Festival held to honor immigrants and refugees in Central Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- 

The drumbeat of the immigration debate got louder in Central Fresno.

Drummers and dancers got things rolling for a festival to mark the opening of the first SIREN office in Fresno, and food vendors kept everybody fed.

After this opening festival, they will turn to serious business.

The Services Immigrant Right and Education Network has helped immigrants out of its San Jose offices for more than 30 years with legal help, and political organizing.

"Right now we're at a crossroads where people want to get us to stop talking, complaining, and just remember that we are a community and this is your house. You have our backs and we have your backs," said Tomas Margain.

Organizers say about 900,000 immigrants live in the Central Valley and half a million native-born children have immigrant parents.

Community Spotlight: Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN) in Modern Latina

by Linda Castillo, ModernLatina.com

Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN) was founded by attorneys, immigrant rights activists and advocates over 31 years ago in response to the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act to assure that immigrants and refugees in Silicon Valley would have a place to land for legal services, receive support on an advocacy level for those that didn’t receive amnesty. Over the years, SIREN has grown to include policy analysis and advocacy, community education, legal services, civic engagement and community and service provider trainings.

I had a chance to speak with SIREN’s Executive Director, Maricela Gutiérrez. Maricela’s parents came from San Luís Potosí, Mexico over 40 years ago to the Central Valley, California. Growing up in a farm working rural area, she experienced firsthand the economic equity issues that are still apparent today for immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants. She saw the lack of health care, lack of well-paying jobs with benefits and overall lack of resources. She experienced 7 to 8 ICE deportation interactions growing up which formed her view of the world. She always grew up knowing she wanted to do something about it.

Take Action Today to Oppose the Citizenship Question on the Census

Back in March, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that he had directed the Census Bureau to add an untested and unnecessary question to the 2020 Census form, which would ask the citizenship status of every person in the United States. The fight to keep the citizenship question off of the 2020 Census has begun! Tomorrow, Tuesday August 7 will be the last day to submit public comment to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

The Census has historically missed certain communities at disproportionately high rates. Adding a new citizenship question will jeopardize census accuracy by deterring many people—already “hard-to-count”—from responding. 

Please take a few minutes to take action on keeping the citizenship question OFF the 2020 Census Form by clicking here.

We need to show the breadth of voices in opposition to the citizenship question. Please submit your comment today!

Maricela Gutiérrez - Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network
http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE. 

 

Support DACA youth/ Apoyemos nuestra Juventud DACA

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While our community continues to fight against the relentless attacks from the current administration, we cannot forget our DACA youth who still need our support.

Today, we are pleased to announce that a generous donor will match donations made to SIREN to support DACA applicants with their renewal fees.

We invite you to join our efforts by making your donation today:  HERE 

Every dollar will be matched, enabling us to help more DACA youth. Let’s make our dreams of providing DACA youth with the opportunity to stay in the only country they know as home.

Thank you for your kind and generous support.

In community spirit,

Maricela Gutiérrez


 

Mientras que nuestra comunidad continúa luchando contra los implacables ataques de la administración actual, no podemos olvidar a los jóvenes de DACA que aún necesitan nuestro apoyo.

Hoy, nos complace anunciar que un donante generoso se ha comprometido a igualar donativos hechos a SIREN para apoyar a los solicitantes de DACA con sus tarifas de renovación.

Le invitamos a unirse a nuestros esfuerzos haciendo su donativo hoy: AQUI 

Recuerde que cada dólar donado será igualado, permitiéndonos ayudar a más jóvenes de DACA. Hagamos realidad nuestros sueños de brindar a los jóvenes de DACA la oportunidad de permanecer en el único país que conocen como su hogar.

Gracias por su amable y generoso apoyo.

En espíritu comunitario,

Maricela Gutiérrez

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE. 




 

Latest News on DACA/ Últimas Noticias Sobre DACA

SIREN Applauds Court Ruling on DACA and Urges DACA-Recipients to Renew

Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge John Bates in Washington, DC ruled that the DACA program should be fully restored finding that the Trump Administration has not provided an adequate justification for terminating the program. The court ordered USCIS to begin to accept new DACA applications starting August 23 and to continue to accept renewal applications. The Trump Administration may also appeal the court’s ruling in that time. There are various court cases currently relating to DACA, including a hearing at the federal court in Texas next week. SIREN urges those who have DACA to renew as soon as possible and reminds those who have never applied for DACA that they can not yet apply. The following is a statement from Maricela Gutiérrez, Executive Director of Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN):

 

“This ruling affirms what we have known all along: Trump cannot justify the termination of DACA. His Administration would be hard-pressed to find an argument that can withhold legal scrutiny which is why it should not appeal this decision and instead move forward with fully restoring the program. For those who do not have DACA, we remind community members that there is nothing to apply for yet and to be sure to not turn to those who claim that they can apply. For those who have DACA, make sure that you renew as soon as possible - there is no time to lose with other cases on the program making their way through the courts. Everyone, regardless of status, should be allowed to come and stay in the country - and this ruling gets us closer to ensuring that we live up to that value as a country.”

