Category Archives: Immigrant Rights
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When home is where the hurt is: Options for migrant victims of domestic violence
Leave a commentOctober 24, 2014 by Noel Pangilinan
Migrants are vulnerable to domestic abuse. In a situation where one’s immigration status depends almost entirely on the sponsor, the potential for abuse – domestic or otherwise, lies in wait. There are, however, ways by which victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or crime can obtain immigration status independently of their sponsors.
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What is wrong with the U.S. immigration system?
Leave a commentNovember 7, 2013 by Noel Pangilinan
The presence of 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States is just the most obvious manifestation of the deeper problems that has plagued the U.S. immigration system for decades. A comprehensive and genuine immigration reform needs to address these root causes.
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War-time Mexican guest workers demand release of their pensions
2October 11, 2013 by Noel Pangilinan
Braceros, farm workers from Mexico who were recruited to work in US farms from 1942 to 1964, traveled 2,500 miles to bring attention to their plight. About 10 percent of the workers’ earnings while working in the US were deducted as contribution to a pension fund. The Mexican government, though, refused to pay them their pensions.
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From trafficking victim to militant migrant
Leave a commentSeptember 20, 2013 by Noel Pangilinan
She was a young mother who had to leave her husband and son in the Philippines in search of greener pastures. Instead, she and 14 other Filipino migrant workers fell prey to human trafficking in the United States. But she and the group now known as Florida 15 fought back. And their courage and determination have paid off.
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New Jersey city votes to support in-state tuition bills for undocumented
Leave a commentApril 12, 2013 by Noel Pangilinan
Students in graduation gown, children in soccer uniforms, community residents and advocates trooped to the Passaic City Hall to support a resolution endorsing two state bills providing in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented New Jersey youth. Passaic City became the third town or city in the state to support the bills.
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Jersey City endorses in-state tuition for undocumented students
Leave a commentMarch 8, 2013 by Noel Pangilinan
Jersey City became the first local government in New Jersey last week to endorse two measures that would allow undocumented youth to avail of in-state tuition and qualify for financial aid.
On Feb. 27, Jersey City’s Municipal Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution urging state legislators to approve the Tuition Equity bills. -
One good, but mostly bad and ugly effects of sequestration
1March 6, 2013 by Noel Pangilinan
The wide-ranging spending cuts known as sequestration, which took effect on March 1, are expected to affect the U.S.’ immigration system and enforcement. Even before sequestration could take effect, its impact was already felt by immigrant communities. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released hundreds of detained immigrants from its detention centers.
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NJ advocates call for stop to immigration detention
1February 21, 2013 by Noel Pangilinan
On a typically cold February morning, some 200 people huddled together at the entrance of the bridge to Ellis Island in Liberty State Park for a vigil to protest the detention of immigrants. “It was a fitting place to gather, in front of the Statue of Liberty, the symbol of welcoming immigrants,” Kathy O’Leary of Pax Christi NJ said.
ImmigraNation 