications.

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Statement: SIREN Celebrates Success of Community Efforts to Shutdown Camp Roberts

For Immediate Release:

June 3, 2021

Contact: Jose Servin, Communications Manager, SIREN

jose@sirenimmigrantrights.org, 714-728-2520

SIREN Celebrates Fed's Decision not to House Unaccompanied Minors at Toxic Camp Roberts Military Base - a Huge Win for the Immigrants’ Rights Community

   Today, SIREN and community advocates from the #ShutDownCampRoberts Coalition are celebrating the news that, after months of community-led advocacy and resistance, the department of Health and Human Services has announced they are no longer considering Camp Roberts military base in San Miguel, CA as a site to detain unaccompanied minors. 

SIREN expresses its deepest sympathy to the children seeking care, compassion and relief from economic and natural disaster at the southern border. As such, we have consistently advocated against the proposed use of Camp Roberts to house up to 5,000 unaccompanied minors on the grounds that a military base with active military members and a history of toxic waste disposal is  a completely inappropriate location for housing children. SIREN condemns the use of any facility that deprives an individual of the freedom of movement and contributes to the U.S’s damning legacy of family separation. We continue to advocate for a better way to exercise our duty to support the international community in times of need. 

“We celebrate today because we don’t have to worry about the danger and damage that 5,000 children would have surely faced at Camp Roberts. The fight continues until our demands are met. SIREN and our partners will continue to oppose child detention - at Camp Roberts and anywhere else. There is a better solution for these children that is not rooted in the immoral and unnecessary expansion of the carceral system,” said Maricela Gutierrez, Executive Director of SIREN.

We call on our local representatives to urge the Biden administration to take the following steps:

• Rescind provisions in the Title 42 Health Code that expel asylum-seekers and result in institutionalized family separation

• End the use of large-scale ‘intake’ and ‘influx’ for holding children, especially those that exist on military bases

• Implement policies and protocols that expedite the reunification of children with trusted family members, relatives, and/or caregivers

• Abolish all detention centers, jails and prisons

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SIREN Condemns Trump’s Renewed Attacks DACA/ SIREN condena los renovados ataques de Trump DACA

For Immediate Release: Wednesday 29, 2020

Contact: Priya Murthy mediainquiries@siren-bayarea.org

Phone: 408-453-3003 land line

SIREN Condemns Trump’s Renewed Attacks DACA

Today, in another blatant attempt to attack immigrant communities, the Trump Administration announced that it would not comply with the United States Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In a memo released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency announced that it will: not accept initial DACA applications, not grant advance parole unless they meet “exceptional circumstances”, and it will shorten the current DACA protection and work authorization period from two years to one year for pending and future renewal applications. Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN) strongly condemns the Administration’s repeated repeated efforts to perpetuate its xenophobic agenda.

SIREN expresses its deepest empathy and support for DACA recipients, DACA eligible recipients, and the entire immigrant community for this immoral and hateful move by the federal government . In addition to worrying about the ongoing global pandemic, current and potential DACA recipients now have to worry about being in legal limbo yet again. 2 Maricela Gutierrez, SIREN’s Executive Director, stated “This should also serve as a reminder that this is not the first time the Trump administration attacks immigrant communities—it is just the latest. Yet the community is resilient and has fought back time and time again. DACA-recipients were instrumental in the fight to secure the decision that the Supreme Court rendered and will continue to fight against this racist effort by Trump. This Administration cannot play games with the lives of our communities.”

SIREN continues to ensure community members are informed and that allies can support. In response to this memo, SIREN urges the following

• For DACA-recipients or potential DACA-recipients, we are here to serve you. Please call our San Jose office (408-453-3003) or Fresno office (559-840-0005) to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys to discuss your options.

• For Congress, we urge members to pass a Clean DREAM Act so there is a permanent solution

• For state and local governments, we urge you to continue to do everything in your power to fight for Dreamers and increase funds for DACA scholarships.