 

SIREN hosts free DACA renewal workshops and provides scholarships to cover the costs of the filing fee for all eligible applicants. For more information about upcoming workshops please visit: www.siren-bayarea.org.

 

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SIREN Aplaude Decisión de la Corte sobre DACA y Sugiere a los Destinatarios de DACA a Renovar

Ayer, el juez del Tribunal de Distrito de los EE. UU., John Bates, en Washington, DC, dictaminó que el programa DACA debería restaurarse por completo al constatar que la Administración Trump no ha proporcionado una justificación adecuada para terminar el programa. La corte ordenó a USCIS comenzar a aceptar nuevas solicitudes de DACA a partir del 23 de agosto y continuar aceptando solicitudes de renovación. La Administración Trump también puede apelar el fallo del tribunal en ese momento. Hay varios casos judiciales actualmente relacionados con DACA, incluida una audiencia en el tribunal federal de Texas la próxima semana. SIREN sugiere a aquellos que tienen DACA a renovar lo antes posible y les recuerda a aquellos que nunca solicitaron DACA que aún no pueden presentar la solicitud. La siguiente es una declaración de Maricela Gutiérrez, Directora Ejecutiva de Servicios, Derechos de Inmigrantes y Red de Educación (SIREN):

"Esta decisión confirma lo que hemos sabido desde el principio: Trump no puede justificar la finalización de DACA. Su Administración se vería en apuros para encontrar un argumento que pueda retener el escrutinio legal, por lo que no debería apelar esta decisión y, en su lugar, seguir adelante con la restauración total del programa. Para aquellos que no tienen DACA, les recordamos a los miembros de la comunidad que no hay nada para solicitar todavía y para asegurarnos de no recurrir a quienes afirman que pueden postularse. Para aquellos que tienen DACA, asegúrese de renovar lo antes posible; no hay tiempo que perder con otros casos en el programa que atraviesan los tribunales. Todos, independientemente de su estatus, deberían poder venir y permanecer en el país, y esta decisión nos acerca a garantizar que vivamos ese valor como país”.

SIREN ofrece talleres gratuitos de renovación de DACA y ofrece becas para cubrir los costos de la tarifa de presentación para todos los solicitantes elegibles. Para obtener más información sobre los próximos talleres, visite: www.siren-bayarea.org.

 

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE. 

SIREN-July E-Newsletter

This summer has been full of unrest as immigrants and refugees continue to be terrorized across the country. Immigrant rights groups continue to call upon on legislators to stand up for what is right - the protection of immigrants fleeing from violence, hunger, and other extreme circumstances. While television cameras have captured the reunification of some detained children, there are countless individuals of all ages being held in detention centers, that need our help. History is calling upon all of us to be engaged in new and different ways, so that we can together change the tide toward justice.

We invite you to join our efforts to protect immigrants and refugees in California by making a DONATION today. Your contribution will allow us to provide needed legal defense to people in our community in need. Thank you for your consideration.

In this newsletter you will also learn about our work on the US Census, the story of a family being brought back together, and will meet some of the amazing young people that make up SIREN. Thank you for your continued support.

With love and justice,

Maricela Gutiérrez

UNITED STATES CENSUS: SIREN ENSURING THAT ALL COUNT

 

An accurate count of the U.S. population forms the basis for many important, but often overlooked political, economic, and social decisions that affect our daily lives. That is why community organizations like SIREN are getting a head start in preparation for the Census, so that all of our communities are counted.

In partnership with the County of Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, SIREN’s youth volunteers embarked on a  canvassing campaign for Local Update Census Addresses (LUCA) in June to canvass neighborhoods in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, unincorporated areas of San Martin, and the city of Santa Clara. Our volunteers canvassed in over 50 neighborhoods identifying unconventional housing on single unit housing properties where individuals or families might be living to add to the Census count. Thank you, volunteers! 

TAKE ACTION TO OPPOSE THE CITIZENSHIP QUESTION ON THE 2020 CENSUS

 

In March, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that he had directed the Census Bureau to add an untested and unnecessary question to the 2020 Census form, which would ask the citizenship status of every person in the United States. The fight to keep the citizenship question off of the 2020 Census has begun!  

