Intensify the struggle against commodification and modern-day slavery of migrants

IMA Statement on International Migrants Day
18 December 2009

On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, grassroots migrant workers and advocates under the militant banner of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) mark the intensification of the migrants struggle for rights and welfare and against imperialist design on migration that worsens commodification and modern-day slavery.

In the face of the current world economic crisis, migration and migrant workers are further exploited by imperialism to cover up the impending collapse of the global economy it dominates.

Imperialists push for neoliberal globalization policies in the already agricultural, backward and pre-industrial economies of migrant-sending countries. These are implemented by governments dominated by local ruling elites such as the compradors and landlords who are the main classes who benefit from the system.

This kind of economic and political setup perennially produces an army of unemployed and underemployed. People are forced to seek jobs abroad to eke out a living for their families who are hard-pressed to cope with rising prices of goods and increasingly inaccessible social services.

Migrant workers form a major bulk of cheap labour that transnational and multinational companies exploit for their superprofits. In the increasingly constricting job market for unskilled and semi-skilled workers where majority of the migrants are found, capitalists are ensured of a supply of cheaper and cheaper labourers as sending countries fiercely compete with each other for a market for their exported workers.

However, in times of crisis as what is being experienced now, migrant workers become dispensable. Lays off and attacks to labour rights of migrants are now on the rise. Border restrictions such as the EU Return Directive are also implemented that impact millions of workers especially the undocumented migrants.

Labour exporting countries are more aggressive now in sending off their workers to work in "3D jobs" (dirty, dangerous, difficult). Migrant workers are even sent in war-torn areas like Iraq where US companies are now reaping the gains of the US' "war on terror".

The inhuman industry of labour export is increasingly systematized by sending countries in order to get the maximum economic and political gains. Designs that will make sending of dollar remittances smooth and government exaction of fees are implemented while programs for services and assistance especially to migrants in distress are made limited or totally scrapped.

Deregulation of labour export is also targeted as the way to expand labour migration and in fact is slowly being realized by major sending countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. This deregulation, in turn, results to a mad dash for easy profit by recruitment agencies through various modus operandi that are abetted by government policies. These recruitment agencies are usually owned by ruling comprador class.

Politically, labour export serves as measure by sending governments to curb the heightening discontent of their people due to widespread poverty. Migration has become even for the local ruling elites to perpetuate the social structure that is oppressive and exploitative to the majority.

Imperialist design on migration is most evident in the much-vaunted Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). The GFMD that has been pushed and is being supported by countries of the OECD touts migration as a contributing factor to development. Under the cloak of slogans such as "making migration work for the benefit of all" or "maximizing the positive aspect of migration", the GFMD is being used to cover the basic social ills and imbalances that result to forced migration. Thus, the IMA has hounded the GFMD with protests by the grassroots in its series of meetings and will continue to do so in the Fourth GFMD slated to be held in Mexico next year.

To resist attacks on our rights and struggle against imperialism is now even more imperative for migrant workers. Intensification of national struggles is called for while also continuously strengthening and broadening solidarity against common enemies.

This is the task that the International Migrants Alliance will pursue until migrant workers can finally live in a society that is free, just, democratic and peaceful.

Jornalero is Given Two Tickets in Hart Park, Queens, New York City

Victory Against Dobbs!

The Immigrant Rights movement has scored a major victory. Lou Dobbs has resigned from CNN. Dobbs was the face and the voice of anti-immigrant rhetoric in the United States, but the resistance of the immigrant community and their supporters and other progressives forced the resignation of this fascist demagogue.

Lou Dobbs' outrageous and racist oratory was heard daily and contributed to a poisonous atmosphere against immigrants, especially Latino/as.

The May First Coalition demonstrated against Dobbs in 2007, followed by many other campaigns against the so-called "newscaster." Basta Dobbs, an e-mail campaign mounted within the immigrant rights movement accumulated 100,000 e-mails that were sent to CNN calling for Dobbs' dismissal. CNN was besieged with anti-Dobbs phone calls.

