Reactions by CA Dream Network and CHIRLA members on President Obama's third State of the Union Address. How did he address immigration reform? Did his economic plan include the integration of immigrants as a vibrant sector of our economic engine? Video courtesy of KMEX-TV 34 Univision Los Angeles.

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly sought to defeat the California Dream Act and failed

California State Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) informed his followers today that a signature-gathering drive to defeat the California Dream Act has failed.  Mr. Donnelly sounded defiant in printed statements as he acknowledged his efforts have been insufficient to gather the necessary 504,760 valid signatures required to place a referendum on the ballot.

Angelica Salas, executive director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), stated:

“Once again, Assemblyman Donnelly has wasted an incredible amount of time and resources fighting an education bill he disagrees with instead of meeting the needs of his constituents and other Californians.  

We wonder if Mr. Donnelly’s endless and fruitless war against immigrants should be evaluated by those who entrusted him with their vote to determine if he’s the right person to lead them into the 21st century.

The California Dream Act is a fair, timely, and inexpensive bill that will support a limited number of financial scholarships to undocumented students who have been brought to the U.S. as children.  Contrary to Mr. Donnelly’s belief, California’s large diverse population supports the merits of the legislation and looks forward to its implementation in 2013.”

Read more at the The Sacramento Bee and LA Weekly.
 

Standing for United American Families
Proposed change in key immigration procedure will keep thousands of families from cruel separation.

Los Angeles, CA – The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office announced Friday it is introducing a limited, common sense procedural change that will allow certain visa applicants to file their family unity waivers in the United States.  Currently, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents face unnecessary and dangerous bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining lawful permanent resident status for their spouse, child, parent, or sibling.  They have to file a visa petition, and once the petition is approved and the visa appointment scheduled, the qualifying loved one has to travel to a U.S. consulate in their home country to be interviewed.   Departure itself triggers a 3-or-10 year bar to re-entry to the U.S. for many applicants (those who are undocumented and who have been living in the U.S. for more than 6 months).  The necessary waiver of the bar must be applied for while the applicant is waiting in the home country. The decision on the waiver often takes weeks, months or even over a year to be completed.   Meanwhile, families are separated and spouses and children are forced to wait in potentially dangerous situations until a waiver decision is made and then can complete their visa processing and return to the U.S. with their lawful permanent resident document (“green card”).

Angelica Salas, executive director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) commented:

“While limited in scope, the proposed in-country family unity waiver processing change is a welcome rational solution to a simple problem.  By gently adjusting how USCIS processes family unity waivers, thousands upon thousands of families will remain together.

CHIRLA applauds the Obama Administration for standing on behalf of families seeking to be reunited with their loved ones while their visa application process moves forward.  The American people understand the value of a strong and united family and that’s precisely why US citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply for “green cards” for a spouse and children and unite their families.  For too many years, arbitrary bureaucracy has forced many US citizens to be separated from wives, husbands, and children for weeks, months, even years.

The current family unity waiver process makes no sense, is cruel, and at times endangers the lives of those seeking a lawful visa.  There is no rational explanation as to why a husband, wife, or child must risk his or her life in a dangerous place outside of the United States waiting for a lawful status decision for which they qualify.  

The in-country family unity waiver processing change will apply only to spouses and children of U.S. citizens but there is no valid reason not to extend the same processing opportunity to immediate family members of lawful permanent residents.  The same risks, dangers, and obstacles await these loved ones when they are forced to go abroad and wait for their waiver to be approved.”

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En Favor de la Unidad Familiar
Cambio a trámite migratorio podría prevenir cruel separación familiar

Los Angeles – El Departamento de Ciudadanía y Servicios de Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS) anunció el viernes que presentará ajustes limitados pero sensatos al trámite migratorio que permite a ciertos solicitantes de una visa familiar pedir un perdón pro unificación familiar.  Con esta modificación, el perdón se podrá solicitar dentro de Estados Unidos.  Actualmente, los ciudadanos estadounidenses y los residentes legales permanentes confrontan retos superfluos, burocracia, y peligros al tratar de obtener la residencia legal para un esposo, esposa, hijos, padres, o hermanos.  Los solicitantes deben pedir a su familiar y una vez aceptada su solicitud y se ha establecido una fecha para la entrevista, el ser querido debe regresar a su país de origen para ser entrevistado.  Dicha salida del país da paso a un castigo de 3 o 10 años (para aquellos que son indocumentados o que han vivido en el país por más de seis meses) durante los cuales la persona no puede reingresar a Estados Unidos. Se debe pedir un perdón pro unificación familiar fuera del país y mientras dicha solicitud es aprobada, la persona es obligada a permanecer alejada de sus seres queridos durante semanas, meses, y hasta años.  En algunos casos, la espera en ciertos países hace peligrar la salud, el bienestar, y la vida misma de aquellos que han aplicado a una tarjeta verde pero que no pueden regresar a este país. 

