Suffolk NYCLU > Newsletters >E-Newsletter: Immigration Resolution, Annual Meeting

Date: June 7, 2004

Dear Supporters,

Two issues this week:

1). Oppose the Sanctioning of Intolerance by the Suffolk County Legislature

Tomorrow (June 8th), the Suffolk County Legislature will vote on a resolution entitled, "Memorializing Resolution Requesting Federal Government to Enforce Immigration Laws." This resolution does nothing to help Suffolk County; it does not reach out to the immigrant community; it does not propose new solutions to create a more inclusive society; it does not address the need to change a "we vs. them" mentality that has served Suffolk so poorly as its immigrant population has grown.

Since resolutions do not carry the force of law, they carry the force of sentiment. The Suffolk County Legislature is a moral voice in our society; they are our civic government and their statements carry great weight. As written, the resolution endorses laws that are unnecessarily harsh and seek to deny basic rights and protections to immigrants. Some laws include prolonged detention of non-citizens, surveillance and denial of re-entry based solely on First Amendment protected activities, and the loss of privacy for immigrant students.

Instead of supporting the creation of laws that are fair and preserve the Constitutional rights of immigrants, this resolution makes the single statement from our local government that immigrants are unwelcome. We live in a diverse society made strong by our very diversity. Throughout history, immigrants have contributed far more to the American economy and culture than they receive in benefits -- in fact, the average immigrant contributes more than $1,800 in taxes than he or she receives in government benefits and services.

The Suffolk County Legislature must not use its moral authority for intolerance!

It was not long ago that two Mexican day laborers were murdered in Farmingville. We must create an inclusive county that turns away from hate, fear and xenophobia. The legislature is going to vote on this issue tomorrow, please act quickly, and consider forwarding this letter to your friends and family in Suffolk County. We need everyone's help. You can read the resolution, read more about immigration, and send a free letter to your County Legislator from our website at:

http://www.suffolknyclu.org/action/inclusive.cfm

2). Annual Meeting

On June 27th, at 3:00pm at the Stony Brook Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, the Suffolk NYCLU will hold its annual meeting. This meeting is open to all, and will provide an opportunity to learn about our past year’s work and help shape the future of our revitalized Chapter!

The featured speaker will be Elaine Gross, Executive Director of ERASE Racism, a Long Island organization that promotes awareness and dialogue about how government and other institutions systematically reinforce social, political and economic advantages and disadvantages based on race. Termed “institutionalized racism,” this form of discrimination exists below the surface of institutions, and the wider society is unaware of its inequalities and de-facto segregation. Ms. Gross is a tireless advocate, addressing this concern in our home community. According to the US Census, Nassau and Suffolk Counties comprise the third most segregated region in the US. Her remarks will introduce a discussion of ways in which the Chapter might become involved in this effort.

The meeting will also feature the election of our Board of Directors. The current Board has nominated eight new Board members and three ongoing members. They bring a wealth of experience on behalf of many causes, devoting their time and talents to developing a better society. The Suffolk NYCLU will benefit from their involvement, expanding our reach across the county and staying abreast of diverse issues, communities, and causes.

Please consider attending the meeting -- we are actively growing our Chapter, and your participation and involvement will make a great difference. Although not required, RSVP's are helpful, and can be submitted online at:

http://www.suffolknyclu.org/annualrsvp.cfm

-----
Defend civil liberties in Suffolk County!
Join the Suffolk NYCLU at: http://www.suffolknyclu.org/donate.html

You are currently subscribed to the Suffolk NYCLU and Suffolk Bill of Rights E-Newsletter
You can modify or cancel your subscription at: http://www.suffolknyclu.org/modifylist.cfm