SIREN: Statement On 2024 Presidential Election
/SIREN: Statement Post Election 2024
Photo credit: HUY TRAN
SIREN Statement: Opposition to H.R. Bills Threatening Immigrant Rights
/February 1, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A SIREN Statement - Opposition to Bills Threatening Immigrant Rights
San Jose, CA - In response to the recent legislative proposals aiming to expand penalties and criminalize immigrants seeking crucial family reunification and reintegration after serving their time, SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights and Empowerment Network) strongly urges Members of Congress to reject these misguided initiatives.
The bills in question, namely H.R. 6678, 6679, 5585, and 6976, pose a significant threat to the well-being and rights of immigrant communities. SIREN calls upon Congress to stand against the political maneuvering embedded in these bills, which, rather than addressing genuine concerns, appear to be riding on the coattails of divisive political rhetoric.
One alarming aspect of these proposals is the removal of due process rights, undermining a fundamental pillar of justice that our country holds dear. Additionally, the duplication of existing laws under the guise of responding to current events raises questions about the true intent behind these legislative efforts.
It is disheartening to witness the appropriation of current events to cut and paste into laws, echoing a tactic reminiscent of past political campaigns. SIREN asserts that these bills do not align with the expectations of the House of Representatives in securing our nation.
We implore Members of Congress to prioritize fairness, justice, and the preservation of immigrant rights by voting NO on H.R. 6678, 6679, 5585, and 6976. SIREN remains committed to advocating for policies that uphold the principles of inclusivity, compassion, and respect for all members of our diverse society.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lourdes Medina, Advocacy and Communication Associate: Lourdes@sirenimmigrantrights.org
###
SIREN Summer 2023 Newsletter Update
/Dear SIREN Community,
The summer of 2023 has ushered in a wave of change, growth, and renewed dedication at SIREN. We're excited to share some exciting developments with you.
🏢 We've Moved! 🏢 As of September 1st, 2023, our new SIREN offices are now located at 1769 Park Ave. Ste. 200, San Jose CA 95126. We invite all our Bay Area leaders, community-based organizations, businesses, and clients to help us spread the word about our new address. Please stop by and say hello! Our doors are open from Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
🌟 New Leadership and Transition 🌟 We are thrilled to introduce new community leaders who have joined our board of directors. Additionally, we have appointed an Interim Executive Director as we embark on this transition into the fall. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRANSITION LEADERSHIP TEAM here.
🤝 Meet Our Leadership Team 🤝 SIREN is now under the capable leadership of Interim Director Huy Tran and Interim Deputy Director Carmen Torres. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our mission. Find the Interim Executive Director message here.
🚀 Thriving Programs and Services 🚀 Our Immigration Legal Service Program and Organizing team, both in the Bay Area and our Central Valley Office continue to thrive thanks to the relentless efforts of our dedicated staff. We remain committed to uplifting immigrant rights and advocating for the national support needed to include all 11 million individuals who have toiled and established roots in this country.
🌎 Standing Strong for Our Mission 🌎 In the face of rising anti-immigrant policies and inhumane border practices, it is clear that our mission and vision are more critical than ever. We stand unwavering in our commitment to protect and serve migrants, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve.
🤝 A Stronger San Jose Presence 🤝 With our new board members and the fresh energy they bring, we aim to amplify our presence in San Jose. Together, we will have a greater impact on advocating for the rights and protection of immigrants and refugees who call California their home.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all. Stay tuned for more updates and events in the coming months!
SIREN Mourns the Senseless Death of 39 Migrants at the Mercy of Ill Fitted Detention Centers, Calls for Compassionate and Caring Asylum Process
/
Today, SIREN and other community immigrant rights advocates from around the nation mourn and stand in solidarity with the families of 39 Central and South American migrants who passed away in a deadly fire inside of a Mexican detention center in the City of Juarez. This tragedy could have been prevented…
Read MoreThe Biden Administration Considers Return to Disgraceful Practice of Incarcerating Families Seeking Help
/
No matter how you rebrand it, rename it or retry it, there is no logical reason to place human beings in cages. The Biden administration’s cowardly retreat to Trumpian archetypes to address the issues of a broken immigration system represent a betrayal to the values of the American’s who placed this administration in power. The proposed return to draconian tactics to scare migrants already fleeing out of necessity will do nothing more than hurt our nation.
