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.

Local activists hold a press conference denouncing Donald Trump’s exectuvie orders targeting immigrants and refugees as well as the proposed building of a wall along the entire border between the United States and Mexico.

Read more at the Union-Tribune for the full story.

Californians, we have to do everything in our power to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities most threatened by this administration’s racist, xenophobic agenda. The California State Senate introduced SB 54, the California Values Act which would provide protection for undocumented immigrants and ban the use of state and local resources for mass deportations.

TAKE ACTION: Tell California state lawmakers and Governor Brown to expedite the California Values Act now.

San Diego Immigrant and Refugee Leaders Condemn President Trump’s Actions

SAN DIEGO — Leaders from across San Diego County strongly condemn President Trump’s executive orders to shut out immigrants and refugees with policies and walls that divide us rather than bring us together.

As a result of the president’s actions, refugees, who are mostly women and children fleeing war and violence and who have already been vetted, now stand in harm’s way. Immigrants and visa applicants from entire countries are now blocked based on nothing more than the geography of their birth, harkening back to discriminatory immigration policies of the past. In addition, southern border communities that lack resources and infrastructure are now facing the prospects of an expanded border wall that does nothing to revitalize their communities.

By Pedro Rios

Cities and counties around the country are taking the audacious step of declaring their municipal governments sanctuaries to demonstrate solidarity with immigrants and refugees who reside within their jurisdictions. The bold declarations are necessary and responsible actions that respond to the uncertainty of increased threats by President Donald Trump about targeting immigrants and refugees for mass deportation. But really, sanctuary cities are an extension of the obligation that elected officials have of ensuring the safety and well-being of their constituents.