What is manifest in this victory is that the immigrant rights movement is powerful. This movement challenged and refused to accept Dobbs' outrageous race-baiting. Dobbs was such an embarrassment that Anderson Cooper and other CNN reporters were reported to be hesitant to appear on Dobbs' news hour. As he exposed himself, Dobbs discovered that others that would not willingly share a stage with the openly reactionary "newscaster." CNN took note.

Now the struggle against Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arapaio is also accelerating. The Sara Palin bandwagon is derailed.  But we need to be vigilant. With the continuing economic crisis for most people in this country, reactionaries will try to exploit racism to divide the working classes.  These reactionaries are well-funded and organized to try to intensify racism, creating divisions between US-born, documented and undocumented workers.

Dobbs has retreated to FOX News for the moment, and seems to be hinting at future plans for a political career. He is off CNN. He is not gone; so this is one victory in a long struggle.

We must continue to work toward a change of climate, away from Right Wing rhetoric and massive arrests, threats and deportations of immigrants in the United States.

We must build on this victory and keep up the momentum. May Day 2010 should be bigger than ever to win what workers must win in this period.

The May 1 Coalition is working to confront US politicians like Charles Schumer whose pending "Immigration reform" legislation undermines immigrant rights. We need to use our creativity and power, and every possible means to secure a climate in this country which is for immigrant rights and against racism.

Congratulations to us all for this victory against Dobbs.

Long Live May 1 Coalition for Workers and Immigrant Rights

Invitation to the Inauguration of the Immigrants Mural

Iglesia Evangélica Española
800 East 156th Street
Bronx, NY
Between Tinton & Union Aves near Westchester Ave
Sat Oct 17 2009
11:00 A.M.

Viky Ayress from Mujeres por La Paz is organizing a community mural on Immigrants in the Bronx. We began work on it this weekend, it was a wonderful experience, no artistic experience is needed. Please see the flier with more information and come to contribute. Call to say you are coming.

The may 1st coalition, mujeres trabajadoras por la paz, taller experimental de arte, vamos a la pena del bronx, material for the arts, arts horizon leroy neiman art cneter, galeria rios II, the shore institute of the contemporary arts, suffolk county community college, the workplace project

IS PROUD TO PRESENT

THE TRAVELLING IMMIGRANTS ART EXHIBIT 2009

Art has transformative and healing powers. It can transcend barriers, borders and differences. The Immigrants Art Exhibit provides an opportunity for immigrant artists to respond artistically to this time in history in which immigrants are being persecuted and deprived of their rights.

Download the Exhibit Schedule

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 201 344-9856

Victor Toro Defense Committee

On July 6, 2007, Victor Toro was arrested by US Border Patrol, an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security, while on board an Amtrak train in Rochester, New York. He was later transferred to Cayuga County Jail in Auburn, New York. Bail was set at $5,000.00 the same day of the arrest. Bail was posted on Monday, July 9, 2007 and Victor was released the same day.

Victor is a citizen and national of Chile who was jailed and tortured because of his opposition to the illegitimate Pinochet government (1973-1990), was given an exit only passport in 1976 and declared dead the next year by the dictator Pinochet. He entered the United States without proper documents in 1984 and has remained in the U.S. ever since. Victor's past Persecution is well documented and his political work has been the subject of books, including Alistair Horne's book Small Earthquake in Chile. In addition, Victor was listed, along with MIR's leader Miguel Enriquez and S.P. leader Carlos Altamirano, amongst others, as one of the thirteen (13) most wanted people by the U.S.-sponsored dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in 1973. His wife, Nieves Ayress, is a US citizen and his daughter, Rosita Toro, is a legal permanent resident of the U.S.

A Notice to Appear (NTA) dated July 6, 2007 has already been issued by the Department of Homeland Security charging Victor with violation of residing and entering in the U.S. without proper documents. A court date was set for September 12, 2007 in Buffalo, NY. The Victor Toro Defense Committee (VTDC) launched a letter campaign to change the venue and the legal team filed to change the venue from Buffalo, New York, to the Bronx, New York, where Victor lives. On September 10, the Buffalo, New York, court granted a change in venue. Victor's next and final hearing to appear before immigration judge Sarah M. Burr is set for August 26, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278.

