SWOPblogger

The first day of the Hunger strike was Friday. Today, they demonstrated again.

Solidarity for all hunger strikers and migrants!

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Contact: Che Lopez
Office 210 299.2666
Cell (210) 378-5132

Organizers Stage 1-Day Hunger Strike in Front of Senator Cornyn’s Office

“We are demanding family reunification, a stop to all deportations & an end to racist laws. This is a symbolic action in support of migrant and worker rights leading up to the May 1st General Strike.”, states Sandra Garcia, Youth Leadership Organization.

Friday, April 20, 2007
10 AM
Senator Cornyn’s Office @ 600 Navarro

Members of the May 1st Coalition hold a hunger strike today to highlight the unjust immigration policies that separate families. Members of Southwest Workers Union and other organizations will not eat in solidarity with Elvira Arellano and her son Saulito.

Elvira is facing deportation, and is currently residing in church sanctuary in Chicago in order to be able to stay with her son. The strikers will refuse food from 8AM to 5PM today, in the spirit of the 8 hour work day which was won by striking workers on May 1st, 1886 and will be commemorated with a general strike and march in San Antonio Tuesday, May 1st.

Two weeks ago, Senator Cornyn introduced a draft bill that would eliminate visas for the reunification of families. Drafted in closed door meetings with the Bush Administration, the bill will only allow workers to come the U.S. as “guest workers” and virtual slaves.

Strikers and the May 1st Coalition rejects Cornyn’s racist proposals to divide our families, separate parents from their children, and create a sub-class of workers without protections from exploitation. We demand just and humane immigration reform now that protects the rights of migrant workers and families to live with dignity in the U.S.

1-day hunger strikes will be repeated on April 24th and May 1st culminating with the May 1st General Strike and March. May 1st events will begin with a rally at 12 noon at Milam Park 500 West Commerce (In front of Santa Rosa Hospital). The March begins at 6 PM from Milam to Travis Parks.

“This May 1st is being organized to celebrate the contributions that migrants & working class communities offer to society & the economy of the United States.” states Diana Lopez.

Labels: hunger strike, Immigration, May 1st, SWU