Our Campaigns
2005 - 2006 Priorities:
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The Campaign for Comprehensive Immigration Reform examines the legislative principles which would result in a more fair and generous system of immigration laws, reflecting the economic needs of the United States, the experience of world migration patterns, and the threats to national security presented by terrorism. This Campaign supports a comprehensive legalization program for the millions of undocumented immigrants already present in the United States who desire to live and work legally in the United States, but are prohibited by the restrictive and unreasonable laws currently in place. This Campaign site will be regularly updated with relevant documents for public use from the Network and our national partners. For specific information on actions, meeting dates, and how to belong to this campaign, please contact us.
Effective and Targeted Training, Education, Empowerment, and Leadership Development in the Heartland
The IRNIN has always been a community-driven vehicle for public dialogue regarding the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Still, there are many other issues that deserve attention and on which the community wishes to share their viewpoints. By providing trainings to communities in the area of legislative advocacy, media relations, and group leadership, we are ensuring that the immigrant perspective reaches all levels of public debate.
Increased Mobilization and Civic Participation in the Heartland
The Campaign for Increased Mobilization and Civic Participation in the Heartland focuses on strengthening the political voice of newcomers and integrating their perspectives into the public dialogue. We seek to develop relationships with elected officials at all levels of government so that immigrants become their own best advocates with the power structures in our society.
Other Areas of Note:
The federal DREAM Act is a Senate bill that would allow immigrant youth to pursue their dreams of higher education. Currently with 51 co-sponsors, the bill would allow eligible immigrant high school graduates to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid at an approved college or university, and create a pathway to citizenship after graduation. Please click to sign the DREAM Act petition in English or Español.
The IRNIN tracks legislation aimed at expanding or limiting immigrant access to driver's licenses. The Network supports a liberal approach to the requirements for driver's licenses.
Positive Media Coverage of Immigrants and Their Issues
The Campaign for Positive Media Coverage of Immigrants and Their Issues is designed to be a proactive campaign that seeks to increase the public’s awareness of the Network’s contribution to the immigrant communities and to shed light on the positive aspects of being an immigrant in the United States. This campaign looks to strengthen our ties with the area’s media sources and to promote better media exposure for the immigrant communities.
Advancing a Pro-Immigrant Agenda in the Heartland
Since September 11, 2001, Immigrant issues in general have been invalidly linked to terrorist and security concerns. In December 2002, the FBI reported a 1600% increase in hate crimes in the U.S., many against immigrant communities. We seek to strengthen the values that have made the Heartland a welcoming place and extend the same hospitality to today’s newcomers. Moreover, here you can find information on the activities of anti-immigrant, restrictionist, or hate groups working in our region.
Immigrants are a vulnerable population to discrimination, abuse and exploitation in the workplace. The IRNIN is committed to developing relationships between employers and employees, between organized labor and immigrant communities to ensure that the Heartland is not only a good place to live, but a safe place to work.
Please contact us for more information about these projects
