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Keep Ingrid Home - Grant her a stay, let her attend court & stay with her childrenIngrid Encalada Latorre came from Peru and made Colorado her home in 2000. She has lived almost half of her 33 years here in the US. She has two citizen children, Bryant who is 8 years old and Anibal who is a year old. Anibal had torticollis, a condition he overcame with the constant care of his mother. Bryant needs his mother so he continues doing well in school and in life. Ingrid's immigration problems began in 2010. She worked for many years at a nursing home to support herself and her son. Like millions of people who need to support their families, she used papers she had purchased to be able to work. This caused the IRS to contact the person to whom the papers belonged and that person filed a police report. On April 22, 2010 the police picked Ingrid up at her nursing home job. She agreed to a felony plea and completed 4 1/2 years of probation and paid back $11,500 of back taxes. She didn't understand that the felony plea, which allowed her to serve probation and pay the fines rather than serve jail time, would prevent her from being able to win her immigration case. Ingrid is facing final orders of deportation on September 15. We have asked Governor Hickenlooper to grant her a pardon. If he does so, we can file to reopen Ingrid's immigration case and she'll need an additional stay of deportation. Ask Immigration to let Ingrid stay while she fights her case and cares for her sons. Support Ingrid remaining with her family today!4,817 of 5,000 SignaturesCreated by Jennifer Piper
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End Discriminatory Car Towing in Philadelphia / Fin al Remolque Discriminado de Carros[Español Abajo] • Live Stop towing is financially crippling for low-income families. An average Live Stop tow costs $500 to $1,000 in fees and tickets. If a driver cannot pay, or is scared about being undocumented, and does not claim their vehicle within 15 days, the car is sold at public auction. • Live Stop towing leaves families on the side of the street in the middle of the night, putting people in danger. The fear of being pulled over or losing a car has an emotional and mental impact on people. •Philly grew for the first time in 50 years because of the immigrant population. Immigrants are key to a thriving city and help the growth of Philadelphia through starting new businesses, paying taxes, and enriching the city’s culture. Live Stop towing undermines these benefits. • Nearly half a million Philadelphia residents have been affected by Live Stop since 2002. This has a disproportionate effect on undocumented immigrants who are barred from obtaining driver’s licenses in Pennsylvania. Reinterpreting the law will have a tremendous impact on the lives of immigrants and all low-income families in Philadelphia. • This is an opportunity for Philadelphia to be a leader in the state and country. While we work on a statewide campaign for driver’s licenses for all immigrants, regardless of immigration status, Philadelphia can take a concrete step that will alleviate the negative impacts of not having a license. ******************************************************************************************************* • El remolque de vehículos tiene un efecto financiero agobiante para las familias de bajos ingresos. El costo estimado por un encuentro con Live Stop es de $ 500 a $ 1.000 en cargos y multas. Si el conductor no puede pagar, o tiene miedo por ser indocumentado, y no recupera su vehículo dentro de 15 días, el vehículo se vende en una subasta pública. • El remolque de vehículos deja a los conductores en la calle en medio de la noche, poniendo a las personas en peligro. El temor a ser detenido o perder el vehículo tiene un impacto emocional y mental en las personas. • Philadelphia creció por primera vez en 50 años debido a la población inmigrante. Los inmigrantes son clave para una ciudad próspera y ayudan a su crecimiento a través de la creación de nuevos negocios, el pago de impuestos, y enriquecen la cultura de la ciudad. El programa Live Stop que remolca los vehículos menosprecia estas contribuciones y beneficios para la ciudad. • Casi medio millón de residentes de Philadelphia se han visto afectados por el programa Live Stop desde el año 2002. Esto tiene un efecto desproporcionado sobre los inmigrantes indocumentados que son excluidos de obtener una licencia de conducir en Pensilvania. La re-interpretación de la ley tendrá un tremendo impacto en la vida de los inmigrantes y todas las familias de bajos ingresos en Philadelphia. • Esta es una oportunidad para que Philadelphia sea líder en el estado y en el país. Mientras trabajamos en una campaña para que el estado de PA otorgue licencias de conducir para todos los inmigrantes, independientemente de su condición migratoria, Philadelphia puede dar un paso concreto ahora para aliviar los efectos negativos de no tener una licencia.3,342 of 4,000 SignaturesCreated by New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia
