Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network

International Day To End Torture

2006-12-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

Endorsed by the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network. To join the delegation to Washington DC on January 11, 2007 or to participate in local actions contact GCISN truth_force@yahoo.com

CALL TO ACTION: International Day of Action to Shut Down Guantánamo

"There is little question of how history will respond to Guantánamo…it will be looked back on with condescension and bemusement. How could we be so foolish, misguided, cruel? How we will respond is a legal question and a political question. But it is most of all a moral question. Will we respond with courage or cowardice? This is our choice."

- Joseph Margulies, a lawyer challenging the indefinite detention of the prisoners at Guantánamo

On January 11th, 2002, twenty hooded and shackled men shuffled off a plane from Afghanistan, arriving at the U.S. prison at Guantánamo. In an attempt to sidestep the Geneva Convention protections for prisoners of war, the Bush administration created a new category of “enemy combatant” for these men captured in the “war on terror.”

Since that time, more than one thousand men and boys have been imprisoned at Guantánamo. Accounts of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment have been condemned by the United Nations, Human Rights Watch and other reputable bodies. The prisoners have resorted to hunger strikes as a way of protesting their treatment. Many have attempted suicide; three men killed themselves on June 10th 2006. Desperation, fear and frustration mark their confinement.

Five years later, not a single prisoner has been charged, tried or convicted of any crime. Many have been released because no evidence has been found against them, but more than 430 men remain in indefinite detention without hope of release. The United States has abandoned law and justice.

January 11th, 2007 marks five years of unjust imprisonment, isolation, beatings, interrogation and abuse for these men. We must say: no more. We must say: no longer. For our nation of laws, for our democracy, for our humanity and theirs, we demand small but essential steps to help return our nation to the best of our own traditions.

We call on the United States government to:

· Repeal the Military Commissions Act and restore Habeas Corpus.
· Charge and try or release all detainees.
· Withhold funds for the proposed $125 million construction of new military courts at Guantánamo.
· Clearly and unequivocally forbid torture and all other forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, by the military, the CIA, prison guards, civilian contractors, or anyone else.
· Pay reparations to current and former detainees and their families for violations of their human rights.
· Shut down Guantánamo, Abu Ghraib, Bagram and all other U.S. prisons overseas, including secret CIA detention facilities.

We mark January 11, 2007 as a day of national shame. But we can also mark it as a day of citizen action. How? By acting on behalf of our fellow human beings in Guantánamo, their bereaved families and all victims of the “war on terrorism.”

We declare January 11, 2007 an International Day of Action to Shut Down Guantánamo. In Washington, DC we will march from the Supreme Court to the U.S. Federal Court. At the Supreme Court, Guantánamo Lawyers and others will address the press. Individuals will then proceed to Federal Court, taking on the names and identities of the men in Guantánamo and submitting Habeas petitions on their behalf. With our action and our bodies, we will forge the path that the Center for Constitutional Rights and other legal advocates demand on behalf of their clients. Outside the Federal Court on Constitution Avenue, people will read testimonies and names of prisoners, perform street theater and hand out information. There will be solidarity demonstrations from Amsterdam to Boise, Idaho and a National Call-In Day to Congress.

We invite you to come to Washington and participate, either as an individual or as part of an affinity group. If travel is not an option, join or plan an action in your own community. Around the country, groups are planning vigils and actions at courthouses, federal building and public squares. In other countries, the focus will be on U.S. Embassies and military facilities. For a full list of both National and International actions, visit www.witnesstorture.org

If you plan on coming to DC, we encourage you to form affinity groups and be in touch with organizers ahead of time for details on the scenario. Contact Matt Daloisio (Daloisio@earthlink.net) or Frida Berrigan (Frida.Berrigan@gmail.com).

2006-12-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

Gunther and Elena were married in 2001. Gunther is retired US citizen. He worked as a factory and health care worker in Cleveland. Elena, a non-citizen, worked in health care and as private nurse in the Cleveland area. They lived in Gunther's Mayfield Village home for eight years.

One day Elena had a surprise when she went to the Cleveland office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to renew her work permit. She was arrested in September, 2005, because her U.S. visitor visa had expired. Elena's legal visitor status had lapsed during her first marriage with an abusive spouse. When she married Gunther, he petitioned for her but was denied by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

When Elena was arrested, Gunther, hired a second immigration attorney. Gunther also called the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network. I drove him to his first meeting with the attorney, because he was so upset that he could not drive his car. It was too late to save her from deportation. She was deported in October 2005 and barred from re-entering the US for ten years.

She was deported to Moscow, Russia. Her final destination was her native country, Ukraine, where her ailing mother lives. Elena is a talented health care worker and artist but there is no job for her in Ukraine. Gunther retired in 2003 and lives on his social security payments; hardly enough money to send much help to Elena. The couple had hoped to find a sponsor in Canada, where Elena could be closer to her husband and work, until she could legally return home to Mayfield Village. Elena sent this email, in May 2006 to the Immigrant Support Network to explain her talents and work experience:

I am an art therapist, or an activity pearson in nurcing facility or hospital/ I have great experiance working with sick people who got stroke, aids, got different amputations, depressed, got alzheimers desease. I also have an experiance to work with hospise patience [patients], I also did a lot of art resoration /old paintings,/ in my past, also I got qualification in theraputic massuse [masseuse]. At this time I am steing [staying] with my friends in Moscow, because now they checking my identification because I need a new passport its drives me insain. thank you don for everything you doing for me and gunther, because if i can go to Canada i can be close to my husbend. thank you a lot don,i was very popular art therapist in meridia south point, i am very good and patient with sick and disable people and i know such professions are on demend in us because not everyone wants to be arround sick people all the time, but i have no problem and got great satisfaction to make sick people to forget they problems even for a few hours, i am missng communication with patients now, its wos a part of my life like everything else Now I have no job and my mother dieng from cancer Elena Smolej

GCISN, attempted to find a Canadian sponsor, until the situation changed with her mother's sickness. Now Elena has a sponsor and job opportunity in Spain where she can earn a decent wage so that she will afford to get her mother required medical care and provide some semblance of normalcy for both of them. She needs $500 in fees for travel documents to allow her to work in Spain. Her family can pay half of that. Gunther would love to send the $250 amount if he had it, but living on a fixed income leaves him powerless to help. Please take a moment to consider volunteering with GCISN or to make a tax-deductible contribution to help Elena. Make your check payable to the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network (GCISN), write "Elena" in the memo line and mail to World People Exchange, 4323 Clark Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109, or drop in Sunday for doughnuts or visit www.WeAreAllImmigrants.blogspot.com, using the Paypal button you can make your contribution. Please call 216-631-2233 ext. 2 or email truth_force@yahoo.com with any questions or comments.

Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network: Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network

2006-11-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network: Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network

Español

Farm Labor Organizing Committee FLOC ON IMMIGRATION REFORM
http://www.floc.com/immigrantrights.html

(PDF document, English/Español)

Join the Immigrant Rights Network

(PDF document, English/Español)

ACTION ALERT !

Legislation Update

(PDF document, English)

Immigration News:

FLOC Proposes Freedom Visa

(PDF document, English/Español)

Voices from the New Civil Rights Movement

(Word document, English)

Congressman Gilmore Recognizes HR 4437 Is Wrong Bill

(opens in new window)

Baldemar Velasquez leads action at the office of Congressman Gilmore

(video clip, opens in new window)

FLOC Leads Protest

(opens in new window)

Ohio Immigrants Protest Hateful Legislation

(opens in new window)

Online Materials:

What Is the Immigrant Rights Movement?

(PDF English/Español)

Why Are They Here?

(PDF English/Español)

How Do Immigrants Contribute To Our Society?

(PDF English/Español)

Immigrant Working Rights

(PDF English/Español)

Anti-Immigrant Hate

(PDF English/Español)

What Is "Illegal"?

(PDF English)

History of Immigrant Workers

(PDF English)

What does International Law have to say about worker organizing?

* ILO Standards and the United States

* Convention 135

* Convention 98

Immigrant Rights Coalitions:

* National Coalition

(PDF English)

* US Immigrant Manifesto

(PDF English/Español)

* International Immigrant Manifesto

(PDF English/Español/François)

THE IMMIGRATION ISSUE

In recent years, we have seen a visible increase in new immigrants in the U.S. There have traditionally been immigrant neighborhoods in most large cities across America, including Irish, Germans, Italians, and also African Americans and Appalachians who have moved to new areas in the country. After World War II, suburbs began developing around the country, and many ethnic neighborhoods melted away. Until recently, immigration ceased to be a visible issue. In the 1990s, however, a new wave of immigrants became visible, as economic globalization, new social conficts, and other forces after the end of the Cold War increased the rates of migration all over the world. Hispanics are the largest and most visible of these new immigrants in the U.S., but people have come from every region in the world seeking to support their families and to realize new opportunities.

Popular reactions to these new immigrants have also been emerging in recent years. Some responses have been positive, as new neighbors have been welcomed into jobs and communities. But there have also been negative reactions, particularly after the attacks of September 11 2001. After the Civil Rights Movement, it was no longer acceptable in America to express hate and racism... but now it seems OK to be hateful and racist against immigrants. Myths and misinformation are clouding understandings, the voices of prejudice and discrimination are becoming louder, and anti-immigrants are forming vigilante groups and pushing policies that are punitive and oppressive.

What is the Real Immigration Issue?

The American society is facing a major challenge: What kind of society we are making for ourselves? Are we to become a hateful and oppressive society? Or will we become the best that we can be as a people?

FLOC has stood for social and economic justice since its beginnings. Our members are largely immigrants making important contributions in producing foods for Americans. In recent worker conventions, they have raised the issue of the prejudice and discrimination directed against them, and have called on the union to defend immigrant rights.

In response, FLOC has developed our immigrant rights campaign, with the primary goals of:

*

Organizing the immigrant community to have their own voice in all areas of their lives.
*

Organizing support networks for immigrant rights.
*

Policy advocacy to achieve:
o The free flow of workers between countries having trade agreements.
o Legal residency for immigrants permanently working and living in the country.
o

Reunification of families separated by international borders.
o

Full human, civil, due process, and working rights for all immigrants.
o An ongoing process for addressing these issues with future migrant flows.

The information provided here is to help develop our supporters and allies to:

*

Gain a better understanding of immigration and the challenges faced by both immigrants and our society.
*

Explore what solutions can work the best for all concerned.

Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network

2006-02-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

Tips for the Eco-Friendly Home

Maintain diversity in the garden,lawn and your body. Allow beneficial insects, plants and microbes to thrive in your environment. These plants and animals help maintain a healthy balance in your body, your home and your yard. Please consider your body first. Beneficial bacteria is important to ward off infections; that's why eating yogurt can help you sustain a healthy body. Acidophilius is a group of beneficial (probiotic) human bacili which inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract and stimulate the immune system. Poor diet and use of antibiotics can reduce the natural level of acidophilus in your body.

The same principle holds true in the lawn and garden. The Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network (GCISN) understands the importance of diversity. This spring, GCISN will offer organic lawn and garden amendments and economical tips for maintenance of your environment. Through a special arrangement with Organic Lawn and Yard, GCISN will offer wholesale prices on organic supplies for your home, lawn and garden. Call 440-237-0673 or email donmbryant@yahoo.com for your eco-order. Members ($20/annually) of GCISN will get an extra 10% off wholesale prices.JOIN NOW. SEE THE "DONATE" BUTTON

2006-02-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network

State of Detention

2006-01-31T15:02:00.000-08:00

Annual State of Detention and 2005 in Review
From the President
Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network

Immigration is central to civil liberties,
international human rights
and global efforts for peace. Developing relationships
with the diverse
ethnic and racial groups creates pathways to deal with
poverty,
violence and other social ills. This is a critical
component for developing
real homeland security for hometowns everywhere.

Diplomacy is one tool that U.S. counter-terrorism
policy apparently
avoids. Instead, the government deploys divisive and
discriminatory
measures: special registration (in 2002-03, for men
from 26 nations with
large Muslim populations), roundup, detention,
deportation and spying on
Arab, South Asian and Muslim-Americans. Such tactics
cause alienation and
fear among immigrant communities.

The tactics of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(ICE) and the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have failed to
uncover any actual
terrorism. Of the tens of thousands of Arab, Muslim
and South Asian men
that were subject to "special registration," no ties
to terrorism were
found.