Victor's legal defense team has requested political asylum at the hearing on January 18, 2008, under Section 208 of the Act, withholding of removal under Section 241(b)(3) of the Act, Relief under Art. III of the Convention Against Torture, as well as cancellation of removal under Section 240A of the Act.

Since his arrival in the United States, Victor and Nieves established the non-profit organization La Peña del Bronx which provides much needed assistance to the south Bronx community.

The Victor Toro Defense Committee is demanding from the Department of Homeland Security that Victor be granted Political Asylum.

For more information, to get involved with the Victor Toro Defense Committee, to send donations or to learn more about your rights contact:

Carlos Moreno, Esq. & Abigail Cushing, Esq.
NY May 1 Coalition
E-mail: lapena2006@hotmail.com, MrnCrls@aol.com, Abigail_Cushing@hotmail.com, MayDay2010@peoplesmail.net
Tel: 718-292-6137 , 212-631-7555, 212-561-1744
P.O. Box 739, Bronx, NY 10454
make checks payable to "Las Peñitas Inc."

www.may1.info
Labor Donated

http://larebeldiadelosinmigrantes.blogspot.com

http://www.fotolog.com/colectivoavanzar

http://www.myspace.com/boletinmiguelenriquez

Friday, April 3

1:00 pm • Wall St. & Broadway

Visit www.BailOutPeople.org for more info

COMMUNITY GROUPS, IMMIGRANTS, STUDENTS, THE UNEMPLOYED AND OTHER PROGRESSIVE ACTIVISTS TO HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE MONDAY APRIL 27

New York organizes within hours against Sheriff Arpaio!

Protest hits racist sheriff's appearance on Stephen Colbert Show

Read the National Day Laborer Organizing Network Statement

Why Labor Law Doesn't Work for Workers

One year ago, Rite Aid employees voted to join a union. The obstacles they faced trying to unionize will be eased by passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.
Lancaster, California

After months of a media war supporting and condemning it, the Employee Free Choice Act was finally introduced into Congress again this week. The bill has been debated before, but with a larger Democratic majority, its chances of passage are much greater today, and President Obama has said he'll sign it. Employers, therefore, are fighting it as never before.

<read more>

Statement on the "Swine Flu" Crisis from the May 1st Coalition for Worker & Immigrant Rights

May Day Rally

Friday, May 1^st 2009

Union Square
Assemble: 12 noon
14^th St. & Broadway, Manhattan

Music & Performances: 4:00 pm
March to Federal Plaza: 5:30 pm

YES to: Jobs, Housing, Pro-Worker Immigration Reform & Money for the People!

NO to: Raids, Deportations, Forced migration, Labor export, racism, Foreclosures, Bank Bail Outs!

On May 1st, join us and help build a movement to fight for the rights of working people. Join billions around the world who also demonstrate on May Day to build a powerful global movement that fights against the dire economic and social crisis people face here and around the world.

Read the Resolution of Letter Carriers Union in support of May Day and the ILWU decision to stop work in the Bay Area ports on May 1st

International Migrants Association Statement on May Day 2009

Intensify the struggle against commodification and modern-day slavery of migrants

IMA Statement on International Migrants Day
18 December 2009

On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, grassroots migrant workers and advocates under the militant banner of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) mark the intensification of the migrants struggle for rights and welfare and against imperialist design on migration that worsens commodification and modern-day slavery.

In the face of the current world economic crisis, migration and migrant workers are further exploited by imperialism to cover up the impending collapse of the global economy it dominates.

Imperialists push for neoliberal globalization policies in the already agricultural, backward and pre-industrial economies of migrant-sending countries. These are implemented by governments dominated by local ruling elites such as the compradors and landlords who are the main classes who benefit from the system.

