[IMC-Boston-Dispatch] Fwd: PRESS RELEASE: Resolution in Support of Welcoming Massachusetts in Cambridge, MA

[Sofia JarrinT]

Patricia Montes <pmontes at cpresente.org> wrote: Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:50:37 -0400
From: Patricia Montes <pmontes at cpresente.org>
To: pmontes at cpresente.org
Subject: PRESS RELEASE: Resolution in Support of Welcoming Massachusetts in
 Cambridge, MA

     PRESS RELEASE
 The Cambridge City Council Unanimously Passes a Resolution in Support of Welcoming Massachusetts in Cambridge, MA
 For Immediate Release
 20 March 2008
 Contacts:
 Elena Letona: Centro Presente (617) 497-9080 Ext. 11
 Patricia Montes: Centro Presente (617) 959-3108
 Blake Hyatt: Centro Presente (347) 249-4009
 Cambridge, MA.  In their weekly meeting, the Cambridge City Council unanimously approved a resolution (March 17, 2008; Policy Order O-4) in support of the Welcoming Massachusetts campaign. The resolution, which was introduced by Mayor Simmons, declared that “The City of Cambridge is committed to recognizing the humanity in all persons, and to raising the level of discourse concerning immigration.” Furthermore, the council committed to seeking “just, workable and humane immigration policies that are anchored in America’s finest ideals and core values and which reflect the many contributions that immigrants make in our communities.”
 Welcoming Massachusetts is a campaign which attempts to make the Commonwealth a more welcoming state for its immigrant population. The campaign specifically seeks to emphasize the positive role that immigrants and their families play in our communities. "Welcoming Massachusetts hopes to change the nature of the political discussion around immigrant rights,” said Elena Letona, Executive Director of Centro Presente.  “Such a change would create a more inclusive and humane environment for members of our community who are adversely affected by the current political climate which has led to the passage of anti-immigrant legislation and laid the groundwork for raids that have broken apart families and jeopardized their economic well-being." 
 “Cambridge has a tremendous history of being a city that welcomes immigrants and respects the dignity of our people,” said Patricia Montes, Community Organizing Coordinator for Centro Presente. “As a sanctuary city, Cambridge is an example of a place that recognizes the humanity of those who are being criminalized and dehumanized by the current immigration system.”
 “In supporting this resolution, the council made a very clear statement in support of diversity, multiculturalism, and the basic rights of Cambridge’s immigrant community,” said Blake Hyatt, Campaign Coordinator for Centro Presente. “Through this resolution, the City Council also denounced the rhetoric of hate and fear which currently surrounds the issue of immigrant rights. We would like to express our gratitude to the City Council for their history of supporting the immigrant community.”
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 For more information about the campaign ‘Welcoming Massachusetts’ visit www.welcomingma.org
 

       
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