Latino Action Network Urges Latinos to Cast Ballots on Tuesday; Ignore Those Seeking to Silence Them

The Latino Action Network today urged Latino voters throughout the nation to go to the polls on Tuesday and comply with their civic responsibility to elect the leaders of our country. The LAN urged Latinos to ignore those “who seek to silence us and remove us from participation in the political process.”

Latino Action Network Urges Latinos to Cast Ballots on Tuesday; Ignore Those Seeking to Silence Them

For Immediate Release: October 30, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, President – 908-670-0552

The Latino Action Network today urged Latino voters throughout the nation to go to the polls on Tuesday and comply with their civic responsibility to elect the leaders of our country. The LAN urged Latinos to ignore those “who seek to silence us and remove us from participation in the political process.”

LAN President Frank Argote-Freyre noted a growing effort by some to keep “Latinos silent and powerless.”

The latest efforts to suppress the Latino vote are spearheaded by Reverend Miguel Rivera, head of the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders [CONLAMIC] working in conjunction Roberto de Posada of the Latinos for Reform organization.

“This is the latest irresponsible act on the part of Reverend Rivera, who seems committed to ensuring that Latinos have as little say as possible in the political process,” Argote-Freyre continued. “His effort to encourage a boycott of the Census earlier this year was a complete failure and we hope he will fail again in this latest effort.”

“It does not matter who Latinos support they should go out and vote on Tuesday and ignore the advice of people, like Reverend Rivera, who advocate an extremist agenda. Go to the polls and ignore Rivera and Posada.”

The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Denounces Comments by Garcia Campaign Favorable to Arizona-Style Profiling Laws

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today denounced statements made recently by the campaign of the Passaic County Republican Candidate for Sheriff Felix Garcia, which took a favorable position towards the Arizona-style racial profiling laws adopted over the summer.
    

Latino Action Network Denounces Comments by Garcia Campaign Favorable to Arizona-Style Profiling Laws

For Immediate Release: October 30, 2010

Christian Estevez, Executive Vice President – 973-418-7012
 
The Latino Action Network [LAN] today denounced statements made recently by the campaign of the Passaic County Republican Candidate for Sheriff Felix Garcia, which took a favorable position towards the Arizona-style racial profiling laws adopted over the summer.
 
Some of the most objectionable elements of that legislation have been placed on hold by a judge pending a federal lawsuit challenging them.
 
The LAN sought a clarification or retraction of the statement that appeared on a local blog recently, but the Garcia campaign declined. The statement made by Garcia Campaign Manager George Cole was as follows: “The Arizona reform comes from the people. Felix advocates people migrating to this country through a legal process. The Arizona people are enforcing the laws that were already present.”
 
Christian Estevez, Executive Vice President of the Latino Action Network, noted “the Garcia campaign has actively courted the Latino vote in Passaic County, while trying to also appeal to anti-immigrant elements in the electorate. The statements by Cole reflect a positive attitude towards a law that would racially profile individuals, specifically Latinos, and this is something we strongly oppose. The issue is of particular concern since Garcia is running for the top law enforcement position in Passaic County.”
 
Estevez concluded: “There is no place for racial or ethnic profiling in law enforcement and the statements by the Garcia campaign come close to endorsing those policies. Local law enforcement must work with local communities to maintain trust with them. The enforcement of immigration laws at a local level would break down those important lines of communication.”
 
The LAN sought a statement from the Democratic Campaign of Richard Berdnik and received the following from the campaign: “My parents were immigrants and law abiding citizens. My parents taught me first-hand the contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make to our country. While I am obligated to uphold the law, immigration is a federal issue.”
 
The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Praises Judge’s Ruling Against Arizona Immigration Law

“The decision by Judge Bolton was wise and prudent and ensures that the most deplorable provisions of the Arizona Law will not be implemented tomorrow,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, President of the Latino Action Network.

Latino Action Network Praises Judge’s Ruling Against Arizona Immigration Law

For Immediate Release: July 28, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, President – 908-670-0552

          The Latino Action Network [LAN] today issued a brief statement on the decision by Federal District Court Judge Susan Bolton:

            “The decision by Judge Bolton was wise and prudent and ensures that the most deplorable provisions of the Arizona Law will not be implemented tomorrow,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, President of the Latino Action Network. “This is the first step in a long legal struggle which the Network will continue to monitor. We urge those planning to take part in protests to proceed and let their voices be heard.”

Argote-Freyre continued: “It now remains for the members of Congress to find the political courage to enact comprehensive immigration reform. There has been an abundance of political posturing from both parties on this issue and a scarcity of political will. It is this failure to act that leads mischievous minds to concoct laws such as the one blocked by Judge Bolton today."

The Network supports federal legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for the estimated 10 to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, a federal worker exchange program and an economic investment fund for Latin America.

           

            The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Supports Federal Lawsuit Against Arizona Immigration Law

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today endorsed a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department earlier this week seeking to overturn an Arizona law that would allow police to question individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.