This kind of economic and political setup perennially produces an army of unemployed and underemployed. People are forced to seek jobs abroad to eke out a living for their families who are hard-pressed to cope with rising prices of goods and increasingly inaccessible social services.

Migrant workers form a major bulk of cheap labour that transnational and multinational companies exploit for their superprofits. In the increasingly constricting job market for unskilled and semi-skilled workers where majority of the migrants are found, capitalists are ensured of a supply of cheaper and cheaper labourers as sending countries fiercely compete with each other for a market for their exported workers.

However, in times of crisis as what is being experienced now, migrant workers become dispensable. Lays off and attacks to labour rights of migrants are now on the rise. Border restrictions such as the EU Return Directive are also implemented that impact millions of workers especially the undocumented migrants.

Labour exporting countries are more aggressive now in sending off their workers to work in "3D jobs" (dirty, dangerous, difficult). Migrant workers are even sent in war-torn areas like Iraq where US companies are now reaping the gains of the US' "war on terror".

The inhuman industry of labour export is increasingly systematized by sending countries in order to get the maximum economic and political gains. Designs that will make sending of dollar remittances smooth and government exaction of fees are implemented while programs for services and assistance especially to migrants in distress are made limited or totally scrapped.

Deregulation of labour export is also targeted as the way to expand labour migration and in fact is slowly being realized by major sending countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. This deregulation, in turn, results to a mad dash for easy profit by recruitment agencies through various modus operandi that are abetted by government policies. These recruitment agencies are usually owned by ruling comprador class.

Politically, labour export serves as measure by sending governments to curb the heightening discontent of their people due to widespread poverty. Migration has become even for the local ruling elites to perpetuate the social structure that is oppressive and exploitative to the majority.

Imperialist design on migration is most evident in the much-vaunted Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). The GFMD that has been pushed and is being supported by countries of the OECD touts migration as a contributing factor to development. Under the cloak of slogans such as "making migration work for the benefit of all" or "maximizing the positive aspect of migration", the GFMD is being used to cover the basic social ills and imbalances that result to forced migration. Thus, the IMA has hounded the GFMD with protests by the grassroots in its series of meetings and will continue to do so in the Fourth GFMD slated to be held in Mexico next year.

To resist attacks on our rights and struggle against imperialism is now even more imperative for migrant workers. Intensification of national struggles is called for while also continuously strengthening and broadening solidarity against common enemies.

This is the task that the International Migrants Alliance will pursue until migrant workers can finally live in a society that is free, just, democratic and peaceful.

Jornalero is Given Two Tickets in Hart Park, Queens, New York City

Victory Against Dobbs!

The Immigrant Rights movement has scored a major victory. Lou Dobbs has resigned from CNN. Dobbs was the face and the voice of anti-immigrant rhetoric in the United States, but the resistance of the immigrant community and their supporters and other progressives forced the resignation of this fascist demagogue.

Lou Dobbs' outrageous and racist oratory was heard daily and contributed to a poisonous atmosphere against immigrants, especially Latino/as.

The May First Coalition demonstrated against Dobbs in 2007, followed by many other campaigns against the so-called "newscaster." Basta Dobbs, an e-mail campaign mounted within the immigrant rights movement accumulated 100,000 e-mails that were sent to CNN calling for Dobbs' dismissal. CNN was besieged with anti-Dobbs phone calls.

What is manifest in this victory is that the immigrant rights movement is powerful. This movement challenged and refused to accept Dobbs' outrageous race-baiting. Dobbs was such an embarrassment that Anderson Cooper and other CNN reporters were reported to be hesitant to appear on Dobbs' news hour. As he exposed himself, Dobbs discovered that others that would not willingly share a stage with the openly reactionary "newscaster." CNN took note.

Now the struggle against Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arapaio is also accelerating. The Sara Palin bandwagon is derailed.  But we need to be vigilant. With the continuing economic crisis for most people in this country, reactionaries will try to exploit racism to divide the working classes.  These reactionaries are well-funded and organized to try to intensify racism, creating divisions between US-born, documented and undocumented workers.

