American Friends Service Committee Denounces Biased, Exclusionary Hearings; Urges Public Opposition
For more information, contact: Janis D. Shields, (215) 241-7060, (302) 545-6596 (cell) or Esther Nieves, (215) 241- 7131, (215) 939-0676 (cell)
Philadelphia (July 5) - The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker human rights organization, is troubled by the exclusionary process that has shaped the national immigration hearings convened by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. AFSC calls upon these congressional leaders to alter the format of the hearings so that the concerns and needs of the nation's immigrant and non-immigrant communities are fairly included in this pivotal discourse.
The recent decision by House leaders to hold a series of national immigration hearings was initially received with optimism. There was the expectation that these hearings would provide a safe and public space for border communities to share their perspectives and their ideas on how to repair the nation's broken immigration system. Indeed, in mid-June, the Chairman of the U.S. House Education and Workforce Subcommittee, Howard P. McKeon (R-CA), remarked, "We need to travel this nation and hear firsthand from employers, workers, students, policymakers, and concerned citizens about what steps are necessary and aren't necessary - to craft strong immigration laws that reflect the new realities of a 21st century economy." Unfortunately, the actions that followed these words discounted the authentic input of border residents and communities.
Instead, congressional leaders have opted to pursue a "public" hearing process that denies immigrant communities, faith, labor and immigrant rights advocates the opportunity to present their testimonies and share how enforcement-only and other punitive legislative measures will impact the entire nation.
"When these last-minute hearings were announced, there were indications that they would include divergent voices and opinions," observed Esther Nieves, director of Project Voice, the American Friends Service Committee immigrant rights initiative. "This optimism has quickly faded."
"Democracy is a process of inclusion, not exclusion. The need for changes in public policy and repairs to our broken immigration system impacts us all," Nieves states. "If Congress really wants to hear the public at large, then the format and structure of the House hearings will have to change."
In response to this egregious exclusion, AFSC is working with immigrant and non-immigrant communities, faith organizations, nonprofit partners, and allies to support activities and grassroots efforts that lift up the voices of the communities systematically excluded from the immigration hearings.
On Wednesday, July 5, the American Friends Service Committee San Diego regional office will conduct a community "counter-hearing" beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Recreation Center, 641 South Boundary Street, in San Diego. Throughout September, AFSC anticipates holding community hearings and events across the country that provide immigrants and non-immigrants a similar opportunity to come forward.
Testimony presented at these "counter-hearings" will be presented to Senate and House leaders in the fall, and Congress will be urged to consider the concerns shared and the ramifications that decisions made will have on future generations.
The American Friends Service Committee supports the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their immigration status. Project Voice, the American Friends Service Committee immigrant rights initiative, works to uplift immigrant voices and strengthen efforts of immigrant-led organizations to set an agenda for fair and humane national public policies.
Backed by an 89-year history working for peace, justice and reconciliation in troubled areas of the world, AFSC is a faith-based organization grounded in Quaker beliefs respecting the dignity and worth of every person. AFSC has worked on rural and urban development projects and with migrant farm workers in California since 1940.
# # #
The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.