may 1..boycott...

[almaty 19]

After flexing their potential political muscle by coming out in unprecedented numbers to protest immigration legislation, immigrants are now starting to show some divisions in the ranks. As May 1 approaches, immigrant rights groups across the country have been working feverishly to plan for what they are calling "A Day Without Immigrants," full of rallies, vigils, marches, strikes and boycotts. But a schism is growing among many of the day's organizers on how militant the message should be — whether they should encourage people to skip school, refuse to work and boycott local stores. On Monday, Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony, a fierce proponent of immigrant rights, released a statement encouraging his city's constituents to attend a city rally in the evening rather than abandon their posts on May 1; he even suggests bosses allot time for immigration discussions on the clock. According to Mahony's statement, students should "understand that boycotting school on May 1st will not bring about just and humane immigration reform — sometimes, boycotts could even work against positive reform."

In the wake of reports of workers being laid off and students being suspended after attending immigration rallies on company and school time, a number of immigration rights groups across the country are now viewing May 1 with the same wariness. Rather than looking at this day as an opportunity to paralyze the country, many coalitions are instead starting to promote activities that will coordinate with the workday, promote economic growth and help educate the public. That includes talking to their children about immigration before dropping them off at school, organizing a work lecture on voter registration, taking family to an evening vigil and, by all means, breaking out the wallet, especially for a community fundraiser. "People need to channel their energies in a positive direction," says Juan Carlos Ruiz, of the National Capital Immigration Coalition in Washington, D.C. "If other groups decide they want to do a boycott, we respect their strategy, but it is not one we chose."

One group that is staunchly supporting the boycott is the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA). "No work, no school, no buying, no selling; we will march in the streets to protest H.R. 4437," says Nativo Vigil Lopez, MAPA's president, referring to the immigration reform bill that is currently under House consideration. Lopez says he respects others' alternative tactics, but he feels that in order to "keep Democrats' feet to the fire," a day-long economic boycott and general strike is the only solution.

Even some once steadfast boycott proponents, including radio DJs in Los Angeles, seem to be softening their stance. It's a tough call for those who want to heed — or perhaps hawk — the call to action, but who do not want to unravel their ties with local industries, schools and churches. Gabriel Gonzalez of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights says they are strongly encouraging people to walk out of school and work that day to support the larger movement — but not to stop shopping: "We don't want to hurt the business community."

Many organizers who will not boycott believe that the movement is too young for such a radical display. "The action can't be for action's sake," says Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. She says she is concerned a boycott will not help the American public embrace immigrants, but could have much the opposite effect. "We have to be critical of our actions because at the end of the day, we have a long haul."

[Fischkoepfin 1]

Interesting. Thanks for posting!

On the issue, there's a chance of a backlash and so it's good that the immigrant groups rethink the boycott. On the other hand, if they really want to make a stand, they should stay away from their jobs, but keep on shopping normally.

[almaty 19]

i agree..i think they fear a backlash and the way some of the marched took on their own agenda..

[sukie175 0]

OMG nooo please - I have biometrics that day people!!!

[almaty 19]

OMG nooo please - I have biometrics that day people!!!

yikes sister sarah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mirorgate 0]

There are 14 Jr High schools going to march today. Main reason being.... "My friends are going, and Mexicans shouldn't be made to live in Mexico"

yeah... thats an actual quote I heard on the radio.

I think I'll cry now.

[Fischkoepfin 1]

OMG nooo please - I have biometrics that day people!!!

That's not good, but then chances are that employees at USCIS are citizens, (which doesn't mean that they are not immigrants) and they are likely to come in. I think the boycott is more focusing on production, agriculture, domestic labor and the like.

[m_and_m20 0]

OMG nooo please - I have biometrics that day people!!!

That's not good, but then chances are that employees at USCIS are citizens, (which doesn't mean that they are not immigrants) and they are likely to come in. I think the boycott is more focusing on production, agriculture, domestic labor and the like.

But i would find alternate routes to the USCIS office just in case there are protests in the streets on your way!

[Veiled Princess 1]

Please forgive my obvious ignorance but what exactly is H.R. 4437? Is that the bill that is supposed to make it a felony to be illegal in this country? I thought the protestors were illegal immigrants? Furthermore, is it a day without an immigrant or a day without an illegal immigrant? I thought legally documented immigrants were not taking part in that protest? Maybe I'll go google it

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Please forgive my obvious ignorance but what exactly is H.R. 4437? Is that the bill that is supposed to make it a felony to be illegal in this country? I thought the protestors were illegal immigrants? Furthermore, is it a day without an immigrant or a day without an illegal immigrant? I thought legally documented immigrants were not taking part in that protest? Maybe I'll go google it

Any Americans* who are not descendants of the original Pilgrims and are looking for a convenient excuse to miss work and/or school, are welcome to rally.

*Americans here are defined as any person resident in the United States, regardless of status.

Edited April 19, 2006 by Agent Smith

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

There are 14 Jr High schools going to march today. Main reason being.... "My friends are going, and Mexicans shouldn't be made to live in Mexico"

yeah... thats an actual quote I heard on the radio.

I think I'll cry now.

I'll join you.

[almaty 19]

Please forgive my obvious ignorance but what exactly is H.R. 4437? Is that the bill that is supposed to make it a felony to be illegal in this country? I thought the protestors were illegal immigrants? Furthermore, is it a day without an immigrant or a day without an illegal immigrant? I thought legally documented immigrants were not taking part in that protest? Maybe I'll go google it

Any Americans* who are not descendants of the original Pilgrims and are looking for a convenient excuse to miss work and/or school, are welcome to rally.

*Americans here are defined as any person resident in the United States, regardless of status.

damn, citizenship is a bit#h sometimes