Dobbs has retreated to FOX News for the moment, and seems to be hinting at future plans for a political career. He is off CNN. He is not gone; so this is one victory in a long struggle.

We must continue to work toward a change of climate, away from Right Wing rhetoric and massive arrests, threats and deportations of immigrants in the United States.

We must build on this victory and keep up the momentum. May Day 2010 should be bigger than ever to win what workers must win in this period.

The May 1 Coalition is working to confront US politicians like Charles Schumer whose pending "Immigration reform" legislation undermines immigrant rights. We need to use our creativity and power, and every possible means to secure a climate in this country which is for immigrant rights and against racism.

Congratulations to us all for this victory against Dobbs.

Long Live May 1 Coalition for Workers and Immigrant Rights

Invitation to the Inauguration of the Immigrants Mural

Iglesia Evangélica Española
800 East 156th Street
Bronx, NY
Between Tinton & Union Aves near Westchester Ave
Sat Oct 17 2009
11:00 A.M.

Viky Ayress from Mujeres por La Paz is organizing a community mural on Immigrants in the Bronx. We began work on it this weekend, it was a wonderful experience, no artistic experience is needed. Please see the flier with more information and come to contribute. Call to say you are coming.

The may 1st coalition, mujeres trabajadoras por la paz, taller experimental de arte, vamos a la pena del bronx, material for the arts, arts horizon leroy neiman art cneter, galeria rios II, the shore institute of the contemporary arts, suffolk county community college, the workplace project

IS PROUD TO PRESENT

THE TRAVELLING IMMIGRANTS ART EXHIBIT 2009

Art has transformative and healing powers. It can transcend barriers, borders and differences. The Immigrants Art Exhibit provides an opportunity for immigrant artists to respond artistically to this time in history in which immigrants are being persecuted and deprived of their rights.

Download the Exhibit Schedule

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 201 344-9856

Victor Toro Defense Committee

On July 6, 2007, Victor Toro was arrested by US Border Patrol, an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security, while on board an Amtrak train in Rochester, New York. He was later transferred to Cayuga County Jail in Auburn, New York. Bail was set at $5,000.00 the same day of the arrest. Bail was posted on Monday, July 9, 2007 and Victor was released the same day.

Victor is a citizen and national of Chile who was jailed and tortured because of his opposition to the illegitimate Pinochet government (1973-1990), was given an exit only passport in 1976 and declared dead the next year by the dictator Pinochet. He entered the United States without proper documents in 1984 and has remained in the U.S. ever since. Victor's past Persecution is well documented and his political work has been the subject of books, including Alistair Horne's book Small Earthquake in Chile. In addition, Victor was listed, along with MIR's leader Miguel Enriquez and S.P. leader Carlos Altamirano, amongst others, as one of the thirteen (13) most wanted people by the U.S.-sponsored dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in 1973. His wife, Nieves Ayress, is a US citizen and his daughter, Rosita Toro, is a legal permanent resident of the U.S.

A Notice to Appear (NTA) dated July 6, 2007 has already been issued by the Department of Homeland Security charging Victor with violation of residing and entering in the U.S. without proper documents. A court date was set for September 12, 2007 in Buffalo, NY. The Victor Toro Defense Committee (VTDC) launched a letter campaign to change the venue and the legal team filed to change the venue from Buffalo, New York, to the Bronx, New York, where Victor lives. On September 10, the Buffalo, New York, court granted a change in venue. Victor's next and final hearing to appear before immigration judge Sarah M. Burr is set for August 26, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278.

Victor's legal defense team has requested political asylum at the hearing on January 18, 2008, under Section 208 of the Act, withholding of removal under Section 241(b)(3) of the Act, Relief under Art. III of the Convention Against Torture, as well as cancellation of removal under Section 240A of the Act.

Since his arrival in the United States, Victor and Nieves established the non-profit organization La Peña del Bronx which provides much needed assistance to the south Bronx community.

