San Diego Elected Officials: “We need a Clean Dream Act Now!”

Bipartisan group sends letter to Congress on National Day of Action in Support of the Dream Act

San Diego — In a display of bipartisan support, two dozen local and state elected officials signed onto a letter asking Congress to protect Dreamers without further militarizing border communities.

The letter is being sent to Members of Congress today and coincides with a National Day of Action in support of a clean Dream Act. Immigrant youth, advocates and people of faith are issuing statements and demonstrating across the country in a unified display of support for Dreamers and their families.  

In a display of bipartisan support, two dozen local and state elected officials signed onto a letter that urges Congress to protect Border Dreamers without further militarizing our communities.  

El pueblo unido, Jamas será vencido! Ang tao ang bayan, ngayon ay lumalaban! The people united, will never be defeated!

May 15th, 2017 was the 21st Annual Immigrant Day. The SDIRC delegation of 33 San Diego leaders successfully met with all 11 assembly members and senators who represent a piece or region of San Diego County.

The day was kicked off with a rally and program of speakers to ground all participating organizations and individuals for the day ahead. There was a variety of speakers from all over the state who stood in front of the hundreds to speak their truth. The speakers ranged from faith leaders, community leaders and organizational representatives who shared stories, either their own or of the communities they work with. They spoke about the importance of building and maintaining a united front on the issues that affect all of us, especially considering the targeted threats under the Trump administration.

During our time at the state’s capitol, we had the opportunity to get to know, learn from and interview Said Abiyow, current President and CEO of the Somali Bantu Association of America, now a member organization of SDIRC. Below are his responses and impressions as a first time participant in Immigrant Day.

By Erin Tsurumoto Grassi

As the granddaughter of Japanese Americans who were imprisoned during World War II, the importance of Immigrant Day could not be clearer. After all, this is a chance for advocates like myself and others across the state to join efforts and advocate for immigrant rights in Sacramento.

The 21st Annual Immigrant Day will take place on Monday, May 15, and the  San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium is proud to be sending a record-size delegation to our state’s capital. Close to 40 leaders from across San Diego County will join hundreds of other community members and activists who will meet with elected representatives from every quarter of the county.