• For allies, we urge you to contribute to SIREN so we can provide fee scholarships in order to cover the exorbitant $495 fee—which may now be an annual fee (rather than every two years) under this new memo for those already fighting to make ends meet.

DACA recipients—we see you, we hear, and we will continue to fight for you.

SIREN condena los renovados ataques de Trump DACA

Hoy, en otro intento descarado de atacar a las comunidades de inmigrantes, la Administración Trump anunció que no cumpliría con la decisión de la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos con respecto a la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia—el programa conocido como DACA. En un memorando publicado por el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, la agencia anunció que: no aceptará solicitudes iniciales de DACA, no otorgará libertad condicional a menos que cumplan con "circunstancias excepcionales", y acortará la protección de DACA y la autorización de trabajo actuales período de dos años a un año para solicitudes de renovación pendientes y futuras. La organización SIREN condena enérgicamente los repetidos esfuerzos de la Administración para perpetuar su agenda xenófoba.

SIREN expresa su más profunda empatía y apoyo a los beneficiarios de DACA, potenciales receptores de DACA, y a toda la comunidad inmigrante por este movimiento inmoral y odioso del gobierno federal. Además de preocuparse por la pandemia mundial en curso, los beneficiarios actuales y potenciales de DACA ahora tienen que preocuparse por estar nuevamente en el limbo legal.

Maricela Gutiérrez, directora ejecutiva de SIREN, declaró: "Esto también debería servir como un recordatorio de que esta no es la primera vez que la administración Trump ataca a las comunidades de inmigrantes, solo es el ataque más reciente. Sin embargo, la comunidad es resistente y ha luchado una y otra vez. Los beneficiarios de DACA fueron fundamentales en la lucha para asegurar la decisión que tomó la Corte Suprema y continuarán luchando contra este esfuerzo racista de Trump. Esta Administración no puede jugar con la vida de nuestras comunidades ".

SIREN continúa garantizando que los miembros de la comunidad estén informados y que los aliados puedan apoyar. En respuesta a este memo, SIREN insta a lo siguiente:

• Para los receptores de DACA o los posibles receptores de DACA, estamos aquí para servirle.

• Llame a nuestra oficina de San José (408-453-3003) o a la oficina de Fresno (559-840-0005) para programar una cita con uno de nuestros abogados para analizar sus opciones.

• Para el Congreso, instamos a los miembros a aprobar una Ley Clean DREAM para que haya una solución permanente

• Para los gobiernos estatales y locales, lo instamos a que continúe haciendo todo lo que esté a su alcance para luchar por los Dreamers y aumentar los fondos para las becas DACA.

• Para los aliados, les instamos a que contribuyan a SIREN para que podamos proporcionar becas con el fin de cubrir la exorbitante tarifa de $ 495, que ahora puede ser una tarifa anual (en lugar de cada dos años) en virtud de este nuevo memo para aquellos que ya luchan para llegar a fin de mes conoce
  

Destinatarios de DACA—te vemos, te escuchamos y seguiremos luchando por ti.

Maricela Gutiérrez - Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network

http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.

The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE.

Donate here: https://siren.nationbuilder.com/donate

Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network ꞏ 1415 Koll Cir, Suite 108, San Jose, CA 95112, United States
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SIREN Condemns Finalization of Public Charge Regulations // SIREN Condena La Finalización de las Regulaciones de Carga Pública

Organization Supports Litigation and Congressional Challenges to Protection Low-Income Immigrants and Their Families

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized its regulations, to be published on Wednesday, that will change the agency’s determination of “public charge”. When the regulation was initially proposed by the federal government, it was met with overwhelming opposition from those who work with immigrant communities as a clearly discriminatory attack on immigrants surviving through poverty. While analysis of the final rule is still underway by legal experts, it will expand the types of benefits used in the determination of “public charge” and make it more difficult for low-income individuals to demonstrate that they can receive a green card. This will result in a chilling effect on any immigrant who gets basic government for necessities such as having a roof over their heads or putting food on the table. Many of those affected are tax paying immigrants who would be targeted for using the very public benefits that they pay into and help support. The new rule goes into effect on October 15, 2019 and national organizations and local governments, including Santa Clara County, have announced they will file lawsuits to prevent its implementation.