Angélica Salas, directora ejecutiva de la Coalición pro Derechos Humanos del Inmigrante en Los Angeles (CHIRLA por sus siglas en inglés) comento:

“Celebramos el cambio al procedimiento de pedir un perdón pro unificación familiar, y aunque limitada, es una solución sensata a un problema simple.  Al modificar levemente este trámite migratorio, USCIS está ayudando a que miles y miles de familias no sean cruelmente separadas.

CHIRLA elogia el esfuerzo de la Administración Obama por defender la unidad familiar de aquellos que esperan ansiosos el resultado de sus solicitudes migratorias.  El pueblo estadounidense entiende con claridad la importancia de una familia unida y es por eso que se les permite a los ciudadanos estadounidenses y a los residentes legales permanentes peticionar a sus seres queridos para estar juntos.   Durante muchos años, una burocracia arbitraria ha obligado a un incontable número de ciudadanos estadounidenses ha separarse de sus esposas, esposos, o hijos durante semanas, meses, y hasta años.

El procedimiento actual para obtener un perdón pro unificación familiar es insensato, cruel, y hasta peligroso para las vidas de aquellos que buscan obtener una visa.  No existe una explicación equilibrada por qué un esposo, esposa, o hijos deben arriesgar hasta su vida en un lugar incierto fuera de Estados Unidos para esperar una decisión sobre un estado migratorio al que ya califican.

Este ajuste administrativo beneficia solamente a los esposos, esposas, o hijos de ciudadanos estadounidenses, pero no existe razón válida para no implementar el mismo trámite con las solicitudes de residentes legales permanentes.  Los mismos riesgos, peligros, y obstáculos le esperan a sus seres queridos cuando son obligados a dejar el calor de su hogar y viajar al exterior para esperar la aprobación de su perdón”.

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CHIRLA, CA Dream Network and Wise Up! are joining with the Center for American Progress, Center for the Study of Immigration Integration, Campus Progress and Firelight Media to present a panel discussion featuring two groups of amazing student activists.  The Freedom Riders in 1961 came from all over the country into Alabama and Mississippi to challenge segregation in inter-state transit.  They were successful and helped spark changes across the South.  Today, DREAM students are putting their futures on the line, acknowledging they are undocumented, and organizing to change the law and minds.

Join us for the Freedom Riders and Dreamers Panel discussion with Freedom Riders from 1961 and current DREAM Activists from the CA Dream Network and Wise Up! to hear how the struggles compare and what can be learned from a 50 year old student led strategy as we organize for immigrant rights today.

Watch the Emmy Award winning documentary Freedom Riders for free at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/telecommuters/watch

LOCATION: University of Southern California (USC) Doheny Library Room 240
DATE: Thursday, December 1st
TIME: 6 pm to 8:30 pm for the panel discussion.  
Registration and snacks start @ 6pm.

Watch Freedom Riders on PBS. See more from AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.

Thinking about grad school? Are you artistic and would like to combine your talents with the immigrant rights movement? Perhaps you want to learn how to fight a deportation, learn about programs that harm our community like 287G or how to prepare for a possible ICE raid on your home or simply you just want to network with other folks that share the same interest in creating a better future for our communities.

Today, Saturday, October 8th, Governor Jerry Brown kept his promise to the California electorate and signed AB131, part two of the California Dream Act.

The following is a statement from Angelica Salas, Executive Director at CHIRLA:

"A great day for California, for education, and for immigrant students who have kept their end of the bargain and continue to give their best to the only nation they know as their home.
AB131 opens a small window of opportunity to thousands of students who will continue to prove this nation that in spite of the obstacles they face, they shine like the stars they are. We are all winners with AB131.

We thank Gov. Brown for his signature and we urge him to continue to exercise leadership, courage, and wisdom on behalf of immigrants nationwide.  California can be the firewall to so much anti-immigrant legislation and attitudes and our Governor can be the beacon of hope in the West Coast. We also thank Assemblyman Gil Cedillo for his tireless efforts on behalf of all Californians."