Government cases alleging terrorist ties are often
unsubstantiated:
- Sami Al-Arian was aquitted in late 2005 by a Florida
jury for charges
linking him to terrorism.
- Yasser Hamdi, alleged Taliban loyalist, was offered
a deal by the US
government in which he gave up his US citizenship and
returned to
Saudi Arabia.
- Ahmed Omar Abu Ali claims he was tortured into
confessing to the
allegation of plotting to
assasinate the president.
- Capt James Yee, military chaplain, Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, accused of
spying; now vindicated.
- Brandon Mayfield, Muslim convert, accused of ties to
Spanish train
bombing; now vindicated.
- Ahmed Hannan Koubriti and Ali-Haimoud accused of
terrorism in
Detroit; now free and filing suit against the
government for a cruel, three
year detention.
- Nuradin Abdi, accused Columbus, Ohio mall bomber,
was threatened to
obtain confession and abused in prison.
- Ashraf Al-Jailani of Kent, Ohio, legal US resident
of Yemeni origin,
was detained over three years, originally called a
â€œfirst-string al
Qaeda operativeâ€. The government has retracted this
allegation and
recently deported him for a misdemeanor domestic
violence charge.
- Imam Fawaz Damra, emigrated from Occupied Palestine
in the 1980's and
was convicted in 2004 for omitting affiliations on
immigration forms.
He is said to have had ties to Palestinian Islamic
Jihad and the "Afghan
rebels". The Palestinian Islamic Jihad was not on the
US terrorist list
at the time of his omission and Damra supported the
Afghan rebels
simultaneous with President Reagan. Damra grew up in a
war zone and saw his
people brutalized by Israeli Defense Forces long
before the first
suicide bombings occurred. Damra has risen above the
violence, apologized
for anti-Jewish statements and has become an
interfaith leader in
Northeast Ohio, advocating for peace and nonviolence.
He know awaits removal
from the USA.
See Bill Moyer's interview with Fawaz Damra:
http://www.pbs.org/now/society/imam.html

Review the disturbing case of Dr. Dhafir as told by
Kathy Kelly of
Voices in the Wilderness
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0916-14.htm

These represent several of the hundreds (possibly
thousands) of cases
of injustice that serve as temporary justification
that the government
is busy doing something to keep us safe while real
criminals go
undetected. As the Bush administration manipulates our
system of justice to
sacrifice the rights and freedoms of a few so-called
'â€terroristsâ€,
our civil liberties, the rule of law and governmental
checks on power
are severely compromised.

GCISN works to counteract fear tactics with
â€œnonviolent civilityâ€.
We broaden our own lives by shopping and dining in
ethnic
neighborhoods, attending mosque open house programs,
and conversing with those who
may be experiencing discrimination. These are simple
tasks that open an
eye to the world. Standing up for people of Muslim
faith, and Arab,
Asian, African, Latino or other affected groups is our
charge because many
of us are the embedded immigrants in this country.
Isn't this really
standing up for ourselves?

Don Bryant, president, GCISN

This is just a brief view of our philosophy and
projects. Please see
GCISN's "Year in Review" in the pages which follow.
******************************************************************
JOIN GCISN, PLEASE. DUES $1- $100 (sliding scale).
We're networking to establish Hometown Security
through intercultural interaction. PAY PAL @
www.WeAreAllImmigrants.blogspot.com
or mail to GSISN, PO Box 93553, Cleveland, OH 44101
*****************************************************************

NEXT DINNER/MEETING, 2/1/06, 4:30 PM, SAHARA
RESTAURANT, 12501 LORAIN AVE. I HOPE TO SEE YOU. INFO:
CALL 440-237-0673
*****************************************************************

Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network 2005 Year
in Review

This year GCISN has taken on many projects and
continued to inform 165
email subscribers and media contacts through
truth_force@yahoo.com
about local and national issues concerning
immigration, racial and ethnic
profiling, prisoner abuse, civil liberties, domestic
violence,
diversity, cultural events and more.

DETAINEE ADVOCACY
- corresponded and visited men and women detained in
Bedford Heights
jail; Seneca County, OH; York County, PA and other
facilities where
immigrants are detained under contract with US
Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) and the US Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE). We
have advocated for their rights to due process, health
care, release or
return to their country of origin. We have contacted
family members,
attorneys, and/or spiritual advisers when requested.
- sponsored public demonstrations and programs to
publicize unjust
detentions, discriminatory and selective enforcement
of harsh immigration
laws and the heavy toll on families victimized by such
practices. Two
demonstrations were held at the A. Celebrezze Federal
Bldg. (Cleveland);
two programs to publicize Ashraf Al-Jailani's three
years of unjust
detention were presented at the Islamic Community
Center of Akron and
Kent. Extensive media coverage resulted from some
events.
- the Arab Gazette, Arab/English news printed a front
page article
written by GCISN president concerning the plight of
one detainee/deportee
and his family who were forced to sell their
restaurant. The article
also exposed huge federal expenditures for the massive
detention program
of ICE and DHS. No ties to terrorism were uncovered
through this
program.

ORGANIZATIONAL
- incorporated as a nonprofit membership organization,
501c3,
established a board of directors and elected officers.
The Board of Directors
includes, Kim Alabasi, Don Bryant (president), Brian
Fry, Vera Hall
(treasurer), Yasir Hamdallah, Yoshiko Ikuta, Mary Ann
Kerr (secretary),
Linda Park (vice president) Catherine Podojil and
Esther Sassaman, who has
taken a leave of absence while she pursues a graduate
degree in
Scotland.

LEGISLATIVE
- sent representative to Washington DC with the Farm
Labor Organizing
Committee (FLOC), Toledo, OH office delegation, to
lobby for fair
immigration policy and a guest worker program.
- organized a delegation of religious and community
activists and
immigration law experts to meet with aides to Senators
DeWine and Voinovich
to oppose the REAL ID Act and it's cumbersome and
anti-constitutional
provisions. For example, this act mandates states to
fund a new drivers
license and identification card and strips the right
of habeas corpus
from non-citizens, defined as â€œpersonsâ€ and once
protected in the
Bill of Rights.
- sent legislative alerts to the email list on issues
of immigration,
poverty, and prisoner abuse.

IMMIGRANT AND FAMILY ADVOCACY
- held two fundraisers in early 2005 to help defray
legal expenses for
Michele Swensen Al-Jailani) to reunite with her three
children after
her husband's detention (see introduction) sent her
into poverty and
depression. The federal government scrutinized her
with searches,
surveillance, and seizure of personal property,
including her computer hard
drive. Over $2000 in legal fees are subsequently due.

- a panel discussion, "Families on the Front Line",
was presented by
GCISN for the Summer Supper Series at the Friends'
Meeting House (Peace
House), cosponsored by Cleveland Peace Action, Women
Speak Out For Peace
and Justice, and American Friends Service Committee.
- supported domestic violence victim, Mai Hamed, a
Palestinian Muslim
who was set ablaze by her husband, (now deceased).
Mai's hand's were
burned off and 90% of her body suffered 2nd and 3rd
degree burns.
Members assisted Mai and her mother (and caregiver)
with transportation,
applications for assisted housing, communications,
publicity that elicited
donations, set up a Key Bank Mai Hamed Relief Fund,
and organized an
exhibit of Mai's paintings for the Tremont Art Walk
and a subsequent
Domestic Violence Forum at the Inside-Outside Gallery.