The following is a statement from Maricela Gutiérrez, Executive Director of SIREN:

“The decision by the Trump administration to move forward with finalizing this rule is nothing less than racist. During a time when immigrants are already reeling from a myriad of attacks by targeting immigrants, it is especially egregious to make it harder for those seeking a green card. This rule has already had a chilling effect on immigrants who rely upon the government for their health care, housing, and basic food needs - even if they will not be affected by the rule itself or are not seeking a green card. The administration is sending a clear message that if you are not white and you are not wealthy, you are not welcome. As analysis of the rule unfolds, SIREN will continue to educate the community on the rule, support litigation efforts to challenge the rule, and urge Members of Congress to support legislation preventing its implementation.”

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La Red de Servicios, Derechos de los Inmigrantes y Educación (SIREN) condena la finalización de las regulaciones de carga pública

La organización apoya los litigios y los desafíos del Congreso para proteger a los inmigrantes de bajos ingresos y sus familias

Hoy, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) finalizó sus regulaciones, que se publicarán el miércoles, que cambiarán la determinación de la agencia de "carga pública". Cuando el gobierno federal propuso inicialmente la regulación, se encontró con una oposición abrumadora de quienes trabajan con comunidades de inmigrantes como un ataque claramente discriminatorio contra los inmigrantes que sobreviven en la pobreza. Si bien el análisis de la regla final aún está en marcha por expertos legales, ampliará los tipos de beneficios utilizados en la determinación de "carga pública" y hará que sea más difícil para las personas de bajos ingresos demostrar que pueden recibir una tarjeta verde. Esto resultará en un efecto escalofriante en cualquier inmigrante que obtenga un gobierno básico para necesidades tales como tener un techo sobre sus cabezas o poner comida en la mesa. Muchos de los afectados son inmigrantes que pagan impuestos que serían el objetivo de utilizar los beneficios públicos en los que pagan y ayudan a mantener. La nueva regla entra en vigencia el 15 de octubre de 2019 y las organizaciones nacionales y los gobiernos locales, incluido el condado de Santa Clara, han anunciado que presentarán demandas para evitar su implementación.

Lo siguiente es una declaración de Maricela Gutiérrez, Directora Ejecutiva de SIREN:

“La decisión de la administración Trump de avanzar en la finalización de esta regla es nada menos que racista. Durante un momento en que los inmigrantes ya se están recuperando de una miríada de ataques al atacar a los inmigrantes, es especialmente atroz hacer que sea más difícil para aquellos que buscan una tarjeta verde. Esta regla ya ha tenido un efecto escalofriante en los inmigrantes que dependen del gobierno para su atención médica, vivienda y necesidades alimentarias básicas, incluso si no se verán afectados por la regla en sí o si no están buscando una tarjeta verde. La administración está enviando un mensaje claro de que si no eres blanco y no eres rico, no eres bienvenido. A medida que continúe el análisis de la regla, SIREN continuará educando a la comunidad sobre la regla, respaldará los esfuerzos de litigio para desafiar la regla e instará a los miembros del Congreso a apoyar la legislación que impide su implementación ”.

SIREN Applauds Supreme Court Ruling on Census Citizenship Question

For Immediate Release: June 27, 2019

Contact: Jeremy Barousse, 

                mediainquiries@siren-bayarea.org

                 408-460-5807

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Immigrant Rights Organization Praises SCOTUS Ruling on Census Citizenship Question

San Jose, CA - Today, the United States Supreme Court has effectively prevented, for now, an attempt by the Trump administration to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census, and will be sending it back to the lower court. Immigrant rights organization Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN) is calling the decision victory, and will continue to organize and provide community education to increase participation among immigrants and refugee families to empower their neighborhoods with vita community resources, as well as congressional representation and redistricting.