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No Justice without a 9th Justice: Tell the Senate to appoint a Supreme Court Justice now!Today as in the past, we need the Supreme Court to maintain immigrant rights, voting rights, women’s rights, civil rights, workers’ rights, and marriage rights for all who call America home. But the delay in Senate consideration of Judge Garland’s nomination leaves a vacancy on the Supreme Court – jeopardizing our freedom, equality, and access to justice. As people of faith from different and diverse faith traditions, we know from firsthand knowledge that millions of our neighbors and their livelihoods are on the line. We call upon the Senate to take action because we recognize and honor the sacred task with which our nation’s Supreme Court justices are charged. Within our western religious canon, we are guided by the words of King Solomon – wisest of judges – who conferred his Proverbs with this purpose: “That (people) may know wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight, receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity.” (Proverbs 1:2-3) Today the work of justice in our nation is at risk of being thwarted and wise guidance being denied its people by the continued refusal of the Senate leadership to hold hearings. As representatives of many religious and spiritual traditions, we therefore, respectfully urge the Senate to fulfill its duties as outlined in the Constitution by holding a fair, timely, and comprehensive hearing for Chief Judge Merrick Garland. In faith and in shared hope for our democracy,961 of 1,000 SignaturesCreated by Abhi Janamanchi
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President Obama: It’s time for emergency moral action for immigrant familiesWhile we as people of faith are fighting to keep immigrant families together, the Supreme Court just denied millions of undocumented children and parents their God-given right to stay united with their families. That’s a setback for our entire nation and puts millions of families in danger of being separated, disrupting communities and our economy. The Court’s split decision means that millions continue to live in fear of deportation. We need the Court to rehear the case. And we need common sense policies that move us forward together, united to uphold our nation’s values of integrity and family unity. Though this decision is a moral failing of the justice and political systems, it is not the finish line. As people of faith, are standing alongside our immigrant brothers and sisters and taking action to keep families and communities together. We are calling on the Department of Justice to immediately request a rehearing, which the Supreme Court may grant, for the DAPA / DACA+ case, Texas vs. United States. And on November 8th, we vow to go to the polls to vote with fierce love for all families and the belief that no one should ever live in fear of being torn away from their family and community. Meanwhile, we call on President Obama to immediately stop the raids targeting Central American asylum seekers and put a moratorium on all deportations for the rest of his term and until the DAPA / DACA+ case is reheard in the Supreme Court and decided upon. With one voice, united as people of faith, we call on President Obama to use his power to stop deportations and honor the human dignity of each of our immigrant brothers and sisters.2,346 of 3,000 SignaturesCreated by Rev. Alison Harrington
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Martin is a Good Man, who should stay with his FamilyMartin was taken away from his family and his home Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 6:00 AM. ICE did not provide a warrant, but his nephew opened the door, because ICE told him they were looking for his uncle, Martin, and said that if he didn’t take then to him, he wouldn’t like it. They didn’t have any paper work other than a piece of paper with his A # and where they were taking him to, Centennial. According to his lawyer, they lied to him and told him he was to sign a paper saying he had answered questions, but he actually signed a paper reinstating his last deportation and giving up his rights to fight it. In 2010, Martin received an order of deportation after being brought in for a DUI. He was scared and signed his voluntary departure. However, he wasn’t driving when they gave him the DUI, he was sleeping in his car in front of his house. A neighbor called the police and they gave him a DUI. Afterwards, Martin left due to his voluntary departure, but returned a couple of months later when his mother was diagnosed with cancer. In mid-April 2016 in Arapahoe county, as he was leaving work, he was followed by a cop and as he was about to get on the highway he was pulled over at the gas station. Martin asked why he was pulled over and wasn’t given a reason, seemingly he was racially profiled. He was cited for driving without a license, and they took him to Arapahoe County Jail, where he stayed for one day. His daughter bailed him out for $1000, however, three weeks later ICE came to his home in the early morning and took him away from his family who needs him. Martin in the only support his daughter and grand daughter have. He has been here 17 or 18 years, since 1999.103 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Jennifer Piper