The Census has historically missed certain communities at disproportionately high rates. Adding a new citizenship question will jeopardize census accuracy by deterring many people—already “hard-to-count”—from responding. 

Please take a few minutes to take action on keeping the citizenship question OFF the 2020 Census Form. The comments period is open until August 7th.

Submit an individual comment. We need to show the breadth of voices in opposition to the citizenship question. You can submit a unique comment HERE


 

KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER: THE STORY OF RICARDO

 

Ricardo and his partner Adi, are both from Puebla, México. His loving and happy family, which includes his two-year old daughter, was torn apart by ICE, who had gone to their home several times looking for someone who used to live at that address. Having no luck finding that person, they arrested Ricardo instead. He was taken to the Contra Costa detention center and remained there for a month. 

During that time, Ricardo explains how hopeless he felt being imprisoned all day with very little human contact. The day he was detained by ICE, Adi immediately looked for an attorney who could help her get him out. Unfortunately, the attorney she paid thousands of dollars to did little to nothing to help Ricardo. Not willing to give up, she came for a free consultation at SIREN to find the help she needed.  

 Adi was attended by SIREN Staff Attorney Grey, who she says she immediately trusted. That same day, she decided to allow Grey to take over the case instead of the attorney she had hired. Ricardo’s wife says it's the best decision she could have made. In one month, Grey managed to release Ricardo from detention and reunite him with his family. Both Ricardo and his wife are very grateful with the professionalism and trustworthiness Grey demonstrated throughout the case. They are also very thankful to SIREN for being a place of hope for all immigrants and refugees in the most desperate of times.

SIREN’S YOUTH FELLOWS: GET TO KNOW THEM

MEET YOUTH FELLOW DENISSE

 

"Hello, everyone! My name is Denisse Velázquez. I’m a senior at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. I’m a Latin American Studies and History double major. I was born and raised in the South Bay, so I’m very excited to be back home for the summer. I’m especially happy to be working with SIREN again, as a Summer Fellow.  

I first got involved with SIREN in 2016 when I participated in the Summer Youth Leadership Institute in 2016. This summer I have the honor of coming back to support with the curriculum and coordination of the Summer Youth Liberation Institute. My focus will be to build the political education portion of the program, which is a deep passion of mine and I’m really looking forward to growing and learning alongside this year’s participants!"


 

MEET POLICY FELLOW NITHYA

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SIREN is pleased to have Nithya as a Policy Fellow this summer, helping us track immigration-related policy and litigation at the local, state, and federal levels. She also researches and develops community education tools on issues relevant to immigrants and refugees. 

Nithya has been with SIREN for over a year, starting out as a youth leader. She is a recent high school graduate from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. During her senior year of high school, she completed a project researching the impact post-9/11 immigration policy had on the lives of immigrants. Nithya will be attending Tufts University in the fall, where she plans to major in International Relations and hopes to pursue immigration-related work in the future. Nithya's parents immigrated from India, and she was born and raised in San Jose. She speaks Tamil and Hindi at home. 

ABOUT YOUTH FELLOW HARMON

 

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“I am currently a first generation college student at Fresno State. This is my third year at Fresno State studying Biology and minoring in Gerontology and Chemistry. My ultimate goal is to become a physician. I would like to return and serve in the Central Valley in order to reduce the health disparities that are present. In my SIREN Fellowship Program, I am working on a photo-documentary of South Asian elders who immigrated to the U.S and telling their stories of living and building their lives in the Central Valley and the current health challenges they are facing given the current political climate. I hope to use the knowledge I gain to empower my community and those around me.”


SIREN welcomes all of the amazing young people who are part of our movement. Thank you for inspiring us and being the change you want to see in the world!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Visit SIREN’s WEBSITE and FACEBOOK PAGE for a listing of upcoming events and legal assistance workshops throughout the communities we serve. 

 

 

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Este verano ha estado lleno de inquietud a medida que inmigrantes y refugiados continúan siendo aterrorizados por todo el país. Los grupos de derechos de los inmigrantes siguen pidiendo a los legisladores que defiendan lo que es justo: la protección de los inmigrantes que huyen de la violencia, el hambre y otras circunstancias extremas. Mientras que las cámaras de televisión captaron la reunificación de algunos niños detenidos, hay innumerables personas de todas las edades detenidas en centros de detención que necesitan nuestra ayuda. La historia nos llama a todos a comprometernos de maneras nuevas y diferentes, para que juntos podamos cambiar la marea hacia la justicia. 

Te invitamos a unirte a nuestros esfuerzos para proteger a los inmigrantes y refugiados en California haciendo una DONACIÓNhoy. Su contribución nos permitirá brindar la defensa legal necesaria a las personas de nuestra comunidad. Gracias por su consideración.