- provided and initiated "letters of support" for Imam
Fawaz Damra, an
interfaith leader, who fell under unwarranted
governmental scrutiny
- assisted a Palestinian family, whose husband/father
was deported, by
escorting the children to IslamFest at a local mosque,
the teenage boys
to class at the Islamic Center, and the entire family
to two Cavalier's
basketball games.
- secured a community development grant ($1,100)
through the Catholic
Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) to help fund
Behind the Bars, a
project designed to establish and maintain family
unity and empowerment
in cases of detained or deported immigrant family
members. The grant
runs until, June, 2006. Please see
www.behindthebars.org
- purchased tickets for Muslim immigrants to attend
John Dear
nonviolence program at the Congregation of St. Joseph
Center
- provided advocacy for immigrants of Arab, Asian,
Ukranian and Central
American origin.

COALITION BUILDING
GCISN has established a working relationship with
community
organizations, including the Beit Hanina Palestinian
Social Club; Cleveland
Catholic Diocese; Cleveland Domestic Violence Center;
the Council on American
Islamic Relations, Cleveland office; Inter Religious
Task Force On
Central America; Islamic Center of Cleveland; Jewish
Community Federation
Subcommittee on Battered Immigrant Women; Women Speak
Out; and others.

MIGRANT RIGHTS
GCISN supports comprehensive immigration reform that
respects the
rights, contributions, and struggles of migrants and
their families

According to the UN Geneva Migration Group (GMG) there
are "185 million
international migrants in the world today, more than
double the figure
only 25 years ago. Factors that have contributed to
the increase in the
scale of international migration include globalization
and growing
disparities in living conditions both within and
between countries."

Most estimates indicate that are about 11 million
undocumented migrants
in the US, a 23%
increase since 2001. Migrants provide essential
services to the US
economy and society . They also contribute to the
development of their
countries of origin by supporting their families and
communities back home.
Such remittances are important for the economy of many
developing
countries and in some cases "surpasses the amount of
official development
aid received." (GMG)

Nevertheless, many migrants do not receive recognition
for their
contributions. The role of migrants in society is
often misunderstood.
Foreign professionals and workers play essential roles
in national economies.
In their overwhelming majority they are positive
contributors and not a
burden on the communities they live in.

"Many migrants, especially in low-paid jobs, face
discrimination,
living at the margin of society without access to
adequate housing,
education or health care. Often migrants only have
access to jobs that place
them in hazardous and exploitative work conditions.

GCISN has already forged ahead in 2006 on the issue of
immigration
reform, and human rights. Two members of GCISN will
join the Christian
Peacemaker Teams in Douglas, AZ, February 24, on the
US / Mexico Border to
observe, hear concerned voices and relate the impact
of immigration
laws on individuals and families in the US and Mexico.
www.cpt.org

JOIN GCISN, PLEASE. DUES $1- $100 (sliding scale).
We're networking to
establish Hometown Security through intercultural
interaction. PAY PAL
@ www.WeAreAllImmigrants.blogspot.com
or mail to GSISN, PO Box 93553, Cleveland, OH 44101

Support Statements for Imam Fawaz Damra

2005-12-04T05:58:00.000-08:00

Imam Fawaz Damra was re-arrested on Thanksgiving
weekend as he left his house to deliver Friday
prayers at the Islamic Center of Cleveland.

