Action Alert: Rally for Fair Legislation for New Americans - SATURDAY

Join CAIR-Chicago and other organizations as we participate in the New Americans Rally. This is an event that is taking place statewide and a part of the “One Nation, One Dream” Agenda. The main issues at hand are:

1. The Illinois DREAM Act 2. Smart Enforcement—An End to Non-Criminal Deportations 3. Fair Budgeting and Re-Distribution for Immigrant Communities

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, growing immigrant communities now make up 13.5% of the state’s population, and 17.5% of our workforce. These new Americans are the engine of our economy—immigrants are 50% more likely to start businesses than native-born Illinoisans. The April 30th New Americans Rally is a chance to recognize the contributions of immigrant communities, and re-commit Illinois to policies that welcome these diverse communities.

The Illinois DREAM Act will provide immigrant youths with information that will help them make good college decisions. It will provide greater educational access through its proposed privately-funded Illinois DREAM fund. This fund would provide financial support for undocumented youths with no cost for the taxpayer. These are a few of the many positive features that the Illinois DREAM Act promises to immigrant youths.

Smart Enforcement will free our communities of discrimination and alienation, and Fair Budgeting will allow more resources for organizations that support our New American communities.

Progress is being made and support for the Illinois DREAM Act has increased with the inclusion of Senator Richard Durbin, State Senate President John Cullerton and University of Illinois President Michael Hogan as supporters. The importance of passing this piece of legislation has become more obvious as support grows stronger each week.

To uplift our communities we must ensure they have access to higher education. Education is the first of many steps towards equality for all. Become active and support the Illinois DREAM Act.

In order to achieve success we need as many people, legislators, and leaders to show support and advocate for these important pieces of legislation at the New American Rally. Take ACTION now!

WHAT: New Americans Rally

WHEN: Saturday, April 30th, 2011 at 11:00 AM (doors open at 10:30 AM)

WHERE: St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, 3721 W. 62nd Street (near 62nd & Lawndale Ave.) Chicago

WHO: Keynote speakers include U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, State Senate President John Cullerton and University of Illinois President Michael Hogan. Other key supporters that have been invited are Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, Mayor-elect of Chicago Rahm Emanuel, and numerous university presidents and leaders of the law enforcement community.

RSVP/CONTACT: Stephen Smith, Director of Organizing at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) 773.444.9557 ssmith@icirr.org

To Learn More, Visit These Links: Illinois DREAM Act:http://icirr.org/en/Illinois_Dream_Act Smart Enforcement:http://icirr.org/en/node/5342 Fair Budget:http://icirr.org/en/node/5384