En este boletín también aprenderá sobre nuestro trabajo en el Censo de EE. UU., la historia de una familia reunida, y conocerá a algunos de los jóvenes increíbles que componen SIREN. Gracias por su apoyo continuo.

Con amor y justicia,
Maricela Gutiérrez


 

CENSO DE ESTADOS UNIDOS: SIREN ASEGURÁNDOSE QUE TODOS CUENTEN

 

Un recuento preciso de la población de los EE. UU. constituye la base de muchas decisiones políticas, económicas y sociales importantes, que a menudo se pasan por alto, que afectan nuestras vidas cotidianas. Es por eso que las organizaciones comunitarias como SIREN están comenzando a prepararse para el Censo, para que todas nuestras comunidades sean contadas.

En asociación con el Condado de Santa Clara y Silicon Valley Community Foundation, los jóvenes voluntarios de SIREN se embarcaron en una campaña de actualización local de direcciones para el Censo (LUCA o Local Update Census Addresses) en junio para explorar vecindarios en Gilroy, Morgan Hill, áreas no incorporadas de San Martín y la ciudad de Santa Clara. Nuestros voluntarios fueron a más de 50 vecindarios identificando viviendas no convencionales en propiedades de viviendas unifamiliares donde las personas o familias podrían estar viviendo para sumarse al conteo del Censo. ¡Gracias a nuestros voluntarios!

TOMAR ACCIÓN PARA OPONERSE A LA PREGUNTA DE CIUDADANÍA EN EL CENSO 2020

 

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En marzo, el Secretario de Comercio Wilbur Ross anunció que había ordenado a la Oficina del Censo que agregara una pregunta no probada e innecesaria al formulario del Censo 2020, que solicitaría el estado de ciudadanía de cada persona en los Estados Unidos. ¡La lucha para mantener la pregunta de ciudadanía fuera del Censo 2020 ha comenzado!

Históricamente, el Censo ha omitido ciertas comunidades a tasas desproporcionadamente altas. Agregar una nueva pregunta de ciudadanía pondrá en peligro la precisión del censo al disuadir a muchas personas, que ya son "difíciles de contar", de responder.

Tómese unos minutos para contribuir a medidas para mantener la pregunta de ciudadanía FUERA del formulario del Censo 2020. El período de comentarios está abierto hasta el 7 de agosto.

Envíe un comentario individual. Necesitamos mostrar la amplitud de las voces en oposición a la pregunta sobre de la ciudadanía. Puede enviar un comentario único AQUÍ

MANTENER FAMILIAS JUNTAS: LA HISTORIA DE RICARDO

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Ricardo y su pareja, Adi, son de Puebla, México. Su amorosa y feliz familia, que incluye a su hija de dos años, fue destrozada por ICE, quien había ido a su casa varias veces buscando a alguien que solía vivir en esa dirección. Al no tener suerte para encontrar a esa persona, arrestaron a Ricardo en su lugar. Fue llevado al centro de detención de Contra Costa y permaneció allí durante un mes.

Durante ese tiempo, Ricardo explica que se sintió desesperado al estar encarcelado todo el día con muy poco contacto humano. El día que fue detenido por ICE, Adi buscó de inmediato a un abogado que pudiera ayudarla. Desafortunadamente, el abogado al que le pagó miles de dólares hizo poco o nada para ayudar a Ricardo. Adi no estaba dispuesta a darse por vencida y vino a una consulta gratuita en SIREN para encontrar la ayuda que necesitaba.

La abogada de SIREN Grey asistió a Adi, quien dice que ella confió de inmediato. Ese mismo día, ella decidió permitir que Grey asumiera el caso en lugar del abogado que había contratado. La esposa de Ricardo dice que es la mejor decisión que pudo haber tomado. En un mes, Grey logró liberar a Ricardo de la detención y reunirlo con su familia. Tanto Ricardo como su esposa están muy agradecidos con el profesionalismo y la confiabilidad que Grey demostró a lo largo del caso. También están muy agradecidos con SIREN por ser un lugar de esperanza para todos los inmigrantes y refugiados en los momentos más desesperados.


 

JÓVENES BECARIOS DE SIREN/YOUTH FELLOWS: CONÓZCALOS

CONOZCA LA BECARIA/YOUTH FELLOW DENISSE

 

"Hola a todos! Mi nombre es Denisse Velázquez. Soy estudiante de último año en Smith College en Northampton, Massachusetts. Soy estudiante de doble titulación en Historia y Estudios Latinoamericanos. Nací y crecí en el sur de la bahía, así que estoy muy emocionada de estar de vuelta en casa durante el verano. Estoy especialmente feliz de trabajar de nuevo con SIREN como Summer Fellow.