The Victor Toro Defense Committee is demanding from the Department of Homeland Security that Victor be granted Political Asylum.

For more information, to get involved with the Victor Toro Defense Committee, to send donations or to learn more about your rights contact:

Carlos Moreno, Esq. & Abigail Cushing, Esq.
NY May 1 Coalition
E-mail: lapena2006@hotmail.com, MrnCrls@aol.com, Abigail_Cushing@hotmail.com, MayDay2010@peoplesmail.net
Tel: 718-292-6137 , 212-631-7555, 212-561-1744
P.O. Box 739, Bronx, NY 10454
make checks payable to "Las Peñitas Inc."

www.may1.info
Labor Donated

http://larebeldiadelosinmigrantes.blogspot.com

http://www.fotolog.com/colectivoavanzar

http://www.myspace.com/boletinmiguelenriquez

Friday, April 3

1:00 pm • Wall St. & Broadway

Visit www.BailOutPeople.org for more info

COMMUNITY GROUPS, IMMIGRANTS, STUDENTS, THE UNEMPLOYED AND OTHER PROGRESSIVE ACTIVISTS TO HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE MONDAY APRIL 27

New York organizes within hours against Sheriff Arpaio!

Protest hits racist sheriff's appearance on Stephen Colbert Show

Read the National Day Laborer Organizing Network Statement

Why Labor Law Doesn't Work for Workers

One year ago, Rite Aid employees voted to join a union. The obstacles they faced trying to unionize will be eased by passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.
Lancaster, California

After months of a media war supporting and condemning it, the Employee Free Choice Act was finally introduced into Congress again this week. The bill has been debated before, but with a larger Democratic majority, its chances of passage are much greater today, and President Obama has said he'll sign it. Employers, therefore, are fighting it as never before.

<read more>

Statement on the "Swine Flu" Crisis from the May 1st Coalition for Worker & Immigrant Rights

May Day Rally

Friday, May 1^st 2009

Union Square
Assemble: 12 noon
14^th St. & Broadway, Manhattan

Music & Performances: 4:00 pm
March to Federal Plaza: 5:30 pm

YES to: Jobs, Housing, Pro-Worker Immigration Reform & Money for the People!

NO to: Raids, Deportations, Forced migration, Labor export, racism, Foreclosures, Bank Bail Outs!

On May 1st, join us and help build a movement to fight for the rights of working people. Join billions around the world who also demonstrate on May Day to build a powerful global movement that fights against the dire economic and social crisis people face here and around the world.

Read the Resolution of Letter Carriers Union in support of May Day and the ILWU decision to stop work in the Bay Area ports on May 1st

International Migrants Association Statement on May Day 2009

Intensify the struggle against commodification and modern-day slavery of migrants

IMA Statement on International Migrants Day
18 December 2009

On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, grassroots migrant workers and advocates under the militant banner of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) mark the intensification of the migrants struggle for rights and welfare and against imperialist design on migration that worsens commodification and modern-day slavery.

In the face of the current world economic crisis, migration and migrant workers are further exploited by imperialism to cover up the impending collapse of the global economy it dominates.

Imperialists push for neoliberal globalization policies in the already agricultural, backward and pre-industrial economies of migrant-sending countries. These are implemented by governments dominated by local ruling elites such as the compradors and landlords who are the main classes who benefit from the system.

This kind of economic and political setup perennially produces an army of unemployed and underemployed. People are forced to seek jobs abroad to eke out a living for their families who are hard-pressed to cope with rising prices of goods and increasingly inaccessible social services.

Migrant workers form a major bulk of cheap labour that transnational and multinational companies exploit for their superprofits. In the increasingly constricting job market for unskilled and semi-skilled workers where majority of the migrants are found, capitalists are ensured of a supply of cheaper and cheaper labourers as sending countries fiercely compete with each other for a market for their exported workers.

However, in times of crisis as what is being experienced now, migrant workers become dispensable. Lays off and attacks to labour rights of migrants are now on the rise. Border restrictions such as the EU Return Directive are also implemented that impact millions of workers especially the undocumented migrants.

