Summer 2011- Week 4 (7/31/11)
Christina Baal, Director of Civic Engagement and Field Operations at the New York Immigration Coalition, visited us this week for a presentation on immigrant rights and advocacy. She brought with her NYIC intern Emily, and a friend/DREAMer Chuck.
What did we learn?
What did we learn?
- There are over 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States
- The pathways to citizenship vary in difficulty depending on your country of origin. To sponsor a family member in the Philippines, for example, it would take over 20 years
- Immigration does not only affect Hispanics
- Immigration impacts everyone
- Undocumented immigrants pay taxes, and contribute to society
- The DREAM Act is an acronym for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors
- The prospective federal law was first introduced to the House of Representatives in 2001. In 2010, it passed the House of Representatives and was voted on in the Senate.Of the 60 votes the bill needed to reach the President, it got 56. The bill failed to pass because it was missing 4 more votes.
- According to Emily, there are few Asian DREAMers who turn out at events to support legislation like the DREAM Act
- NEW: Last week, California passed a law similar to the DREAM act for that state. The state of Illinois is also considering a law that allows undocumented youth to be eligible for in-state tuition. Unlike the federal DREAM Act, these state laws do not provide a pathway to citizenship.
FAQ
Q: How do federal laws get passed?
A: All laws start out as bills, which are essentially ideas. Only a senator or representative can introduce a bill
Q: How do federal laws get passed?
A: All laws start out as bills, which are essentially ideas. Only a senator or representative can introduce a bill
Homework Assignment: Write a thoughtful reflection based on what we discussed in class and also on Jose Antonio Vargas's article in the New York Times Magazine. You may choose to answer the following: Why is it so hard to pass legislation like the DREAM Act/why do you think immigration controversial? What is Jose Antonio Vargas trying to say about the about the term, "American"? What were your impressions of the stories that Emily and Chuck told? Please write as much as you can, preferably at 1 page, double-spaced. CLICK HERE TO READ JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS'S ARTICLE |
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Christina Baal, LMSW, received her BFA in Drama from New York University and her MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work with a specialization in Clinical Practice and Community Organizing.
As former Director of Cabrini Immigrant Services, Christina expanded the CIS Justice for Immigrants Campaign, a community organizing group that has engaged both documented and undocumented community leaders in the federal fight for immigration reform through leadership trainings, legislative visits, lobby days, and mobilizations. In 2007, Christina was named One of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the US by the Filipina Women's Network because of her advocacy work for immigrant youth and families. Today, she is Director of Civic Engagement and Field Operations at the New York Immigration Coaltion.
As former Director of Cabrini Immigrant Services, Christina expanded the CIS Justice for Immigrants Campaign, a community organizing group that has engaged both documented and undocumented community leaders in the federal fight for immigration reform through leadership trainings, legislative visits, lobby days, and mobilizations. In 2007, Christina was named One of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the US by the Filipina Women's Network because of her advocacy work for immigrant youth and families. Today, she is Director of Civic Engagement and Field Operations at the New York Immigration Coaltion.