Assemblymember Cedillo stated, “I first want to express my gratitude to Governor Brown who has today given hope and opportunity to thousands of current and future students and their families by signing Assembly Bill 131.   The signing of now both parts of the California Dream Act will send a message across the country that California is prepared to lead the country with a positive and productive vision for how we approach challenging issues related to immigration.”

The California Dream Act was introduced by Cedillo as two bills in January of this year. The first bill AB 130, which was signed by Governor Brown on July 25, will allow students that meet the in-state tuition requirements to apply for and receive scholarships derived from non-state funds. AB 131 would allow students that meet the in-state tuition requirements to apply and receive financial aid at California public colleges and universities. The types of financial aid these students would be eligible for include:

1) Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver
2) Institutional Student Aid: student aid program administered by the attending college or university (i.e. State University Grant, UC Grant) and
3) Cal Grants. These students would not be eligible to apply or receive any Competitive Cal Grants unless funding remains available after all California resident students have received Competitive awards they are eligible for.

The best way to thank Governor Brown for his signature is that you take time today to write a positive statement on his website, newspaper sites and blogs that feature this story so that your comments outweigh the negative comments.  Some sites you can visit include:  Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, San Francisco Chronicle, La Opinion, Washington Post, Washington Times, New York Times, and others similar.  

It’s is important to express our support to the Gov. by ensuring our positive comments are read as well.

Los Angeles - September 22, 2011- The California Dream Network, a project of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, sent Governor Brown today stacks of petitions gathered on Change.org totaling 10,500 supporters of AB131, part two of the California Dream Act.  AB131 awaits the Governor’s signature.

“California’s most precious asset is its multicultural population.  An educated workforce represents a prosperous future for us all.  AB131 is representative of forward thinking, practical legislation, and wise investment.  We urge Governor Brown to sign this bill,” stated Angelica Salas, executive director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.  And she added:  “Legislators in the California Senate and Assembly have evaluated the merits of AB131, and now it’s the governor’s turn to sign it into law.  The overwhelming support this bill has received is reflected in the thousands of signatures we are sending the governor’s way.”

Justino Mora, California Dream Network Steering Committee member and E-advocacy Organizer, was actively involved in the development of the petition and postings on Facebook and Twitter.  “A continued investment in the education of thousands of talented and determined AB540 students will provide the competitive edge that California needs to compete in today's increasingly globalized economy. It does not make any sense to shut the doors closed on tomorrow's aspiring doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, and business leaders when we can benefit from their talent.”  Mr. Mora added:  “AB 131 is a common sense piece of legislation that should match Gov. Brown's vision to strengthen California's economy and shorten the expected gap of one million Bachelor's degrees by 2025.”

CHIRLA and the CDN were successful in motivating thousands to sign the petition through the Change.org platform.  "We are thrilled to see the level of support that student advocates from the California Dream Network have received for their petition on Change.org calling on Governor Brown to sign AB 131 without delay," said Jackie Mahendra, Director of Organizing for Change.org. "With over 10,000 signatures, the students' campaign is among the most popular on our platform. These dedicated youth have shown through their organizing that the full California Dream Act is a cause worth fighting for, and we hope that the Governor is listening."

A petition in favor of AB131 for professionals has been set up and you can sign it here. 

View live signature totals from the first petition by the California Dream Network on Change.org.

By
Jorge-Mario Cabrera
Director of Communications
CHIRLA

Light the Dream: CDN FUNDRAISING CLUB PARTY!!!

TODAY, Thursday, August 18th the US Department of Homeland Security announced it will begin a thorough review of its pending deportation caseload to refocus its enforcement work on high priority individuals. DHS will now consider DREAM Act-eligible youths, relatives of veterans, and other individuals who are currently in the deportation process and who have no prior criminal convictions, non-threatening and will move to dismiss their cases and, on a per case basis, issue work permits. The following is a statement for Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA):

"After two and a half years of pressuring the Administration for key changes and one million deportations later, DHS inched a step closer to more humane, smart, and sensible immigration enforcement. If the process announced today is implemented, we believe hundreds of thousands of honest, hard-working families, including DREAM-eligible students, in deportation proceedings should have their cases stayed. Keeping millions in the darkness without immigration reform or administrative remedy, however, should ease no one's conscience or improve a failed immigration policy. Without necessary reforms such as the elimination of the "Secure Communities" (S-Comm) program, the updates announced today will remain nominal in comparison to the suffering our community is experiencing with the remaining uncertainty and the blind enforcement of our broken immigration laws. 