> > He is being detained in Monroe, Indiana awaiting a
> > possible deportation for not declaring ties to
> > groups
> > now defined as "terrorists" by the U.S. State
> > Department on his iimmigration papers in 1991.
> >
> > http://www.pbs.org/now/society/imam.html
> >
> >
> >
> > The following letters of support include:
> >
> >
> > > 1. "Imam Damra Gets Mixed Signals" by C Podojil
> > and
> > D.Bryant,
> > Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network
> > 2. Rev. Werner Lange, Newton Falls, OH
> > 3. Dr Julio Pino, Kent, OH
> > 4. Rev. Thomas Dipko, Cleveland, OH
> >
> > #2,3 and 4 appeared in the Cleveland Plain Dealer
> > on 11/30/05
> > >
> > > Imam Fawaz Damra gets mixed signals by D.
> Bryant
> > > and
> > > C. Podojil
> > > >
> > > > If Imam Fawaz Damra of the Islamic Center of
> > > Cleveland were studying recent U.S. history
> and
> > > current events, he would assume that certain
> > > political attitudes and statements are
> > acceptable
> > > and commendable and some are not.
> > > >
> > > Most would agree that calling Jews "the sons
> > of
> > > monkeys and pigs" is deplorable; even Imam
> Damra
> > > admits that. Such speech, however, is protected.
> > Yet
> > > recent remarks by the Reverend Pat Robertson
> that
> > > the
> > > U.S. should assassinate Venezuelan President
> Hugo
> > > Chavez, or right-wing columnist Ann Coulter's
> > > > wishing that the 9/11 hijackers had attacked
> > the
> > > New York Times, or Bill O'Reilly's call for Al
> > > Quaeda
> > > to hit San Francisco because of that city's
> vote
> > > against military recruitment in the schools,
> are
> > > similarly deplorable, but protected, and no one
> > is
> > > calling them terrorists or trying to send them
> out
> > > of
> > > the country.
> > > >
> > > >Ordinary U.S. Americans in many communities
> call
> > > for
> > > the killing of Muslims and Arabs, here and
> > > overseas,
> > > every day on talk radio and on publicly
> displayed
> > > signs. U.S. officials say "bring them on,"
> speak
> > of
> > > "taking them out," promise U.S. Americans "they
>
> > > won't be a problem for long," and offer other
> > > provocative statements threatening violence.
> They
> > do
> > > this continually. In fact, they do it so often
> > that
> > > it hardly registers anymore, except to those
> who
> > > wish
> > > to remain aware of such speech and its effect on
>
> > > listeners.
> > > >
> > > > > The only difference between the above
> > examples
> > > and the firteen-year-old statement of Imam Damra
> > is
> > > that the Imam has apologized for his words. The
> > > others have not, nor, one imagines, have they
> any
> > > plans to do so.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > The government's indictment against Damra
> > > states
> > > that he lied about ties to terrorist
> > organizations.
> > > One of these organizations was also supported by
> > > U.S.
> > > tax dollars at the urging of former President
> > > Ronald
> > > Reagan. That organization, the Mujihadeen, or
> > Afghan
> > >
> > > rebels, and Reagan were credited and commended
> for
> > > the
> > > defeat of the U.S.government's longtime foe, the
> > > former USSR.
> > > >
> > > > The other organization Damra was said to
> have
> > > lied
> > > about is known as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad,
> a
> > > group responsible for suicide bombings against
> > > Israelis -- was not included on the state
> > > department's "terrorist" list in 1991 when Damra
> > > entered the U.S.
> > > >
> > > > Damra's distaste for the Israeli government
> is
> > > understandable, having lived under the brutal
> > > occupation of Palestine before coming to the
> > U.S.
> > > Fawaz Damra has seen his people suffer
> > > displacement,
> > > hunger, thirst, torture, and murder in his
> > > homeland.
> > > Defense of one's homeland is universally
> accepted
> > > as an appropriate reaction to invasion and
> > > occupation.
> > > >
> > > > Now the the U.S. government has skewed the
> > facts
> > > and the laws enough to convict this man. Of
> what?
> > > Is
> > > this the government's way of covering itself
> > amidst
> > > the growing realization that the US is failing
> in
> >
> > > the war on terrorism? This is called
> > scapegoating.
> > > Why must we destroy lives and communities by>
> > > scapegoating entire populations? We have done
> > this
> > > before, to Japanese-Americans in World War II,
> > to
> > > dissenters and others during the McCarthy era.
> > > Today,
> > > in addition to targeting the Muslim-American
> and
> > > Arab-American communities, our government
> > continues
> > > a
> > > long tradition of mistreating immigrants from
> > > Mexico
> > > and Latin America.
> > > >
> > > > Let's work to bring Muslims and Arabs into
> the
> > > community, not alienate them. Imam Damra has
> > been
> > > building bridges with his interfaith work, even
> > > during the long period of his press harassment,
> > > arrest, trial, and imprisonment. And it has been
> > > working. The many interfaith programs at the
> > > Islamic Center of Cleveland under Damra's
> > leadership
> > > brought together Christians, Jews, and others.
> > > > They were learning about Islam, sharing
> their
> > > own
> > > faiths, and finding common ground.
> > > >
> > > > Forgiveness is one of the virtues of people
> of
> > > faith. Let's stop looking for fights and find
> > > forgiveness .
> > >
> > >
> >
>
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > There's no justice in deporting Imam Damra
> > >
> > > Cleveland Plain Dealer
> > > Wednesday, November 30, 2005
> > >
> > > The deportation proceedings against Imam Fawaz
> > > Damra
> > > should be of great concern to every patriotic
> > > American
> > > and person of faith. Every witch hunt should be.
> > The
> > > purpose of witch hunts is not to find witches,
> but
> > > to
> > > create them; and their effect is to drain the
> > > lifeblood from American justice. The attempted
> > > character assassination of Imam Damra is no
> > > exception.
> > >
> > >
> > > Unlike the demonic caricature created by
> > > prosecutors,
> > > Damra is a man of profound faith, a penitent
> > servant
> > > of God. Only a person of deep faith could have
> > > survived the hell imposed upon him and his
> family
> > in
> > > recent years and still remained an effective
> > > interfaith peacemaker.
> > >
> > > Those of us present at the Iftar Ramadan dinner
> > at
> > > his mosque last month heard him explicitly
> > denounce
> > > terrorism in the name of Islam. In fact, he made
> > > clear
> > > that since terrorism is so entirely foreign to
> > true
> > > Islam, the term "Muslim terrorist" is an
> oxymoron
> > -
> > > since no true Muslim could ever engage in
> > terrorism.
> > >
> > >
> > > Is this not precisely the voice of truth and
> > peace
> > > from within the American Muslim community that
> the
> > > world needs to hear at this critical juncture?
> To
> > > silence it would be an American tragedy. Imam
> > Damra
> > > must not be deported.
> > >
> > > Werner Lange, Newton Falls
> > >
> > > Ihave had the great honor and privilege of
> > knowing
> > > and working alongside Imam Fawaz Damra in his
> > > capacities as spiritual leader, educator and
> human
> > > rights activist. More important, he has graced
> me
> > > with
> > > his friendship for years. Therefore, I feel
> > obliged
> > > to
> > > speak up on his behalf as his legal fate hangs
> in
> > > the
> > > balance.
> > >
> > > Imam Damra is a family man, and his family is
> the
> > > entire religious community of Northeast Ohio. No
> > one
> > > of his calling has done more, in my view, to
> > further
> > > understanding between Jews, Muslims and
> > Christians.
> > >
> > > Having attended the interfaith open house at
> the
> > > Islamic Center of Cleveland on numerous
> occasions,
> > I
> > > can attest to the love I and other guests have
> > seen
> > > shining from his face. His sermons, informal
> chats
> > > and
> > > even handshakes have given cause for hope to
> > people
> > > of
> > > faith during trying times. In September 2003, as
> > > guest
> > > speaker at another interfaith gathering at the
> > > Islamic
> > > Center of Akron and Kent, Imam Damra had the
> > > audience
> > > - prominent clergy of nearly every denomination
> -
> > > cheering and praising his call for an America
> > united
> > > in defense of peace, equality and civil
> liberties
> > > for
> > > all.
> > >
> > > Damra is blessed with the soft power of words
> to
> > > convey the message at the vital center of all
> > > religions: Love one another. Let us all plead
> that
> > > what Abraham Lincoln called "the better angels
> of
> > > our
> > > nature" guide the decision in his deportation
> > case.
> > >
> > > Julio C. Pino, Kent
> > >
> > > Arbitrary" and "justice," in matters defined by
> > > law,
> > > are words of contradiction. Although the purpose
> > of
> > > the officials responsible for the arrest of Imam
> > > Fawaz
> > > Damra on his way to morning prayers may make
> sense
> > > to
> > > them, their action gives our democracy's due
> > process
> > > an ugly face.
> > >
> > > No new evidence has been identified to warrant
> > this
> > > action. No court has been identified as having
> > > authorized it. Nor does it make sense to believe
> > > that
> > > Imam Damra is a flight risk when he himself
> fears
> > > deportation precisely for reasons of his own
> > safety
> > > in
> > > other lands.
> > >
> > > Our justice system has not determined that this
> > > spiritual leader, who has apologized for earlier
> > > polemics that he now regrets and has completed a
> > > related sentence for, is a danger to our society
> > or
> > > deserving of deportation. Until and unless it
> > does,
> > > Imam Damra belongs in his home with his family
> and
> > > in
> > > the congregation that continues to welcome his
> > > leadership.
> > >
> > > Rev. Thomas E. Dipko, Cleveland
> > >
> > > Dipko is interim director of Churches Uniting
> in
> > > Christ.
> > >
> > >
> > >

Join Us in Akron on October 22

2005-10-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

______________________________________________________

A Day of Rememberance For Hope and Human Rights for Ashraf Al-Jailani

October 22, 2pm-3:30pm at the Islamic Center of Akron
ISLAMIC COMMUNITY CENTER
152 E STEELS CORNERS ROAD, STOW, OH 44224

Program:

Dr. Julio Pino, Kent State University; Greg Coleridge, American Friends Service Committee; Farhad Sethna, Attorney for Ashraf Al-Jailani; Linda Park, Vice President, Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network; Julia Shearson, Director, the Council on American Islamic Relations, Cleveland office; Aman Ali, President Kent Muslim Student Assoc.; Katie Daley and the Detainees performance of the "Ballad of Ashraf Al-Jailani".

The Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network (GCISN) recognizes three years of detention for a man who has not been charged with a crime. He is a Yemeni Muslim, husband and father of three from Kent, Ohio. All who have concern for the traditions of civil liberties, and the foundations of equal justice under the law will find this matter of great importance. This is one of the most egregious violations of standards of criminal justice procedure and human rights imaginable.

Mr. Ashraf Al-Jailani has been detained by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since his arrest on October 23, 2002. Mr Al-Jailani has not been charged, nor interviewed by US officials who originally arranged for his arrest based on their suspicions of terrorist ties. An immigration judge, Walter Durling, has ruled three times, in hearings held in Pennsylvania, that the government has failed to present any evidence that Mr. Al-Jailani was a danger to the community, and that he should be released on bond. Through appeals, the DHS has managed to stymie the judge's rulings through appeals and delays by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office (ICE). Ashraf Al-Jailani was also awarded protection from deportation through his attorney's humanitarian appeal under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) in December 2004.

In the CAT hearing, the government attorney retracted the allegation that Mr. Al-Jailani was tied to terrorism in order to prove the government case that would make him deportable to Yemen. Mr. Al-Jailani had contended that the "terrorist" brand issued by the US would cause the Yemeni government to imprison and possibly torture him if he returned to his nation of origin. In spite of the court ruling in his favor on the CAT appeal, Ashraf Al-Jailani remains in York County Jail, a six hour-drive from his family in Kent.

The government has shifted its rationalization for Mr. Al-Jailani's detention to the assertion that he may be a "danger to his family". However, his wife Michele Swensen, has been Ashraf's staunchest advocate. She has bird-dogged congress and government officials, vouched for him publicaly in local and national news, and created a website, www.helpashraf.com. The GCISN maintains that any allegations of domestic violence must be substantiated and examined under state and local jurisdictions, not federal.

Gojo Enterprises management, Mr. Al-Jailani's former employer, vouched for him, as well as hundreds of area residents and citizens who have signed statements on his behalf, calling for his right to due process. The GCISN has recently asked Congressman Tim Ryan to submit legislation restore Mr. Al-Jailani's rights under the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Michele Swensen says that Ashraf is a broken man, "He has lost his hope. We need him. I just want him freed.".

GCISN calls for Operation: Restore Hope and Civil Rights for Ashraf Al-Jailani. Please join us and members of his family and mosque for a "day of rememberence" on October 22, 2-3:30pm at the Islamic Center of Akron in Stow, Ohio

For more details call GCISN at 440-237-0673 or email truth_force@yahoo.com or visit the websites w ww.WeAreAllImmigrants.blogspot.com and www.helpashraf.com.

October 22: A Day of Remembrance for Ashraf Al-Jailani

2005-10-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2005

Dear Members of the Press and friends of Ashraf:

1095 days and counting:

This October 22 (next Saturday) will mark the completion of the 3rd year of Ashraf's detention in a remote Pennsylvania prison pending his deportation from the USA.

That's a total of 1,095 days in detention for a misdemeanor conviction subsequently pardoned by the Governor of Ohio.

For three years now, Ashraf has suffered quietly in jail, while his three children and his wife suffer hundreds of miles away. This so that the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security ostensibly keep our nation safer from this "terror suspect." For those who have been following this perversity of justice, you know that the Department of Justice have never ever formally gathered enough evidence to charge Ashraf with any crime.

Last December, Ashraf was granted a waiver from removal based on a well-founded fear that he would be persecuted and tortured if he would be removed to Yemen. The USICE has also appealed that decision, and it remains pending before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Likewise, Ashraf's petition for Habeas Corpus relief has been filed and is pending before the Federal court in Pennsylvania.

Ashraf's detention is possibly the longest (that we know of, anyway), of any of the post 9-11 detainees to date. Most others have already accepted removal (deportation) and have been dispatched to their home countries. Those who couldn't - or wouldn't - go were secretly "rendered" overseas on CIA and DOJ-chartered flights for questioning using illegal methods.

Ashraf would have been gone too, except he chose to fight his deportation because he could not bear to be separated from his family. His youngest still waits for the evening when his "baba" - as he fondly called Ashraf at age 2 - will return home to play soccer with him. Meanwhile, Ashraf's daughters learn to ride bikes on their own, as Michele struggles to keep the family's heads above water.

Last December, Ashraf was granted a waiver from removal based on a well-founded fear that he would be persecuted and tortured if he would be removed to Yemen. The USICE has also appealed that decision, and it remains pending before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Likewise, Ashraf's petition for Habeas Corpus relief has been filed and is pending before the Federal court in Pennsylvania.

To commemorate Ashraf's three years in jail, the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network has organized a "Day of Rememberance for Ashraf Al-Jailani."

Details are below.

We encourage you to attend.

Thank you for your time. Thank you for caring.

Respectfully,

Farhad Sethna
330-376-6766
(Attorney for Ashraf Al-Jailani)

GCISN Purpose

2005-07-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

GCISN reaches out to immigrant families who have become impoverished by removal or incarceration of family members because of ethnic, racial or religious discrimination. In June 2005 GCISN became registered with the State of Ohio as a non-profit organization. GCISN has developed a core of dedicated volunteers and an email list of approximately 150 interested individuals. GCISN endeavors to preserve and restore justice for immigrants and foreign born citizens targeted by ethnic, racial, or religious discrimination and persecution.

Action Day for Immigrant Rights

2005-04-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

NEWS FOR THE FARM LABOR ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (FLOC)
(ESPANOL ABAJO)

AN INVITATION TO OHIO IMMIGRANT RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS
AND SUPPORTERS

National Day of Action for Immigrant Rights

April 27, 2005 - Washington DC

Dear Friends,

We are at a crucial moment in the struggle for full
human and labor rights to the millions of immigrants
living and working in the US. Senators from both
parties are working on a bi-partisan legalization
proposal for the immigrant workers who work hard to
contribute to the greatness of this country. President
bush is also pushing for a work visa program. But the
racist groups in congress are decided to stop anything
that would favor immigrants. The House just passed a
bill introduced by congressman Sensenbrenner to build
a biggest wall on the border with Mexico and eliminate
driver license rights for immigrants. THIS IS THE TIME
OUR VOICES NEED TO BE HEARD.