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Approve Cristina's stay of deportation to stay with her three girlsCristina and her husband Alberto have three beautiful daughters, 9months, 21 months and 4 years old. The 30 year old mother has been fighting her deportation since 2008, when she was just 21. She is awaiting for a response on her stay of removal application. “We're hopeful that, Immigration and Customs Enforcement will use their discretion to protect the well being of this mother and her three citizen children” declared Gabriela Flora, Program Director at the American Friends Service Committee. Cristina’s community is requesting that the ICE Colorado Field Office approve Cristina's application of a stay of removal while she and her mother wait to see if they will qualify for a UVISA (a visa designed for victims and witnesses of crime). Cristina has three non-violent misdemeanor convictions from when she was young and with her now ex-husband. Cristina was able to escape that abusive relationship and turn her life around. The sentencing judge in her case found she had suffered more than enough for the mistakes she made. After that, she began attending church and later got involved with community organizations. For over a decade she's had a clean record and a different life. She met and later partnered with Alberto, the father of her three children, and is a happy stay at home mom who one day hopes to go on to college. She loves nurturing her 4 year old daughter Dariana's dreams of becoming a doctor and answering her many questions about the world.158 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Jennifer Piper
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#KeepErikHome: Ask Immigration to release him and allow him to stay with his family.Erik has lived in the US for more than 15 years. As a young man in the 1990s he was a victim of a crime and he helped police convict the person who held a gun to Erik's head. After that traumatic event, Erik made some mistakes, one of which led to him being convicted of being involved in a theft. After those events, he cleaned up his life, married and had two children. "Erik is the person who is always helping others. He never asks for help" says his youngest sister. Erik cares for and maintains the house of an elderly and disabled woman in his neighborhood. He's the first person his family calls when they need something. His daughters both need him, particularly as they face learning challenges and his support keeps them trying at school. His step-son also relies on Erik as a role model. Please sign this petition to keep Erik with his family and to ask Immigration to look at his whole life, not just the mistakes he made so many years ago.652 of 800 SignaturesCreated by Jennifer Piper
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Dear Candidates for President, Senate, and Governors: Will You Advance a Moral Agenda?Our moral traditions have a firm foundation upon which to stand against the divide-and-conquer strategies of extremists. We believe in a moral agenda that stands against systemic racism, classism, poverty, xenophobia, and any attempt to promote hate towards any members of the human family. We claim a higher ground in partisan debate by returning public discourse to our deepest moral and constitutional values. Please add your name to call on our 2016 presidential candidates, senate candidates, and governors to advance a moral agenda.13,315 of 15,000 SignaturesCreated by Repairers of the Breach PPC: NCMR
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Tell Chicago ICE: Don't deport Jose Juan, father of 5My church took emergency moral action when Jose Juan was placed in deportation proceedings and ordered to leave the country and his family by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Chicago Field Office. "Abandoning my children is not a choice I can make. I live for them, and I will fight to stay with them,” says Jose Juan. As people of faith, we opened our doors to Jose Juan and offered him a sanctuary so that he can continue to fight to stay with his family. On behalf of University Church, my congregation, and signers of this petition, I urge you to reconsider Mr. Moreno’s request for use discretion, and allow him to stay with his family. I understand that Mr. Federico Moreno has a charge for an “aggravated” DUI, and that the aggravated charge is solely because as an undocumented immigrant he had no access to a driver’s license and that Illinois law unfairly punishes those without one. As people of faith, we also understand that we are more than our mistakes and that all of God’s children deserve second chances. Faith compels us to respond to injustice, to welcome the stranger, and to promote families staying together. My church first offered Sanctuary to immigrants fleeing violent war in Guatemala and El Salvador in 1985. Now, because of cruel US immigration enforcement practices, my church has once again opened its doors for Sanctuary. As a church, we have seen firsthand the loving and generous sacrifices Jose Juan makes for his family each day. As people of faith, we call on you to stop his deportation to allow this family to stay together.3,374 of 4,000 SignaturesCreated by Rev. Julian DeShazier
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Release Uriel Rosales MartinezUriel’s health is deteriorating in the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. The Center is unable to provide adequate health care to him, and both the stress of being away from family members and fear of a fatal return to El Salvador are complicating his condition. Recently, Uriel has had trouble urinating and has been fainting. After surgery, his urinary problems persist with gall bladder inflammation exacerbating the pain and discomfort he is in. We are extremely worried for Uriel, who is only 19 years old. Uriel has been in custody for more than 180 days and this is too long for someone to face as he has already suffered so much. Uriel faced threats in El Salvador to join a gang. Other members of his family who refused to join gangs have been killed. The gangs are especially interested in Uriel because he is very good in karate. He has won various international competitions including, the Caribbean and Central American games. Uriel’s claim on asylum is more than real; we will continue to appeal until his credible fear is recognized in the courts. Uriel’s brother is a leader in the Justice for Farmworkers Campaign in Long Island and New York State. Allies in the cause are allies to Uriel, as well. Now we must stand beside Uriel and his brother.591 of 600 SignaturesCreated by Richard Witt
