The College Hispanic American Students hosted a “College Wide Meeting” last night regarding Immigration reform.
The main point of discussion at the meeting was the Comprehension Immigration Reform Act of 2006, which is currently “brewing on the floor of U.S. Congress,” according to Liz Cedillo-Pereira, a Dallas area immigration attorney and SMU alumna. Cedillo-Pereira spoke about the act and its components.
The Comprehension Immigration Reform Act of 2006 has many parts to it, a few being the Blue Card program, the Dream Act and a temporary worker program that allows people to work for six years as a temporary worker and then apply for permanent residence.
The people in the temporary workers program will have to pay a few fees, go through a background check and undergo medical tests to be admitted as permanent residents.
Both Renato De Los Santos, representing the League of United Latin American Citizens, and Jose De La Rocha, councilman 102 for LULAC, spoke about the MegaMarch and National Immigrant Civil Rights Day. The march will occur on Sunday, April 19, beginning at The Cathedral at 2215 Ross Ave., and ending in front of Dallas Hall, where there will be a rally led by around 15 guest speakers.
The National Immigrant Civil Rights Day, April 10, was organized by LULAC “in conjunction with dozens of other multi-cultural organizations,” said Rocha.
LULAC asks anyone and everyone to wear a white ribbon to symbolize peace on the National Immigrant Civil Rights Day, according to Santos. Santos also said another name for this day is “Not a Penny Day,” because people are being asked not to buy anything from anyone on April 10.
“The purpose of that campaign is to make sure that we send a message to the business community as well,” said Santos.
Raul Magdaleno, a senior CCPA major, then spoke about his experience in becoming an American citizen and how students can get involved in the community.
Magdaleno encouraged students to write letters to congress and senators. He said he has previously worked with different congressmen, and he has seen first-hand that the letters really do make a difference.
“We want to bombard their offices with letters,” said Magdaleno.
Cedillo-Pereira said college students serve as a buffer between the older community and the younger community, “a bridge between the age categories,” and that the students can bring people together.
“Now is the time to be active,” said Cedillo-Pereira.
For more information, please contact Fernando Salazar at [email protected].