“Primero participé con SIREN en el Summer Youth Leadership Institute en 2016. Este verano tengo el honor de volver a apoyar el plan de estudios y la coordinación del Summer Youth Liberation Institute. Mi enfoque será construir la porción de educación política del programa, que es una gran pasión mía. ¡Estoy ansiosa por crecer y aprender junto a los participantes de este año! "


 

CONOZCA LA BECARIA/FELLOW DE POLÍTICAS NITHYA

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SIREN se complace en contar con Nithya como Becaria de Políticas este verano, ayudándonos a rastrear las políticas y litigios relacionados con la inmigración a nivel local, estatal y federal. También investiga y desarrolla herramientas de educación comunitaria sobre temas relevantes para inmigrantes y refugiados.

Nithya ha estado con SIREN por más de un año, comenzando como líder juvenil. Ella se graduó recientemente de BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. Durante su último año de escuela secundaria, completó un proyecto que investiga el impacto que las políticas de inmigración posterior al 11 de septiembre tuvo en la vida de los inmigrantes. Nithya asistirá a la Universidad de Tufts en el otoño, donde planea especializarse en Relaciones Internacionales y espera continuar con el trabajo relacionado con la inmigración en el futuro. Los padres de Nithya emigraron de la India y ella nació y se crió en San José. Ella habla tamil e hindi en casa.


 

ACERCA DE BECARIA/YOUTH FELLOW HARMON

 

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"Actualmente soy una estudiante universitaria de primera generación en Fresno State. Este es mi tercer año en Fresno State estudiando Biología y especialización en Gerontología y Química. Mi objetivo final es convertirme en médico para regresar y servir en el Valle Central a fin de reducir las disparidades de salud que están presentes. En mi Programa de Becas SIREN estoy trabajando en un documental fotográfico de ancianos del sur de Asia que inmigraron a los EE. UU. Cuentan sus historias de vida y cómo construyeron sus vidas en el Valle Central, incluyendo los actuales desafíos de salud que enfrentan dado el clima político actual. Espero utilizar el conocimiento que obtengo para empoderar a mi comunidad y a quienes me rodean."


SIREN da la bienvenida a todos los jóvenes increíbles que son parte de nuestro movimiento. ¡Gracias por inspirarnos y ser el cambio que quieres ver en el mundo!

CALENDARIO DE EVENTOS

Visite EL SITIO DE WEB DE SIREN  y la página de FACEBOOK para obtener una lista de los próximos eventos y talleres de asistencia legal en todas las comunidades a las que prestamos servicios.

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Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE. 

 

SIREN Statement Condemns Trump Administration on Failure to Meet Deadline to Reunite Families

SIREN Condemns the Trump Administration for Failing to Meet Family Reunification Deadline

Failure to meet the deadline has have left over a thousand children waiting to be reunited

Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN) condemns the Trump administration today for not meeting the court-ordered deadline to reunite migrant children separated from their parents by July 26, 2018.

“This administration’s sole intent with these atrocious policies is to harm immigrant families,” said SIREN Executive Director,  Maricela Gutiérrez. “There are still over a thousand children still in agony and waiting to be reunited.”

As of earlier this week, over 1,500 families had been potentially cleared for reunification but have not been reunited. The administration reported that they have reunited just 34% of children separated from their families.

“This is another link in the chain in Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda,” said Gutiérrez. “These policies of separating immigrant children are bigoted and promote hatred. We won’t stand for this.”

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SIREN’s mission is to empower low-income immigrants and refugees through community education and organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy, civic engagement  and legal services. We believe that all people regardless of legal status or nationality are entitled to essential services, human dignity, basic rights and protections, and access to full participation in society.



Maricela Gutiérrez - Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network
http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE. 


 

Central Valley Updates

We are excited to share about some of the great work that is taking place in the Central Valley SIREN Office and we’d like to take the time share with you about the events and oppotunities happening out in the Central Valley!

 

Here is a list of upcoming events: 

#ABOLISHICE MARCH AND RALLY:

Join ICE Out Of Fresno this Saturday for an #AbolishICE march and rally in downtown Fresno beginning at 8:00am. Central Valley Sheriffs have led anti-immigrant efforts that have resulted in the deportation of thousands of individuals and as a result have had a devastating impact on our communities. We will highlight four specific Sheriffs that have chosen to stay on the wrong side of history and have escalated attacks on our community through the entanglement of local law enforcement with ICE.