Read MoreThe Biden Administration Announces Rebrand of ‘Transit Ban’ Trump Policy
/
A temporary, new asylum rule announced by the Biden administration on February 21st aims to severely limit the ability of migrants to request asylum at the U.S border by first forcing them to request asylum in other countries they have traveled to. This policy is no different than the ‘transit ban’ policy first implemented by the Trump administration, a policy crafted by far-right advisor to then president Trump, Stephen Miller. With Title 42 set to expire in May, this new policy set to be in place for 2 years will only extend the harm and trauma set into place by the Trump administration to punish refugees and asylees seeking help.
Read MoreJoin Statement: Bay Area Latinx and Asian Community Groups Unite to Support Half Moon Bay Victims and Survivors
/
In the past few days, Bay Area Latinx and Asian community groups have come together to address the immediate and long-term needs of the victims and survivors of the mass shooting in Half Moon Bay on January 23rd. Through this solidarity…
Read MoreGovernor’s Budget Honors Some Commitments to Immigrant Community Despite Budget Deficit, But Cuts to Universal Safety Net Programs Leaves Many to Fend for Themselves
/
The initial draft of this year's budget doubles down on truly universal healthcare, but delays much needed Food4All efforts and leaves out lifeline unemployment benefits for immigrant workers
Read MorePresident Joe Biden doubles down on xenophobic policy Title 42, threatening those seeking refuge
/
Immigrants and refugees at the border seeking asylum will have a harder time receiving relief with roll out of digital surveillance tools and buffer systems denying legal right to asylum to some
Read MoreSIREN Statement on DACA Appellate Court Decision
/
On October 6, 2022, a federal appeals court continued to leave the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival Program (DACA) in limbo. More than 600,000 DACA recipients across the country continue to wait for a decision…
Read MoreSIREN Statement on Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Decision to Build a New Jail in Santa Clara County
/
For Immediate Release:
January 26 2022
Contact: Jose Servin, Director of Advocacy and Communication, SIREN
jose@sirenimmigrantrights.org, 714-728-2520
SIREN Statement on Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Decision to Build a New Jail in Santa Clara County
California - Maricela Gutiérrez, the Executive Director of the Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN) and SIREN Action issued the following statement:
Yesterday’s majority decision by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to move forward with building a third jail in our community was a cruel commitment to racial injustice.
The majority of San Jose residents wholeheartedly oppose the creation of a new jail in Santa Clara County, as evidenced by the nearly unanimous opposition expressed through hours of public comment.
Despite years of community opposition and a bold proposal by Supervisor Susan Ellenberg to expand mental health resource facilities rather than build a new jail, Supervisors Otto Lee, Joe Simitian and Mike Wasserman voted in favor of expanding the carceral state in San Jose.
The recommendations in the Framework for the County’s Justice-Involved Clients report presented at yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting did not reflect the reality that Santa Clara county residents live and experience. The Framework report acknowledges that the County of Santa Clara is committed to reducing the jail population and states that the proposal to create this new jail is supposed to lead to a reduction of population, but as expert advocates with 35 years of experience advocating for immigrant communities that are often the target of incarceration in both the criminal justice system and the immigrant carceral system, the SIREN team is well aware that when a county decides to expand incarceration, they are unequivocally committing to incarcerate more people of color, not the other way around. It is extremely concerning that despite nearly unanimous opposition through public comment yesterday, the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors voted to move towards building a new jail.
Yesterday, SCC County Supervisors had the opportunity to turn the tide on California’s dependence on mass incarceration as an outdated, tried-and-failed practice. What residents in Santa Clara County actually need are housing support services, wrap-around care and mental health services not rooted in the punitive carceral system.
###