We celebrate this victory as one gained with much effort and support from allies and community members. Nationwide, a vibrant outcry against S-Comm clearly described it as the lubricant that greases the wheels of the Obama deportation and detention machine. Lots of questions remain unanswered after today's announcement but we will be watching how swiftly specific cases in our community are resolved. It should be noted that a ray of sunshine does not substitute for a life in the shadows. We will continue our work until the president uses his executive discretion or we achieve long-lasting updates to our nation's immigration."

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles
California DREAM Network

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:      July 27, 2011 

Contacts:    Jorge-Mario Cabrera, CHIRLA, (562) 243-5559,    Justino Mora, CDN, (626) 343-0458

DREAM Big:  Send AB131 to Governor Brown’s Desk

Part 1 of the California DREAM Act has been signed; it’s time for Part 2 to move forward.

WHAT:          California student networks, immigrant students, families, and their allies will hold a joint press event to announce next steps in efforts to move part two of the California DREAM Act (AB131) out of the Senate and unto Governor Brown’s desk.

WHEN:          Thursday, July 28, 2011, 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:        Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School, 5246 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Lynwood

WHO:             California Dream Team Alliance( CADTA), California Dream Network (CDN, a project of CHIRLA), community organizations, faith based leaders and community members

WHY:            On Monday, Governor Jerry Brown signed the slimmer portion of the California Dream Act into law. Undocumented students are thankful that AB130 will be enacted into law.  Now the work continues to move the more substantial portion of the CA Dream Act, AB131, out of ‘suspense’ in the Appropriations Committee and sent over to the Senate floor and then to the Governor’s desk. 

Assemblymember Firebaugh authored AB540, which allowed many undocumented youth to pay in-state tuition as opposed to the extremely high out of state and international fees. Students and community members will remind the state of California and its legislators that we must continue Marco Antonio Firebaugh's legacy of supporting equal access to education by passing AB131.

AB131 will have the greater impact for undocumented students in their educational journeys as it would provide state financial aid to undocumented students. Currently, undocumented students are not eligible for any state or federal financial aid making financing their education nearly impossible.   California has already invested in these students’ K-12 education and will see a return in that investment by preparing and assisting financially a future educated workforce. Full passage of the CA Dream Act will be an investment in California’s future.

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Los Angeles Region Summit is set to take place on July 16th from 9am to 4pm at Los Angeles City College. Don’t miss out this great opportunity to learn how to get involved in the Los Angeles area  and become empower to keep fighting. This year we’re closer than ever to get the CA Dream act signed, but the last push to get the bill sign will require that all of us take action and effectively mobilize to get Gov Brown to sign it. Workshops will be provided as well such as “women in the immigrant student activism” “unraveling the undocumented identify” “outreach and base building” and lastly we will preview our “POWER” tool  which is designed to help you supplement your activism efforts. Please register before July 13th by clicking here.

Fresno, California. June 23, 2011- “Si se puede! Si se puede!” was the chant of hundreds of students, faculty, and community members gathered at Cal State University Fresno in support of the Light The Torch Across California Campaign. The supporters had a very good reason to be optimistic since Assembly Bill 131 was approved by the California State Senate Education Committee just a day prior. Under AB 131, the second part of the California Dream Act, qualified undocumented students and other eligible students would be able to apply for and participate in all student financial aid programs administered by the state. Due to the continued effort of thousands across the state AB 131 was able to clear this obstacle and the California Dream Act is slowly becoming a reality.

Raul Moreno, Coordinator of the University’s Migrant Services, expressed his happiness at the momentum of the Dream movement. He noted that this significant piece of legislation would greatly benefit the 300 plus Fresno State students that struggle to pay full tuition every semester. But even without the Dream Act, Raul has for years helped students graduate from Fresno State and mentored them in achieving their professional goals. Many of his students have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, business owners, and consultants proving once more that the title of “undocumented” does not reflect the worth and capacity of an individual.

As the torch was lit the enthusiasm of the crowd was overwhelming and the Dream Torch burned brighter than ever before. Everyone sang multiple joyous songs and later they prayed in unison for the lives and well-being of immigrants across the nation. In the middle of it all was the statue of a man who was a champion of immigrant and civil rights, César Chávez. Standing on top of a plowed field, he held his arm out with a diploma in hand and many students posed opposite to him receiving that diploma. This symbolic gesture was inspiring to say the least. The hard farm labor of immigrant parents has allowed their children to go to college despite their limited opportunities and resources. And similarly, just like César Chávez, activists have continually mobilized the community and pressured the state government so that undocumented immigrants can enjoy equality in all social aspects, including public education.