Immigrants and supporters from all over the US are
calling for a NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION IN WASHINGTON DC
on Wednesday April 27, 2005. We will meet with
Congressional representatives to demand permanent
residency rights for immigrants who have been working
hard and contributing to our country, and we will
raise our voices against the racist attacks on
immigrants.

IMMIGRANTS DESERVE RIGHTS AND DIGNITY.

THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO: (1) Endorse this Day of
Action. Send an email to bmaya1@floc.com. (2) Come
with us to DC. Our reps in Congress need to hear from
the voices of immigrants and non-immigrants alike that
giving rights to immigrants will benefit all America,
a nation of immigrants. (3) Donate as many seats as
you can to help others go. Any amount you can donate
will be appreciated. Make your tax-deductible checks
to Farm Labor Research Project & mail to the address
below.

Buses will depart Toledo, OH on Tuesday the 26th of
April at 10:00 pm. Please contact us to reserve your
seat. Seats cost $55 for the round trip.

The Toledo delegation is a Tribute to Sister Joan
Michalik (1938-2004) a loyal supporter of immigrant
rights. Sr. Joan Presente!!!
The new
development is that racists anti-immigrant groups
working under the
Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) are
mobilizing their
troups too on the same day. Please check their web
page www.fairus.org
under "Hold their Feet to the Fire" campaign for more
info. on their
anti-immigrant efforts. More than ever, we need to
take a message of
tolerance to Congress. Thank you for the great efforts
everybody is doing!
Beatriz Maya, FLOC
National Day of Action for Immigrant Rights

April 27, 2005 - Washington DC

For more information, please contact Beatriz Maya at
FLOC: 1221 Broadway, Toledo OH 43609; ph 419-243-3456;
fax (419) 243-5655.

Organized by (list in formation): National Coalition
for Dignity and Amnesty for Immigrants; Farm Labor
Organizing Committee, Asociacion Tepeyac, Comite de
Inmigrantes en Accion, Comite Pro-Amnistia y Justicia
Social Seattle, Centro Campesino, Centro de
Trabajadores Latinos, Mexico Solidarity Network,
Immigrant Rights Project of IN; Afrika Business
Community NY; Comite Pro-Amnistia Palo Alto CA; Farm
Worker Union of WA; Woodbridge Workers Committee VA;
Mexicanos Sin Fronteras; and other organizations.

ESPAñOL

Dia Nacional De Accion por los Derechos de las/los
Inmigrantes
Miercoles, Abril 27, 2005 -- Washington DC

Amigos/as,

Estamos en un momento crucial de la lucha por los
derechos de los inmigrantes que viven y trabajan en
los Estados Unidos. Senadores de ambos partidos estan
trabajando en una propuesta comun de legalizacion. El
Presidente Bush tambien parece firme en empujar su
programa de visas de trabajo. Pero los grupos racistas
en el congreso estan decididos a parar cualquier
propuesta que ayude al inmigrante. La Casa de
Representantes aprobo una propuesta introducida por el
congresista Sensenbrenner para construir un muro mas
alto en la frontera con Mexico y eliminar las
licencias de manejar para inmigrantes. ESTE ES EL
MOMENTO EN EL QUE SE TIENEN QUE ESCUCHAR NUESTRAS
VOCES.

Inmigrantes y apoyadores de todas partes del pais
estan llamando a un DIA NACIONAL DE ACCION EN
WASHINGTON DC el miercoles 27 de Abril. Visitaremos a
nuestros congresistas en Washington para demandar
Residencia Permanente para todos los inmigrantes que
han estado trabajando y contribuyendo al pais, y
alzaremos nuestras voces en contra de las propuestas
racistas.

INMIGRANTES MERECEN DIGNIDAD Y DERECHOS.

ESTO ES LO QUE USTED PUEDE HACER: (1) Endorse este dia
de accion enviando un email a bmaya1@floc.com; (2)
VENGA CON NOSOTROS A WASHINGTON. DONE UN DIA DE
TRABAJO PARA LUCHAR POR SUS DERECHOS. Nuestros
representantes en el Congreso tienen que escuchar
nuestras voces y saber lo que queremos; (3) Done
dinero para el costo del autobus. Cheques deducibles
de impuestos pueden hacerse a Farm Labor Resarch
Project y enviarse a la direccion de abajo.

Los autobuses partiran de Toledo OH el Martes 26 de
Abril a las 10:00 pm. Por favor contactenos para
reservar su asiento. Cada asiento cuesta $55. La
delegacion de Toledo es un Tributo a la hermana Joan
Michalik (1938-2004), leal apoyadora de los derechos
de las/os inmigrantes. Hermana Joan Presente!!!

Para mas informacion, contacte a Beatriz Maya en FLOC,
1221 Broadway, Toledo OH 43609; tel (419) 243-3456;
fax (419) 243-5655

Organized by (list in formation): National Coalition
for Dignity and Amnesty for Immigrants; Farm Labor
Organizing Committee, Asociacion Tepeyac, Comite de
Inmigrantes en Accion, Comite Pro-Amnistia y Justicia
Social Seattle, Centro Campesino, Centro de
Trabajadores Latinos, Mexico Solidarity Network,
Immigrant Rights Project of IN; Afrika Business
Community NY; Comite Pro-Amnistia Palo Alto CA; Farm
Worker Union of WA; Woodbridge Workers Committee VA;
Mexicanos Sin Fronteras; y otras organizaciones.

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Make Yahoo! your home page
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Palestinian Children's Relief Fund fundraiser this Friday evening

2005-03-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

Editor's note: check the upper-right corner of this blog for new information and links for immigrants. First off is "Know your rights" by Families for Freedom. Please feel free to post link suggestions in a comment to this blog, and we will be happy to add them to that section.

Join us for a fundraising evening for the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund
(a local humanitarian organization), for middle eastern food and music

WHERE: Cleveland A.A.C.C.E.S.S.
11555 Lorain Avenue

WHEN: Friday March 11 6:30-8pm

Donation: $20

FEATURING: Majid Sabor from Iraq

The PCRF was started by Kent resident Steve Sosebee in 1989 to provide medical care for injured Palestinian children. The mission of the PCRF has expanded to include children injured elsewhere in the Middle East. Thay may be brought to the U.S. (many have been treated at local northeast Ohio hospitals), or treated on-site by teams sent to the Middle East by the PCRF. Majid lost both legs in a roadside bomb and has recently been fitted with prosthetic legs. He has been living in Akron with Steve and Huda Sosebee and will be returning to Iraq soon.

