KCHNV10N60
JOE ARCE
HISPANIC NEWS
HISPANIC NEWS
Upon arriving in the state capitals, the Kansas City-area contingents were joined by allies from around each state, including (in Missouri) Columbia, Springfield, and St. Louis and (in Kansas) Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Hutchinson, Concordia, Arkansas City, and Olathe.
“Immigration is clearly not an issue that affects only one part of the country,” explained Melinda Lewis, Director of Policy Advocacy and Research at El Centro, Inc. “If immigrants are to secure the justice they deserve, we must reach across state lines to work towards good policy. This year, allies have the challenge of keeping Kansas and Missouri from enacting seriously flawed policies that would have disastrous consequences for each state’s citizens.”
The delegations had specific goals in mind as they met with legislators. Topics of concern included English only restrictions, prohibitions on receipt of public benefits, access to higher education for immigrant youth, local and state enforcement of civil immigration code and sanctions on employers who hire undocumented workers.
“I believe that [legislators] want to do the right thing, and our state legislators need to know more about how immigration really works and what immigrants really experience in order to craft policies that will make sense for Missouri,” said Angela Ferguson, an area immigration attorney and convener of the MO-KAN Coalition Against Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Bigotry.
“For immigrants, this bi-state lobby day is the next step,” declared Martha Ramirez, grassroots organizer with Sons & Daughters of Immigrants of Kansas City, Missouri. “We have marched and rallied to raise awareness of the contributions we make to this country and the importance of laws that recognize our impact. We have worked with those members of our communities who are eligible to become citizens to help them naturalize, register, and vote. Now we must make our voices heard in the halls where policies are made.”
Nora Reyna Brown boarded the bus bound for Topeka. “We are going to Topeka in solidarity. We want the legislators and the senators to know that we also have a voice and we care about the legislation. We care about what is going on in the community. By being present, we are showing we are an educated community and that we do have power, and power needs to be shown in numbers.”
Richard Morado was on his way to Jefferson City, “to let the legislators know that the Hispanic population is growing and that we are not an invisible race anymore. It seems every time we [address] problems it is always in terms of black and white. I think Hispanics are being omitted when addressing the problems.”
Mike Talboy, Missouri state representative from the 37 district. He welcomed the delegations to Jefferson City and told Hispanic News that such efforts are important in helping legislators address critical issues like immigration.
“People sharing their experiences and organizing and coming down helps put everything into context, rather than just having one or two people out there fighting in a committee,” said Talboy. “Obviously we have a lot of immigration and different bills that are going to be proposed here in the upcoming session. … I welcome the fact that they (delegation) want to be at the table. I am so happy that we have an organized body come down.”
Talboy added that the presence of delegations is pivotal in putting a face to an issue that has been driven by emotion rather than rational debate. “I am ecstatic we were able to get some folks down here early. I think we will try and do a couple more before the bills come to the committee - that would be instrumental in putting a face to these issues rather than just debating them in a vacuum.”
Talboy noted that the involvement of the public is critical at every point of legislation. Often an issue is well along the legislative process before people make their voices heard. “We need to get folks down so we can get some input before the bills go to the floor or even before they are assigned to committees. It is instrumental in helping us combat some of the bad policy that is being proposed.”
Talboy called on the delegates to maintain their commitment. “Don’t let this be the last time that you get in contact with the legislators on these issues. Constant communication and follow up … is [important] and we are here to represent our constituents. I want to hear from them as often as possible.”
Arce
Communication Inc. 2007