Your support can make a difference in these crucial final weeks. A simple call to State Senator Darrell Steinberg can ensure the CA Dream Act becomes a reality. He is a key legislator and can be reached at: Capitol Phone (916) 651-4006 or District Phone (916) 651-1529. Your voice can help thousands of students achieve their dreams.

Written by Mario Castillo

Santa Barbara, California. June 16, 2011- Students from as far as Riverside and local community leaders gathered at the Santa Barbara Court House in support of the Light the Torch Across California campaign. The campaign is organized by the California Dream Network and its focus is to gather support to pass a piece of pending legislation known as the California Dream Act. Under the California Dream Act undocumented students in California would have the opportunity to compete for and receive state financial aid. The symbolic lighting of the torch is intended to portray the courageous journey undocumented youth have made for years in an effort to make their voices heard by the state and federal government.

Amongst these courageous youth were students from the University of California Santa Barbara who shared some of their testimonies on the struggles they face in pursuing a college degree. One of the most notable testimonies was one of a bright young man whose perseverance helped him obtain a full-time paid engineering internship at UCSB. However, when his professor found out about his legal status his internship was reduced to a limited part-time position with no pay. For years, the stigma associated with being undocumented has severely hindered the opportunities of thousands of students, but despite these obstacles they continue to valiantly fight for a better life. One of these brave fighters was a student who works a full time job during the academic year in order to pay for her tuition. She expressed frustration at the fact that her hard work is often not appreciated and challenged the misconceptions people have of undocumented workers. She noted that the hard work of thousands is taxed and helps pay for Cal Grants and other benefits that she, along with others, can’t receive. Despite all of this, she expressed hope that people would leave these false notions behind and stand in solidarity with their cause.

Those who heeded the call were local community leaders that acknowledged the hard work these students have made and called for the greater community to commit themselves to their worthy cause. Local organizations pledged to help support local AB540 students in their transition to higher education. A church leader shared his unique experience of being part of an international group of activists that traversed the Sonoran desert in the same manner that thousands of migrants do every year. The harsh conditions he had to endure solidified his commitment to helping the immigrant community. All of these experiences and testimonies were able to be broadcasted to a greater audience thanks to the media coverage of Telemundo.

In the evening the California Dream Torch was lit and everyone gathered lit a small candle in solidarity. The cold and the wind conspired to extinguish the flames, flames representing the dreams and aspirations of undocumented students. But these students shielded their flickering fires from the harsh winds much in the same way they have shielded their dreams from the harsh realities of their legal status. The California Dream Torch is currently in its way to Fresno.

Written by Mario Castillo

“The Light the Torch Campaign” for the California Dream Act is still active, and has just recently arrived in the San Fernando Valley Dream Network. At the North Hollywood station, where the metro orange line station meets the metro red line station during rush hour (4:15- 6:00). The campaign was very significant for its creative way of addressing the need for the California Dream Act.

San Fernando Valley Dream Network (SFVDN) had incorporated street theater to display the Torch’s importance in this campaign. In addition, the SFVDN had performed a symbolic action, by freezing for a few minutes, to represent how undocumented students’ dreams are frozen, and put on hold.

“North Hollywood was a great place to do the symbolic freeze and street theater, because this is the arts district of San Fernando Valley”, Felipe Escobar, a steering member of the San Fernando Valley Dream Network asserted.

“This ‘Light the Torch Campaign’ took a new turn for activism. Unlike former events, the SFVDN had encompassed their event on street theater and symbolic freezes: forms of art-ivism. It was very critical to portray the struggle through art as it kept people entertained as they move to and fro with the bus lines” says Regemralph Corpuz, a steering member of the San Fernando Valley Dream Network.

The event began with drums beating, and student activists lined up chanting “What do we want? California Dream Act! When do we want it? Now!” repeatedly, as bus passengers arrive or left the North Hollywood Station. The event moved to the introduction of the CA Dream Network, the “Light the Torch Campaign”, and then the first session of the symbolic freeze.