Labour exporting countries are more aggressive now in sending off their workers to work in "3D jobs" (dirty, dangerous, difficult). Migrant workers are even sent in war-torn areas like Iraq where US companies are now reaping the gains of the US' "war on terror".

The inhuman industry of labour export is increasingly systematized by sending countries in order to get the maximum economic and political gains. Designs that will make sending of dollar remittances smooth and government exaction of fees are implemented while programs for services and assistance especially to migrants in distress are made limited or totally scrapped.

Deregulation of labour export is also targeted as the way to expand labour migration and in fact is slowly being realized by major sending countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. This deregulation, in turn, results to a mad dash for easy profit by recruitment agencies through various modus operandi that are abetted by government policies. These recruitment agencies are usually owned by ruling comprador class.

Politically, labour export serves as measure by sending governments to curb the heightening discontent of their people due to widespread poverty. Migration has become even for the local ruling elites to perpetuate the social structure that is oppressive and exploitative to the majority.

Imperialist design on migration is most evident in the much-vaunted Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). The GFMD that has been pushed and is being supported by countries of the OECD touts migration as a contributing factor to development. Under the cloak of slogans such as "making migration work for the benefit of all" or "maximizing the positive aspect of migration", the GFMD is being used to cover the basic social ills and imbalances that result to forced migration. Thus, the IMA has hounded the GFMD with protests by the grassroots in its series of meetings and will continue to do so in the Fourth GFMD slated to be held in Mexico next year.

To resist attacks on our rights and struggle against imperialism is now even more imperative for migrant workers. Intensification of national struggles is called for while also continuously strengthening and broadening solidarity against common enemies.

This is the task that the International Migrants Alliance will pursue until migrant workers can finally live in a society that is free, just, democratic and peaceful.

Jornalero is Given Two Tickets in Hart Park, Queens, New York City

Victory Against Dobbs!

The Immigrant Rights movement has scored a major victory. Lou Dobbs has resigned from CNN. Dobbs was the face and the voice of anti-immigrant rhetoric in the United States, but the resistance of the immigrant community and their supporters and other progressives forced the resignation of this fascist demagogue.

Lou Dobbs' outrageous and racist oratory was heard daily and contributed to a poisonous atmosphere against immigrants, especially Latino/as.

The May First Coalition demonstrated against Dobbs in 2007, followed by many other campaigns against the so-called "newscaster." Basta Dobbs, an e-mail campaign mounted within the immigrant rights movement accumulated 100,000 e-mails that were sent to CNN calling for Dobbs' dismissal. CNN was besieged with anti-Dobbs phone calls.

What is manifest in this victory is that the immigrant rights movement is powerful. This movement challenged and refused to accept Dobbs' outrageous race-baiting. Dobbs was such an embarrassment that Anderson Cooper and other CNN reporters were reported to be hesitant to appear on Dobbs' news hour. As he exposed himself, Dobbs discovered that others that would not willingly share a stage with the openly reactionary "newscaster." CNN took note.

Now the struggle against Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arapaio is also accelerating. The Sara Palin bandwagon is derailed.  But we need to be vigilant. With the continuing economic crisis for most people in this country, reactionaries will try to exploit racism to divide the working classes.  These reactionaries are well-funded and organized to try to intensify racism, creating divisions between US-born, documented and undocumented workers.

Dobbs has retreated to FOX News for the moment, and seems to be hinting at future plans for a political career. He is off CNN. He is not gone; so this is one victory in a long struggle.

We must continue to work toward a change of climate, away from Right Wing rhetoric and massive arrests, threats and deportations of immigrants in the United States.

We must build on this victory and keep up the momentum. May Day 2010 should be bigger than ever to win what workers must win in this period.

The May 1 Coalition is working to confront US politicians like Charles Schumer whose pending "Immigration reform" legislation undermines immigrant rights. We need to use our creativity and power, and every possible means to secure a climate in this country which is for immigrant rights and against racism.