For more information check out the FB Event Page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2176866959007440/

 

ASYLUM CLINIC

SIREN's monthly asylum clinic is happening this Sunday morning at our Fresno office. If you or anyone you know needs assistance applying for asylum please come to our free asylum clinic between 10-2pm. For additional questions, please email centralvalley@siren-bayarea.org.

For more information check out the FB Event Page:

 https://www.facebook.com/events/2056012717993301/

 

TRUTH ACT FORUM IN FRESNO

The Truth Act requires a local legislative body to hold a community forum annually if local law enforcement allows ICE access to any individual. Since 2015, Fresno County Sheriff Mims has worked closely with ICE to deport over 500 people. We need community members to attend the forum and ask key questions and demand transparency about the entanglement between ICE and the Fresno County Sheriff's Department. We must hold Sherff Mims accountable and eliminate ICE Out of Fresno! For more information please email: centralvalley@siren-bayarea.org

For more information check out the FB Event Page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/840646402791823/

 

 

IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE FESTIVAL

Join us for a Festival in Honor of Immigrants & Refugees and to celebrate SIREN's Fresno Office Open House! All are welcomed to attend! Please RSVP for a booth space HERE. For sponsorship opportunities and more information, email centralvalley@siren-bayarea.org.

For more information check out the FB Event Page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/629965897388188/

 

 

JOB AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

 

SIREN is seeking a Staff Attorney for our Fresno office.

Training and shadowing opportunities in Removal Defense, humanitarian relief, asylum status, detention work and community lawyering available, along with excellent benefits!

You can find the job posting on our website along with other job opportunities with SIREN:

http://www.siren-bayarea.org/jobs/

 

SIREN CENTRAL VALLEY PAID FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

SIREN offering an Immigrant Rights Organizer Fellowship Program within its Central Valley Community Organizing Program. The Fellowship will provide the Immigrant Rights Organizer Fellow an opportunity to acquire grassroots community organizing and issue organizing skills while directly impacting policies for immigrants and refugees residing in the Central Valley. The Fellow will be equipped with organizing skills they can apply to their future job or bring back to their community for change.

http://www.siren-bayarea.org/internships/

 

If you have any questions in regards to any of these events please feel free to email centralvalley@siren-bayarea.org

 

 

***español a continuación***

 

Estamos entusiasmados de compartir el gran trabajo que se está llevando a cabo en la Oficina SIREN de Central Valley y nos gustaría compartir con usted acerca de los eventos y las oportunidades que están sucediendo en el Valle Central.

 

Aquí hay una lista de próximos eventos:


#ABOLISHICE MARCH AND RALLY:

Únase a ICE Out Of Fresno este sábado para una marcha #AbolishICE en el centro de Fresno a partir de las 8:00 a.m este sabado. Los alguaciles del Valle Central han dirigido esfuerzos antiinmigrantes que han resultado en la deportación de miles de personas y como resultado han tenido un impacto devastador en nuestras comunidades. Destacaremos a cuatro sheriffs específicos que han elegido permanecer en el lado equivocado de la historia y han intensificado los ataques a nuestra comunidad a través del enredo de la policía local con la migra.

Para obtener más información, consulte la Página de eventos de FB:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2176866959007440/

 

 

CLÍNICA DE ASILO

La clínica de asilo mensual de SIREN está sucediendo este domingo por la mañana en nuestra oficina de Fresno. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce necesita ayuda para solicitar asilo, visite nuestra clínica gratuita de asilo entre las 10 y las 2 de la tarde. Para preguntas adicionales, envíe un correo electrónico a centralvalley@siren-bayarea.org.

Para obtener más información, consulte la Página de eventos de FB: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/2056012717993301/

 

 

Foro Comunitario de Verdad

La Ley de la Verdad requiere que un cuerpo legislativo local realice un foro comunitario anualmente si la policía local permite el acceso de la migra a cualquier individuo. Desde 2015, el Sheriff Mims ha trabajado estrechamente con la migra para deportar a más de 500 personas. Necesitamos miembros de la comunidad para hacer preguntas y exigir transparencia sobre el enredo entre la migra y el Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Fresno. ¡Debemos responsabilizar a Sherff Mims y eliminar a ICE de Fresno!

Para obtener más información, consulte la Página de eventos de FB:

https://www.facebook.com/events/840646402791823/

 

 

FESTIVAL DE INMIGRANTES Y REFUGIADOS

¡Únase a nosotros asistiendo a nuestro Festival en Honor a los Inmigrantes y Refugiados y celebre nuestra nueva oficina en Fresno!  ¡Todos son bienvenidos a asistir! Reserve su espacio aqui. Para oportunidades de patrocinio y más información, envíe un correo electrónico a centralvalley@siren-bayarea.org

Para obtener más información, consulte la Página de eventos de FB:

https://www.facebook.com/events/629965897388188/

 

 

SIREN está buscando un abogado del personal para nuestra oficina de Fresno.