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Reunite Michel and Heidi with their Mother MyrnaIt is important that we keep our families together. Children flourish when they have their parents with them. It is important for the family and it is important for the community. Michele is 9 years old and Heidi is 14. This is a very critical time of their young lives and they need to have their parents with them. Michele cries every night to be with her mother. The only reason that Myrna cannot be with her daughters is that she does not have a piece of paper that says that she is allowed to enter into the US. Both Michel and Heidi are United States citizens but they cannot legally petition for their mother to come into the country because they are too young. And the fact that they are too young also means that this is the time they need their mother the most. Why are they being punished just for being young and children? Here's how you can support Michel, Heidi and their mother Myrna. 1) Sign the petition to reunite Michel, Heidi and their mother Myrna. 2) You can donate for this campaign by going to the NY New Sanctuary website and clicking on the donate button http://newsanctuarynyc.org/index.html. Add a memo to Reunite Michel/Myrna. 3) You can mail a check to help to New Sanctuary at 239 Thompson St NY NY 10012 and write Reunite Michel/Myrna on the memo line373 of 400 SignaturesCreated by R Ragbir
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Tell the Obama Administration: Stop the Deportation of Asylum Seekers Hilda Ramirez and her son IvanHilda Ramirez is an asylum seeker in danger of deportation to a country where her family will be subjected to violence, discrimination, and extreme poverty. A 28-year-old Mayan mother from San Marcos, Guatemala, Hilda fled to the United States with her 9-year-old son Ivan after facing threats of violence. Arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2014 hoping to find safety, she was instead detained at the border and jailed at the Karnes detention center with her son in inhumane conditions for 11 months. There, Hilda participated in a courageous hunger strike with another 77 immigrant moms to shut down family detention centers.1 Hilda was eventually released on bond and forced to wear an ankle bracelet. After several months of staying in an Austin shelter for immigrants, the danger of impending ICE raids became overwhelming, leading Hilda and Ivan to seek Sanctuary in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas while she fights deportation orders for herself and her young son. Although she was previously unable to win her asylum case, she continues to appeal her case with the assistance of legal counsel. After the recent decision from the Obama administration to target Central American asylum seekers for immigration raids and deportation, many immigrant communities have been left in a state of fear. As a result, many families and individuals in danger of losing their lives and loved ones are looking for safe haven and support with legal services. Already, more than 120 people have been apprehended in the raids, 77 people immediately deported, including parents with U.S. citizen children.2 Another round of raids has been announced, but no one knows where or when they will happen. OUR VALUES Families like Hilda and her son should not be targeted by immoral and unjust ICE raids. They should be provided the safety they seek, not met with further violence and discrimination. With continued raids announced, it is more important than ever that we stand with Hilda, Ivan, and all our immigrant brothers and sisters living in danger of deportation and separation. On February 9th, 2016, Hilda and Ivan took the prophetic and courageous step to enter into Sanctuary at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. Hilda explains that, "I feel safe here. I don't think immigration agents will break down the door and take me away. That is why I came here." Sanctuary is a place where God’s love and protection is a living reality. Our faith demands that we treat refugees as neighbors. Our faith demands that we open our doors, even when others are shutting theirs. As people of faith and people of moral courage, we cannot stand idle in midst of the inhumanity of raids, deportation and detention. We must be in solidarity with Hilda, Ivan and our immigrant neighbors who are facing similar situations where a deportation could have fatal consequences when returned to their countries of origin. All families are sacred and each individual deserves justice, dignity and hospitality, regardless of their immigration status. TAKE ACTION By signing this petition, you are taking action to stand in solidarity with Hilda and Ivan, and all people suffering because of the United States’ inhumane mass deportation system. Your support of immigrants and refugees as a person of faith or a person of moral courage can help us put pressure on the Obama administration to use their power to end unjust and inhumane raids and deportations. Watch the video of our press conference at St. Andrews Church: https://vimeo.com/154776260 [1] "Mothers held at Texas detention centre go on hunger strike to demand release," The Guardian. April 1, 2015. [2] "U.S. authorities begin raids, taking 121 illegal immigrants into custody over the weekend," The Washington Post. Jan. 4, 2016.3,762 of 4,000 SignaturesCreated by Rev. Jim Rigby