Congratulations to us all for this victory against Dobbs.

Long Live May 1 Coalition for Workers and Immigrant Rights

Invitation to the Inauguration of the Immigrants Mural

Iglesia Evangélica Española
800 East 156th Street
Bronx, NY
Between Tinton & Union Aves near Westchester Ave
Sat Oct 17 2009
11:00 A.M.

Viky Ayress from Mujeres por La Paz is organizing a community mural on Immigrants in the Bronx. We began work on it this weekend, it was a wonderful experience, no artistic experience is needed. Please see the flier with more information and come to contribute. Call to say you are coming.

The may 1st coalition, mujeres trabajadoras por la paz, taller experimental de arte, vamos a la pena del bronx, material for the arts, arts horizon leroy neiman art cneter, galeria rios II, the shore institute of the contemporary arts, suffolk county community college, the workplace project

IS PROUD TO PRESENT

THE TRAVELLING IMMIGRANTS ART EXHIBIT 2009

Art has transformative and healing powers. It can transcend barriers, borders and differences. The Immigrants Art Exhibit provides an opportunity for immigrant artists to respond artistically to this time in history in which immigrants are being persecuted and deprived of their rights.

Download the Exhibit Schedule

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 201 344-9856

Victor Toro Defense Committee

On July 6, 2007, Victor Toro was arrested by US Border Patrol, an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security, while on board an Amtrak train in Rochester, New York. He was later transferred to Cayuga County Jail in Auburn, New York. Bail was set at $5,000.00 the same day of the arrest. Bail was posted on Monday, July 9, 2007 and Victor was released the same day.

Victor is a citizen and national of Chile who was jailed and tortured because of his opposition to the illegitimate Pinochet government (1973-1990), was given an exit only passport in 1976 and declared dead the next year by the dictator Pinochet. He entered the United States without proper documents in 1984 and has remained in the U.S. ever since. Victor's past Persecution is well documented and his political work has been the subject of books, including Alistair Horne's book Small Earthquake in Chile. In addition, Victor was listed, along with MIR's leader Miguel Enriquez and S.P. leader Carlos Altamirano, amongst others, as one of the thirteen (13) most wanted people by the U.S.-sponsored dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in 1973. His wife, Nieves Ayress, is a US citizen and his daughter, Rosita Toro, is a legal permanent resident of the U.S.

A Notice to Appear (NTA) dated July 6, 2007 has already been issued by the Department of Homeland Security charging Victor with violation of residing and entering in the U.S. without proper documents. A court date was set for September 12, 2007 in Buffalo, NY. The Victor Toro Defense Committee (VTDC) launched a letter campaign to change the venue and the legal team filed to change the venue from Buffalo, New York, to the Bronx, New York, where Victor lives. On September 10, the Buffalo, New York, court granted a change in venue. Victor's next and final hearing to appear before immigration judge Sarah M. Burr is set for August 26, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278.

Victor's legal defense team has requested political asylum at the hearing on January 18, 2008, under Section 208 of the Act, withholding of removal under Section 241(b)(3) of the Act, Relief under Art. III of the Convention Against Torture, as well as cancellation of removal under Section 240A of the Act.

Since his arrival in the United States, Victor and Nieves established the non-profit organization La Peña del Bronx which provides much needed assistance to the south Bronx community.

The Victor Toro Defense Committee is demanding from the Department of Homeland Security that Victor be granted Political Asylum.

For more information, to get involved with the Victor Toro Defense Committee, to send donations or to learn more about your rights contact:

Carlos Moreno, Esq. & Abigail Cushing, Esq.
NY May 1 Coalition
E-mail: lapena2006@hotmail.com, MrnCrls@aol.com, Abigail_Cushing@hotmail.com, MayDay2010@peoplesmail.net
Tel: 718-292-6137 , 212-631-7555, 212-561-1744
P.O. Box 739, Bronx, NY 10454
make checks payable to "Las Peñitas Inc."

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