Immigration

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NADIA MARTINEZ
Martinez is a research fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies. She said today: “A sound immigration policy recognizes the importance of a sound foreign policy. We must deal with the pressing issues of poverty, inequality, unemployment and security abroad just as much as at home.

“For instance, since 1994 when the North America Free Trade Agreement was signed, an estimated 2 million Mexicans have lost their agricultural jobs because they have been unable to compete with subsidized U.S. farm exports. The U.S. can help Mexico to do its part to stem the flow of immigrants into the U.S. by helping them build a society of greater equality and opportunity. When people are given a fair chance to stay in their communities, they stay put.”
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PIERRETTE HONDAGNEU-SOTELO
Author of the book Domestica: Immigrant Workers Cleaning and Caring in the Shadows of Affluence, Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo said today: “Many people will be debating the size of the marches compared to the 2006 immigrant rights marches, and making predictions based on what occurs in the streets today. But the real story is this: There is now a growing contingent of immigrant rights advocates working year-round. This growing immigrant rights movement has strong anchors in the labor movement, among clergy and people of faith, and in community-based organizations. These are people working behind the scenes, in church halls and offices, and their steadfast efforts will ultimately help push forward a comprehensive immigration reform.” Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo is professor of sociology at the University of Southern California.
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For more information, contact at the Institute for Public Accuracy:
Sam Husseini, (202) 347-0020; or David Zupan, (541) 484-9167