Telemundo, and the Los Angeles times took a great deal of their time to cover the event.  The Street theater was performed by different students of the SFVDN. Francisco Arias (Valley College- DMU) played the role of the figure that represented “ignorance, hate, and prejudice”. Regemralph Corpuz (Pierce College- We BUILD) played the role of the main Dreamer who loses the torch to “ignorance, hate and prejudice”, along with other dreamers Pedro Trujillo (CSUN- Dreams to Be Heard), and Juanita de la Cruz (ELAC). It began with dreamers Pedro and Regem proceeding to light the torch, until Francisco (Ignorance, Prejudice, Hate) had taken it away from their hands. The Dreamer (Regem) loses hope to light the torch until the other dreamers supported him. The villain (Francisco) realizes, with the testimonies of the dreamers and their united stand, that he should not be deterring the Dreams and Hopes of undocumented students, but rather, help them to “find something to believe in”. The torch was then lit, followed by more marching, and a second session of the symbolic freeze. After the freeze, Regem Corpuz illustrated how being undocumented “should not be one’s identity, but rather a temporary status of a person. Being undocumented is temporary, and can change any moment. It’s a label the government gives to oppress and marginalize a certain group of people. And that’s why we are here today, to fight on behalf of these Dreamers, for equal access to higher education”

The event was concluded by steering members Regem Corpuz and Felipe Escobar, with a thought that even though the event in North Hollywood was done, the movement is not. The torch will soon arrive to the Santa Barbara Dream Network

We want to inform you that Ricardo remains in the US, HOWEVER, the most critical days for him are ahead. A legal effort is underway and his attorney is convinced continued public support (signatures, letters, etc.) is important, now more than ever.  To help Ricardo stay in the U.S., we encourage you to continue spreading the word and ask everyone you know to sign the online petition at: http://chn.ge/CAdreamer . Ricardo is anxious but marches on with hope; he’s studying, helping out in this campaign, attending volunteer activities, and helping out his family. Please keep those signatures coming because very soon we will need them to support Ricardo’s case. We will be posting updates about his struggle periodically. THANK YOU for your support.

On Thursday June 2^nd, students from the Los Angeles area gathered at the metro station near Los Angeles City College to participate in the “lighting the torch” campaign being led by the CA Dream Network. This campaign started in San Diego and will be making its way to Sacramento on July 21^st. In every city that the torch stops, students, parents and family come together to speak about their stories, and about the importance of the CA Dream Act. In every city the torch is lit to represent that the fight will continue and that we won’t let our dreams die.

The group was well received by people in the community and by the media as well. The afternoon began with information about the CA dream act, the network and the campaign itself. This was followed by powerful testimonies from, students both high school and college, by a household worker, and an immigrant rights organizer with many years of experience. After the testimonies everyone got closer together and began to chant in support of the CA Dream Act and the torch was lit. After the flame could be seen and felt, a march around the metro station took place, everyone was excited and happy to be a part of the event.

After the event was officially over people still stayed and continued to chant and speak in support of this bill. One of the most inspiring moments of the night was when Ricardo Muniz told his story and the deportation orders he is fighting against at the moment. Everyone was inspired to fight alongside Ricardo to help him stay in the country. You can also help Ricardo by signing this petition and sharing it with your friends. http://www.change.org/petitions/dreamer-fights-to-stay-in-the-us-ricardo-needs-your-help

Thank you for all those who came out to the event yesterday and watch out for next weeks torch lighting in the San Fernando Valley. 

In the last twelve months students from the CA Dream Network planned and organized several successful events to fund raise money for our annual scholarship. We are proud to announce that CHIRLA and the CA Dream Network are now offering four $500 dollar scholarships to four immigrant students. Applications are now available to download. For more details and eligibility requirements download the application today.

Applications are due June24th, 2011. Please share this link with all your friends. 

CA Dream Network Scholarship 2011

The CA Dream Torch is making its way around California, from San Diego to Sacramento. We need to show that DREAMs live in California and urge Governor Brown to keep his promise to support and sign the CA-Dream Act! Join us on Thursday, May 19th, when the torch will be arriving in the South Bay area!

Join the South Bay Dream Network for a bonfire and fun! We will be lighting the torch at Dockweiler Beach. We need to urge our local elected officials to support the CA-Dream Act, stand up for their constituents in the South Bay area and support equal access to higher education. 

Spread the word about this event! Anyone is welcome! We will also be having food from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm, all of your support is greatly appreciated!

Bring the whole family, friends, classmates, and professors. Join us for great information and awesome guest speakers!

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation will be provided from the CHIRLA office in Los Angeles. Transportation is leaving CHIRLA. If you have questions contact Felipe Escobar at felipe-escobar@hotmail.com or email Raul at raul917@msn.com 
Transportation IS LIMITED so let us know ASAP.

For any questions contact: Raul Preciado - raul917@msn.com or Ivan Ceja  - iceja310@gmail.com

On Thursday May 12^th, 2011 students from the Foothill Dream Network got together on the campus of Mt. San Antonio College to learn about the CA Dream Act, to share testimonies but most importantly to make noise in the community and garner support for the CA Dream Act.