Entrenamiento en la Defensa de Deportación, ayuda humanitaria, estado de asilo, trabajo de detención y abogacía comunitaria disponibles, junto con excelentes beneficios!

Puede encontrar la publicación de empleo en nuestro sitio web junto con otras oportunidades de trabajo con SIREN:

http://www.siren-bayarea.org/jobs/

 

PROGRAMA DE BECAS PAGADO POR SIREN CENTRAL VALLEY.

SIREN ofrece un Programa de Becas para Organizadores de Derechos de los Inmigrantes dentro de su Programa de Organización Comunitaria del Valle Central. La Comunidad brindará al Compañero Organizador de Derechos de los Inmigrantes la oportunidad de adquirir organizaciones comunitarias de base y emitir habilidades de organización al tiempo que impacta directamente en las políticas para inmigrantes y refugiados que residen en el Valle Central. El Compañero estará equipado con habilidades de organización que pueden aplicar a su futuro trabajo o traer de vuelta a su comunidad para el cambio.

Puede encontrar la publicación de empleo en nuestro sitio web junto con otras oportunidades de trabajo con SIREN:

http://www.siren-bayarea.org/internships/

 

Si tiene alguna pregunta con respecto a cualquiera de estos eventos, envíe un correo electrónico a centralvalley@siren-bayarea.org para obtener más información.

 

 

http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE. 

Donate here:


https://siren.nationbuilder.com/donate



Maricela Gutierrez - Executive Director
Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network
http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

Take Action: #Save the Census

On March 26, 2018, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that he had directed the Census Bureau to add a question on citizenship status to the 2020 Census. This alarming decision is bad for the census, bad for our communities, and bad for America. The Census Bureau has invited the public to comment on the 2020 Census, which will be an opportunity to create a strong, clear public record from a range of stakeholders and experts who oppose the addition of a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. 

We need the community to stand up and fight back against this untested, unnecessary citizenship question and ensure ALL of our communities are counted. The deadline to submit public comment is August 7.

1. Submit individual comment.  You can submit a unique individual comment HERE

2. Have your organization write and submit a comment. We need to show the breadth of voices in opposition to the citizenship question. To download a public comments template with suggestions about how to personalize your comment, click here

3. Spread the word.  Amplify our message and encourage others to submit comments and share the message on social media.

All public comment and social media resources and more can be found in this 2020 Census Public Comments Toolkit

We have only one chance to get the Census right. Let's continue the fight!


Maricela Gutiérrez - Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network
http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE. 

Donate here:


https://siren.nationbuilder.com/donate



Maricela Gutierrez - Executive Director
Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network
http://siren.nationbuilder.com/

Latest News from SIREN | Últimas Noticias de SIREN

[THIS MESSAGE WILL REPEAT IN SPANISH | ESTE MENSAJE REPETIRÁ EN ESPAÑOL]

 

SIREN Applauds Ruling Upholding State Laws Protecting Immigrants and Urges Employers to Protect Immigrant Workers

Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge John Mendez rejected much of the Trump Administration’s efforts to temporarily halt California’s laws to protect immigrants. In his decision, the judge denied a preliminary injunction against the California Values Act (SB 54) which limits local law enforcement entanglement with ICE, AB 103 which authorizes California’s Attorney General to monitor immigration detention centers, and a provision of the Immigrant Worker Protection Act (AB 450) that requires employers to provide employees notice of I-9 audits. While the judge temporarily suspended other provisions of AB 450, including requiring employers to ask for a judicial warrant before entering private workplace areas and to ask for a judicial warrant or subpoena before releasing private employee records, employers may still voluntarily comply with the law. The following is a statement from Maricela Gutiérrez, Executive Director of Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN):

“The decision by Judge Mendez finding that much of these laws are binding and cannot be halted is a major blow to the Trump’s xenophobic and white supremacist agenda. The California Values Act is needed especially in parts of the state like the Central Valley where sheriffs and local law enforcement are frequently entangled with ICE and have cozied up to the Administration’s attacks on immigrants. And with more immigrants and refugees being incarcerated, monitoring and oversight of immigration jails are needed now more than ever. And though we are disappointed that the judge temporarily suspended the judicial warrant requirements for ICE to enter private areas of workplaces or get private employee records, we urge all employers to stand with their immigrant workers and voluntarily exercise their right to deny entry to immigrant agents without such a warrant and not release private employee records without a warrant or subpoena. This decision shows that we are in the right in leading the way, and California is on solid ground in creating shields of protection for the community.”