Latino Action Network Supports Federal Lawsuit Against Arizona Immigration Law

For Immediate Release: July 9, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, President – 908-670-0552

Emiliano Lemos, Chair of Immigration Committee – 973-518-8707

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today endorsed a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department earlier this week seeking to overturn an Arizona law that would allow police to question individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.

The LAN and other civil rights groups argue that the law will lead to racial profiling of Latinos. The Arizona law also undermines federal control over immigration enforcement.

“The answer to the riddle of the broken immigration system is not to pass laws that undermine the civil rights of us all,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, President of the Latino Action Network. “The solution lies with Congress which for years has failed to find the political courage to address this contentious issue.”

Emiliano Lemos, chair of the Immigration Committee, said: “Arizona passed a law that usurps federal authority over immigration. It opens the door for every state to adopt its own laws. These state laws, as is the case in Arizona, could lead to racial profiling of Latinos and other racial and ethnic groups. The Arizona law is bad public policy and we commend Attorney General Eric Holder for challenging it.”

The Network supports federal legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for the estimated 10 to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, a federal worker exchange program and an economic investment fund for Latin America.

The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Supports Lawsuit Against New Jersey for Suspending FamilyCare Benefits to Legal Immigrants

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today voiced support for a lawsuit filed by the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall University which aims to challenge the removal of legal immigrants from the FamilyCare health program.

Latino Action Network Supports Lawsuit Against New Jersey for Suspending FamilyCare Benefits to Legal Immigrants

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2010

Christian Estevez, Executive Vice President – 973-418-7012

Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the Public Policy Committee – 732-496-9628

 

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today voiced support for a lawsuit filed by the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall University which aims to challenge the removal of legal immigrants from the FamilyCare health program.

 

The coverage expires as of today. The State Department of Human Services and the Governor’s Office has yet to announce a plan for dealing with patients with chronic illnesses.

LAN intends to contact the Center for Social Justice to explore the possibility of joining the lawsuit.

“The lawsuit alleges discrimination and we agree,” said Christian Estevez, Executive Vice President of the Network. “It is immoral to suspend the benefits to these individuals and we praise the Center for Social Justice and the three immigrants for taking these steps to challenge this unjust policy.”

 

Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the LAN Public Policy Committee, said: “It is ironic that at the same time the federal government is expanding health coverage, the Christie Administration is seeking to cut health care benefits. The Christie Administration is acting out of political expedience knowing it will soon have to expand health coverage.”

 

The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Decries Christie’s Treatment of Patients to be Removed from FamilyCare

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today criticized the Christie Administration for failing to develop a plan to accommodate chronically ill patients removed from FamilyCare as part of the governor’s budget proposal. 

Latino Action Network Decries Christie’s Treatment of Patients to be Removed from FamilyCare

No formal plans announced for chronically ill; Termination set for July 1

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2010

Christian Estevez, Steering Committee Member – 973-418-7012

Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the Public Policy Committee – 732-496-9628

 

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today criticized the Christie Administration for failing to develop a plan to accommodate chronically ill patients removed from FamilyCare as part of the governor’s budget proposal. 

The Christie budget proposes to remove approximately 11,700 legal immigrants from the health care program, including those suffering chronic illnesses, as of July 1.

 

The LAN calls on Governor Christie to reconsider this immoral and inhumane decision and maintain health care for these individuals.

 

“Even at this late date the Christie Administration has failed to indicate what provisions will be made to provide health care for those suffering from chronic illnesses,” said Christian Estevez, a member of the LAN Steering Committee. “Is the state of New Jersey really going to discontinue health care coverage to someone receiving cancer treatments? Is Governor Christie really going to pull the plug on someone receiving dialysis treatment?”

 

“The individuals effected by these unconscionable cuts need to know their status as soon as possible,” Estevez continued. “The public needs to know as well so they can judge the morality of Governor Christie’s actions.”

 

Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the LAN Public Policy Committee, called the FamilyCare cuts the cruelest of all. “Those people losing their health coverage are caught up in the budget circus. The Christie administration is playing with their health and their lives.”

 

The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Condemns Arizona Immigration Law

Latino Action Network Condemns Arizona Immigration Law

Endorses Economic Boycott of the State;

Calls on Governor Christie to Speak Out Against It

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, Interim Chair – 908-670-0552

Christian Estevez -- 973-418-7012

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today condemned a recent Arizona law that would allow police to question individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants arguing that the law will lead to racial profiling of Latinos.

The LAN endorsed an economic boycott of Arizona and began exploring strategies to make the boycott effective. It called on its members to avoid recreational travel to Arizona.

The organization called on New Jersey Governor Christie to speak out against the Arizona law and reassure the immigrant communities of the state that no similar action is planned here.

“The Arizona law is the clearest indication yet that the federal immigration system must be fixed and it must be fixed now not in some vague distant future,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, interim chairperson of the Latino Action Network. “The law is an open invitation to racial profiling and will most likely be declared unconstitutional, but in the interim lives will be ruined by its enforcement.”

Christian Estevez, a member of the LAN Steering Committee said: “The LAN will review the different economic boycott strategies being put forth by various organizations across the nation and will advise its membership accordingly. We will issue our recommendations in the next few weeks.”

The Arizona law is not set to take effect until August.