“We exposed Trump for exactly what he is, a fear-mongering and power-hungry leader,” said SIREN Executive Director Maricela Gutierrez. “The inclusion of a citizenship question on the Census was never about collecting government data. It was about stoking fear in immigrant communities and denying us a right to visibility and representation. Our communities can feel empowered that we count and that we matter.”

In response to today’s ruling, SIREN will be hosting a press conference today at 1pm at its office located at 1415 Koll Circle, Suite 108, San Jose, 95112. Please come out and be part of the community as we rise up and elevate our community voices.

The U.S. census takes place every 10 years and the data collected impact the future of our communities. The data help 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, as well as used to decide redistricting on federal, state, and local levels of government.

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Maricela Gutiérrez - Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network
http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE. 

Donate here:

https://siren.nationbuilder.com/donate



Maricela Gutierrez - Executive Director 
Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network
http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

SIREN in the New: Trump postpones immigration raids, calls for quick bipartisan solution

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conduct an enforcement operation at an Atlanta home in 2017.

Photo: Bryan Cox / U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 2017

SF Chronicle // Lauren Hernández and Gwendolyn Wu June 22, 2019 Updated: June 22, 2019 8:23 p.m.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conduct an enforcement operation at an Atlanta home in 2017.Photo: Bryan Cox / U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 2017

President Trump has delayed the nationwide raids scheduled to detain roughly 2,000 recently arrived immigrant families living in the country illegally.

Trump announced Saturday afternoon on Twitter that “At the request of Democrats,” he has decided to delay the mass deportation order for two weeks to give both Republicans and Democrats an opportunity to come to a bipartisan “solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems at the Southern Border.”

“If not, Deportations start!” he warned.

The decision was announced just a day before U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement planned to begin picking up immigrant familiesliving in major cities across the country, including San Francisco.

A source familiar with the decision said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco called the president Friday night and asked him to call off the raids.

Pelosi called the pause “welcome.”

“Time is needed for comprehensive immigration reform,” Pelosi said on Twitter. “Families belong together.”

On Wednesday, acting ICE Director Mark Morgan said agents would pick up families who have received final removal orders from immigration courts.

Out of the nearly 11,000 cases where deportation orders were issued because the family did not appear in court, 232 were in the San Francisco court, according to the Executive Office for Immigration Review. More than 95% of the families ordered to that court showed up for their hearings.

“Yet again Trump is playing a cruel game with the lives of children and families to play politics,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “As long as his administration continues to threaten our immigrant community, Oakland will continue to prepare — we know our rights and values.”

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo also slammed the president, saying in a tweet, “We’ll achieve the comprehensive immigration reform that our nation critically needs when we elect a President more interested in solutions than scare tactics.”

Trump’s decision to delay the mass deportations was a “confirmation that this administration’s strategy is to terrorize” immigrant communities, said Hamid Yazdan Panah, advocacy director for the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice.

“I think it has a real and tangible human cost, and unfortunately that cost is first and foremost the communities that are affected, as well as those who support those communities,” he said.

Yazdan Panah said he doesn’t believe either the White House or Congress will be able to come to a “humanitarian or humane, sensible solution” in the two-week time frame provided to lawmakers.

Maricela Gutiérrez, executive director of immigrant rights organization Siren, said she sees Trump’s last-minute decision as a form of posturing, coming as it does just days after he officially announced his 2020 re-election campaign.

“It’s day to day for ICE, it’s nothing new. They’ve been targeting people with deportation orders,” Gutiérrez said. “It’s just posturing from the president. He’s trying to flex his muscles since he relaunched his campaign ... and he’s trying to perpetuate that good-immigrant/bad-immigrant dichotomy.”