The event began with a large circle in the free speech area of campus.  The circle was a space to spread information and share testimonies, some of the speakers included the nephew of Asmb Marco Antonio Firebaugh the author of ab540, and former CA Dream Network organizer Maria Rodriguez who is just returning from vacation. After the testimonies were given the torch ceremony took place and the flame light stronger than at any other event, it seems that every time the torch is passed the fire grows.

The program was great but what made this action different from others was that after the program a march and lobby visit took place. The group of about 80 people marched from Mt. Sac to the offices of Republican Senator Bob Huff which were nearby. The sight of the group taking over the corners nearby Senator Huff’s office was very powerful and passerby’s signed the petition in support of the CA Dream Act, while others honked their horns as they passed by. The group rallied outside until the contingency of students who went inside for the lobby visit returned. Senator Huff’s office definitely felt the pressure from student groups calling police to be present outside including a helicopter. Luckily the event was a peaceful one and no problems arose.

When the group returned from Senator Huff’s office their message was that Senator Huff was not supportive for many reasons but primarily because he had received many calls from people in the area asking him to vote against any pro-immigrant legislation. Right then and there the group took out their phones and began to make calls, and they vowed to continue making calls not just to Senator Huff but to other representatives as well.

The Foothill Dream Network has set the bar high for future actions. Thanks to everyone who was present. 

The CA Dream Torch is making its way around California, from San Diego to Sacramento. We need to show that DREAMs live in California and urge Governor Brown to keep his promise to support and sign the CA-Dream Act! Join us on Thursday, May 12th, when the torch will be arriving to Walnut, CA!

We will be lighting the torch at Mt. San Antonio College in front of the library. We need to urge our local elected officials to support the CA-Dream Act, stand up for their constituents in Senate District 29th (which includes the cities of Pomona, Walnut, Glendora, etc...), and support equal access to higher education. 

Spread the word about this event! Anyone is welcome! We will also be fundraising for scholarships that will be presented to AB 540 students to fund their education, all of your support is greatly appreciated!

Bring the whole family, friends, classmates, and professors. Join us for great information and awesome guest speakers! 

PARKING: if you are NOT a Mt. SAC student you NEED to pay $3 dollars for a daily parking pass. Park on Student Parking Lot B or Student Parking Lot A. You can also park on Pay Lot B. CAMPUS MAP: http://www.mtsac.edu/maps/

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation will be provided from the CHIRLA office in Los Angeles. Transportation is leaving CHIRLA at 10:30am. If you have questions email Raul at raul917@msn.com 
However, transportation is limited so let us know ASAP.

For any questions contact: Justino Mora - (626) 343-0458 - jmora258@gmail.com

On Thursday, May 5th the California Dream Act will be heard on the Assembly floor. Join us for a remarkable moment in history.

Location: California State Capitol
Time: ‎10:00AM Thursday, May 5th

We have only a few spaces left in the bus going from Los Angeles to Sacramento! Click here to RSVP now!

We will be leaving from Assembly Member Cedillo's office located at 360 West Avenue 26, Suite 121
Los Angeles, CA 90031 this WEDNESDAY (May 4th) at around 9pm.

On Thursday April 28^th, 2011 students from College of the Desert and members of the Coachella Valley community got together outside the cafeteria on the campus of College of the Desert to bring awareness about the CA Dream Act. The “lighting the torch” campaign was well received by the community and the excitement could be felt as the time to begin approached.

The event consisted of information regarding the legislation, ab130 and ab131 which together make up the CA Dream Act. Also given was a summary about the CA Dream Network and the work that we do statewide. The explanation of the campaign was given as well highlighting that this is only the 3^rd stop so we have plenty of more communities left to visit.

Most important where the testimonies from students both undocumented and allies. It was an emotional evening as we heard from many people, tears were seen in the speakers and in the crowd but it was beautiful to sense the love that exist in this desert community which feels a lot like a family.

As the sun set and the pitch black of the desert night settled, the students gathered in a circle and chanted as the torch was lit. The fire was bright and the tears disappeared instead all you could see was optimism and hope.

Next week the lighting of the CA Dream Act torch will take place in the Inland Empire. 

The California Dream Torch is well on its way to Sacramento and the regional torch lightings are increasing in momentum. This past Friday the torch was lit in Orange County on April 22^nd. Residents from Orange County and neighboring communities gathered to witness the second of 15 torch lightings that will be carried out throughout the state and ultimately reach Sacramento on Thursday, July 21^st.

