International Migrant's Day

December 18th is International Migrants Day. According to the United Nations, in 2005 there were 191 million persons, or 3% of the world's population, residing outside of their country of origin. Some interesting facts -

• Migrants account for 1 in 10 people in developed nations, compared to 1 in 70 in developing regions.
• Where do most migrants live? Europe is first (64 million), Asia is second (53 million), and North America is third (46 million).
  
• Half of migrants are women.

Not surprisingly, developed nations have an overall net gain of migrants and developing nations have a net loss. Migrants typically fill labor needs in the recipient countries, many of which have stagnant or negative population growth.

In the United States, remittances, money sent to families back home, is seen by many as a drain on the economy. Contrary to this view, many studies have shown that remittances are beneficial to both countries of origin and destination. The foreign capital benefits low and middle income families and is often used for income-generating projects. The investment reduces borrowing by the country of origin.

The driving force behind this phenomenon is an estimated 150 million migrants worldwide who sent more than US$300 billion to their families in developing countries during 2006, typically US$100, US$200 or US$300 at a time, through more than 1.5 billion separate financial transactions. These funds are used primarily to meet immediate family needs (consumption) but a significant portion is also available for savings, credit mobilization and other forms of investment. In other words, the world’s largest poverty alleviation programme could also become an effective grass roots economic development programme, particularly in the rural areas that present some of the greatest challenges to financial inclusion. (IFAD)

Wealthier developed countries depend on migrant labor supplied by poorer developing countries, which in turn benefit from remittances and lessening dependence on foreign aid. The number of migrants in the world is increasing, and it is important to acknowledge their role in the global economy and to protect their Human Rights.

The United States Constitution

Much of the discourse on immigration enforcement has centered around the premise that immigrants, specifically the undocumented, don't have the rights that citizens do. It is true that many rights, such as the right to vote, are reserved specifically for citizens of this country. What many don't realize is that the Constitution of the United States (which you might recognize as the Supreme Law of the Land, if you've taken your citizenship test) awards certain rights to all people in this country, regardless of status.

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution states that,

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

There is no specification of citizen, resident or immigrant. Those who insist that undocumented immigrants have no rights in this country might not be aware that the United States Constitution, upon which the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of government are based, does award protection against unreasonable search and seizure. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often violates this right during raids by exploiting immigrants' terror and ignorance of their rights. Furthermore, legal permanent residents and sometimes even citizens are hurt by ICE's methods due to their perceived race.

It is important for all of us who value our freedom to realize that this isn't an "Immigration Issue." This is an attack against Liberty.

Comment on Comments

Some of you noticed that we turned off comments on this blog for a while. This was due to the hateful personal attacks that were posted by anonymous commenters. The Coalition has decided to moderate comments and apply a policy of blocking comments that include profanity, personals attacks, and inappropriate material not contributing to dialogue and an exchange of ideas. We are also not allowing any more "anonymous" commenters. If you have something useful to say and are willing to stand by your ideas, please, feel free to comment.

Farmworker Food Fund

These are children of immigrant farmworkers at a recent community meeting in Springfield . Their parents work in the fields to put food on our tables during the summer, and their families go hungry in the winter for lack of work.

The Pioneer Valley Project and Blessed Sacrament Church are again collecting donations to purchase food at the Food Bank of Western Mass. to give out to farmworkers and their families living in Springfield. On November 17th, 65 individuals and families each received:

• masa harina (for making tortillas)
• lettuce, potatoes, bananas and oranges
• pork chops, chick peas, rice, milk and chocolate

Your donation will help us to continue to give food to these families once a month until March 2008. If you’d like to contribute please make your donation to:

Immigrant Food Project, c/o Pioneer Valley Project
235 Eastern Avenue, Springfield MA 01108
For more info, contact Maria Cuerda at 413-686-9033.

Thanks!