 

SIREN Disappointed by Failure to Redesignate TPS for Yemen

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued its decision regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen. The agency renewed TPS for 18 months but that only allows current TPS beneficiaries to renew their status. The agency failed to redesignate TPS for Yemen which means that Yemeni nationals who arrived to the U.S. after January 4, 2017 will not be eligible to apply for TPS. The following is a statement from Maricela Gutiérrez, Executive Director of Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN):

“While the extension of TPS will allow current Yemeni beneficiaries to renew their status, this falls far short of what is necessary. Individuals and families continue to flee a country that is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises including ongoing bombings and armed conflict, food crises, and cholera epidemics. Those who arrived after the January 2017 deadline are in no less danger if they are forced to return. We will continue to call on Congress to seek a permanent solution for those left out of today’s decision as well as individuals from Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua who are facing forced deportation due to their termination of TPS.”


SIREN aplaude el cumplimiento de las leyes estatales que protegen a los inmigrantes y urge a los empleadores a proteger a los trabajadores inmigrantes

Ayer, el juez de la Corte de Distrito de los Estados Unidos John Mendez rechazó gran parte de los esfuerzos de la Administración Trump para detener temporalmente las leyes de California para proteger a los inmigrantes. En su decisión, el juez negó una medida cautelar contra la Ley de Valores de California (SB 54) que limita el enredo de la ley local con ICE, AB 103 que autoriza al Procurador General de California a supervisar los centros de detención de inmigrantes y una disposición de la Ley de Protección al Trabajador Inmigrante (AB 450) que requiere que los empleadores notifiquen a los empleados sobre las auditorías I-9. Mientras que el juez suspendió temporalmente otras disposiciones de la AB 450, incluyendo exigir a los empleadores que soliciten una orden judicial antes de ingresar a áreas privadas de trabajo y solicitar una orden judicial o citación antes de divulgar registros privados de empleados, los empleadores aún pueden cumplir voluntariamente con la ley. La siguiente es una declaración de Maricela Gutiérrez, Directora Ejecutiva de Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN):

"La decisión del juez Méndez de descubrir que gran parte de estas leyes son vinculantes y no pueden ser detenidas es un duro golpe para la agenda xenofóbica y supremacista blanca de Trump. La Ley de Valores de California es necesaria, especialmente en partes del estado como el Valle Central, donde los alguaciles y las fuerzas del orden público locales están frecuentemente enredados con ICE y se han acostumbrado a los ataques de la Administración contra los inmigrantes. Y con más inmigrantes y refugiados encarcelados, el control y la supervisión de las cárceles de inmigración se necesitan ahora más que nunca. Y aunque estamos decepcionados de que el juez suspendió temporalmente los requisitos de la orden judicial para que ICE ingrese a áreas privadas de lugares de trabajo u obtenga registros privados de empleados, instamos a todos los empleadores a respaldar a sus trabajadores inmigrantes y ejercer voluntariamente su derecho a denegar la entrada a agentes inmigrantes sin dicha orden y no divulgar registros privados de empleados sin una orden judicial o citación. Esta decisión demuestra que como líderes estamos en el lado correcto y que California se encuentra en un terreno sólido para crear escudos de protección para la comunidad."

 

SIREN decepcionada por no haber redesignado el TPS para Yemen

Ayer, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de EE. UU. (DHS, por sus siglas en inglés) emitió su decisión sobre el Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) para Yemen. La agencia renovó el TPS por 18 meses, pero eso solo permite que los beneficiarios actuales de TPS renueven su estado. La agencia no pudo volver a designar el TPS para Yemen, lo que significa que los ciudadanos yemeníes que llegaron a los EE. UU. Después del 4 de enero de 2017 no serán elegibles para solicitar el TPS. La siguiente es una declaración de Maricela Gutiérrez, Directora Ejecutiva de Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN):

"Si bien la extensión de TPS permitirá a los actuales beneficiarios yemeníes renovar su estado, esto no llega a ser lo necesario. Las personas y las familias continúan huyendo de un país que atraviesa una de las peores crisis humanitarias del mundo, incluidos los bombardeos y los conflictos armados, las crisis alimentarias y las epidemias de cólera. Quienes llegaron después de la fecha límite de enero de 2017 no corren menos peligro si se ven obligados a regresar. Seguiremos pidiendo al Congreso que busque una solución permanente para los que quedaron fuera de la decisión de hoy, así como a las personas de Haití, El Salvador, Honduras y Nicaragua que se enfrentan a la deportación forzada debido a la terminación de TPS."


Maricela Gutierrez - Executive Director
Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network

Donate to SIREN and give the gift of opportunity.
The opportunity to LEAD. DREAM. VOTE.