The Orange County Dream Network, one of the 15 local networks that make up the CA Dream Network who serves as a project of CHIRLA, worked diligently to organize and host their torch lighting. The 4 hour gathering took place from 4 pm to 8 pm in Pioneer Park, located in Anaheim, CA. This event allowed for some of the community colleges and universities within Orange County to collaborate on this project that serves to further unify the undocumented student movement in the state of California. Among those who attended were students from Fullerton College, Cypress College, Cal State Fullerton, and University of California Irvine. However, invitations were not limited to students, but instead extended to family members, friends, community leaders, other organizations, and residents all over the state.

The CA Dream Torch is making its way around California, from San Diego to Sacramento. We need to show the state that the DREAM lives in California and urge Governor Brown to keep his promise by supporting the CA-Dream Act! Join us on Friday, April 22nd, when the torch will be arriving in Orange County!

We will be lighting the torch in the city of  Anabeim, in PIONEER PARK.. Pioneer Park is located  2565 E. Underhill Avenue Anaheim, CA 92806

Spread the word about this event! Anyone is welcome! We will also be fundraising for scholarships that will be presented to AB 540 students to fund their education, all of your support is greatly appreciated!

Bring the whole family and have a picnic. Join us for great food, great music, great information, and awesome guest speakers!

NOTE: When searching for this address, make sure to specify the destination as Pioneer Park. Also, please spread the word!

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation will be provided from the CHIRLA office in Los Angeles leaving at 2:30 pm. If you are in Los Angeles and are interested please email me to let me know. However, transportation is limited so let me know ASAP.

For any questions contact: Iván Ceja - (310) 748-3056 - iceja310@gmail.com

On Thursday April 7th 2011, CHIRLA friends, allies and supporters came together to honor five extraordinary individuals and celebrate our 25th anniversary. The CA Dream Network were present in full support and celebration.   

Get on the bus! Come with us to Sacramento to support and lobby for the CA Dream Act - it will be heard in the Appropriations Committee this Wednesday, April 13.

We leave this Tuesday, April 12^th at  9:00 PM  (Returning Wednesday, April 13th) from the Office of Assembly member Gilbert Cedillo located at 360 W. Avenue 26, Suite 121 Los Angeles, CA 90031.
Space is limited, so RSVP today!!

On Tuesday March 29th, 2011 members of the CA Dream Network from De Anza Community College and Sacramento State testified against the repeal of AB540. The repeal of AB540 this year came disguised in the form of Assembly Bill 63 written by Assemblyman Donnelly. Assemblyman Donnelly at first claimed that this bill was written to benefit those in the military but when given the option to help military personnel while keeping AB540 he made it clear that he would not agree to those changes and that AB540 needed to be repealed. What was shocking to the people present was the blatant disregard for immigrant students showed by the students testifying in favor of repeal, one of which is the student body president from Monterey Peninsula College he boasted that the schools student government had passed a resolution supporting AB63 and went as far as asking the commIttee to think about who will actually vote in the next elections before making their decision. Anaruth Hernandez and the other students testifying against the repeal spoke eloquently and made the case for keeping AB540 well. Thanks to their dedication and courage the committee members voted against this bill  by a vote of 4 to 2 specifically because they where against the repeal of AB540. When asked about her experience testifying here a few words Anaruth said. “When Donnelly was done spewing hate it was time for the opposition to come forth. I and Arely went up there and gave our testimonies; since this was my first time I had no idea that I was going to feel the effects of my oppression so deeply.  I was thankful for the chance to speak; I was horrified of saying the wrong thing and the consequences of what that may carry. My body physically reacted, I felt myself strained to get every word out, and get it out right”. Thanks again to the students who testified for the thousands of us who could not be there.  

To watch CDN members testify agaisnt AB63 click here. 

Actual hearing starts at 1:22:00
Testimonies starts at 1:29:00

César Chávez led the historic non-violent movement for farm worker rights and inspired millions of people who never worked on a farm to commit themselves to social, economic and civil rights activism.

When he was once asked by a union member how he wanted to be remembered, Chávez replied, "If you want to remember me, organize!"

By updating your Facebook status on César's birthday today, and sharing a special message about Chávez' commitment to the dignity of all people with your Facebook friends, you can honor the legacy of César Chávez.

Follow Link Below,

http://apps.facebook.com/vivacesarchavez/

Si Se Puede!