Activists call for platform affirming immigrants' dignity
Thursday January 22, 2009 | Providence
A group of community activists yesterday "demanded that the Democratic Party of Rhode Island "honor its stated principles" by adopting a platform "in favor of the dignity and human rights of immigrants, regardless of immigration status.
"With the inauguration of our new president, a new era begins for the United States and we believe that the Democratic Party has the opportunity and responsibility to establish a new era in our state is well," one that is based on respect for human dignity," the group said in a statement signed by dozens of people. The statement was made public at a news conference at St. Teresa Church, held by members of Olneyville Neighborhood Association; Immigrants in Action Committee of St. Teresa Church; American Friends Service Committee, Jobs with Justice and several tenants' rights organizations.
The suggested platform includes providing driver's licenses based on the ability to drive, not on immigration status; requested that state and local police "not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement" or ask about a person's immigration status; and calls for an end to racial profiling during traffic stops. Advocacy group members also stated that "the Republican program 'E-Verify' does not belong in our state," because it results in employment discrimination and "a significant number of incorrect firings."
Democratic Party Chairman William Lynch said he had not received the statement, and that the party office was closed because most of the staff had attended the presidential inauguration in Washington.