For more information please call 216 932-7727

Parking is available in the shopping center across the street and Cleveland Christian Home lot, in block east of A.A.C.C.E.S.S. (Do not park in Aaron's Rentals next door)

Sponsors include: .A.C.C.E.S.S., The Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network, CAIR-Ohio, the Justice Committee of the Congregation of St. Joseph, and the Interfaith Council for Peace in the Middle East.

Solidarity Dinner and SpeakOUT

2005-02-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 20, National Day of Solidarity Dinner and SpeakOut

Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005 National Day of Solidarity Dinner
6 pm Dinner and SpeakOut at the Sahara Restaurant,
12501 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland

The Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network co-
sponsors with the Blue Triangle Network of Cleveland:
"National Day of Solidarity with Arabs, Muslims, and
South Asians."

Justice, Peace and Unity - Celebrate Diversity.
Resist Racism, Ethnic Profiling and Attacks on Civil
Liberties.

Now is the time. Move from repression and depression to
unity and empowerment.

Cost: $12.00/person (gratuity included) for
Community Solidarity Dinner Program at Sahara
Restaurant, (formerly Pyramid) 12501 Lorain Ave.
$15.00 without reservation.

R.S.V.P. by Wednesday 2/16 to truth_force@yahoo.com
or call 440/237-0673. Please specify Vegetarian or
Meat Entree.

Feb. 5, "Unconstitutional" and Open Microphone

2005-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

View "Unconstitutional; The War on Civil Liberties" on a giant screen at the
Muslim American Society Youth Center at 3120 Euclid Ave. Saturday, Feb. 5,
6pm. Sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network(GCISN).
Free, but donation-friendly. (1 hour film)

Sound Off on the Democracy Mike.
Share your story of repression and/or enlightenment in the New American Dark
Century. Poets, Comedians and Performancists welcome!
Fair Trade Coffee, Tea and Brown Sugar Shortbreads served.

"It's important to stand with the targeted ones: Arabs, Muslims and South
Asians at this time of our history repeating itself, again and again."
GCISN member

"The PATRIOT ACT is for us. PATRIOT II is for you."
local Palestinian man

"We created Unconstitutional to show Americans the extent to which our civil
liberties and our freedoms have been trampled upon by our government since
9/11," said Robert Greenwald, the film's executive producer. "The more
Americans understand what is at stake, and what has already been lost, the
more determined we become to protect our rights." Unconstitutional, which was
written, directed and produced by Nonny de la Peña, explores how the Patriot
Act has taken away checks on law enforcement and continues to endanger the
civil liberties of all Americans.

http://www.publicinterestpictures.org/unconstitutional/

The GCISN formed in in October 2003 in response to "special registration" of
U.S. males originating from and of 25 nations with large Muslim populations.
These unconstitional acts were performed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service), now reordered
under the Department of Homeland Security.

Contact:
Don Bryant 440-237-0673
truth_force@yahoo.com
www.mas-cleveland.org

Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network Blog

2005-02-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

This is the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network Blog test post, at 9:30pm on Tuesday.
Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network
Bylaws

Article I. Name
The name of this organization shall be the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network, hereby referred to as GCISN.

Article II. Purpose
Preserve and restore justice for immigrants and other persons targeted by ethic, racial, or religious discrimination and persecution through
1) Educating the public and legislature about civil right abuses and the plight of detainees and their families
2) Empowering individuals victimized by discrimination and persecution through education, information, and referrals
3) Identifying and addressing social issues experienced by communities
4) Fund raising to promote the goals of GCISN

Article III. Membership
Section 1. Membership is open to all those who are committed to the mission of the organization and pay dues as determined by the Board of Trustees.
Section 2. Members shall have all the rights, responsibilities, privileges, and services of GCISN, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to the vote of the membership and shall be eligible to hold office.
Section 3. GCISN shall not discriminate against any person with respect to membership, services, hiring or promotion on account of age, race, creed, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Section 4. Suspension of Membership
A. Suspension. Membership may be suspended for just cause as decided by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees
B. Reinstatement. Any member who has been suspended may have his/her membership reinstated by a majority vote of a quorum of the Board of Trustees
C. Notice and Hearing. No member shall be suspended without being provided with a 30 day prior written notice of reasons for the suspension and without being given an opportunity to defend himself/herself before the Board of Trustees.

Article IV. Officers
Section 1. Officers: Officers shall include the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2. Terms of Office: The officers shall be elected for a two year term of office.
Section 3: Nominations and Elections: Officers shall be elected by the members of GCISN at the Annual Meeting from a slate presented by the Nominating Committee and from nominations from the floor upon the consent of the person nominated.
Section 4. Removal: With a majority vote, the Board of Trustees may remove any officer for just cause and declare such an office vacant. The officer shall be given an opportunity to be heard before removal action is taken. No officer shall be removed from office without being given a thirty (30) day prior written notice. The officer removed from office under the provisions outlined above must relinquish all papers, documents and other paraphernalia pertaining to the office at the time notification is given.
Section 5. Duties of Officers:
A. President
1. Shall be Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee and shall perform such other duties as ordinarily pertain to this office, and
2. Shall call regular and special meetings, and
3. Shall appoint the Chairpersons of Standing Committees with the approval of the Executive Committee, and shall appoint all other necessary committees except as otherwise herein noted, and
4. Shall make interim appointments to fill vacancies in an elected office with the approval of the Board of Directors, and
5. Shall have the authority to make contracts with the approval of the Board, and
6. Shall, with the approval of the Board of Trustees, be responsible for hiring, supervising, and terminating GCISN employees.
A. Vice President
1. Shall discharge the duties of the President when the President is unable to act, and
2. Shall carry out any other duties assigned by the President.
3. Shall become President following his/her term of office as Vice President.
A. Secretary
1. Shall record and keep the permanent minutes of all membership and Board Meetings, and
2. Shall keep a current register of the members and affiliates of the GCISN, and
3. Shall perform all the duties in common to the office of Secretary, and
4. Shall act as, or appoint, a temporary chairperson in the absence of both the President and Vice President.
D. Treasurer
1. Shall collect dues, receive monies payable to GCISN pay all bills, and expend these monies in accordance with the fiscal policies and budget established by the Board,
2. Shall present written financial reports quarterly. This shall be done at Board Meetings or by mail/email to the members of the Board of Trustees,
3. Shall have the authority to sign checks,
4. Shall determine the location of GCISN financial accounts, with the approval of the Board of Trustees,
5. Shall prepare and file necessary tax forms,
6. Shall serve as Chairperson of the Finance Committee.
Section 5. Succession of Officers:
A. President
1. In the event the President is unable to fulfill the term of office to which elected, the Vice President shall succeed to the office of the President for the balance of the unexpired term.
2. Should the Vice President be unable to assume responsibility for completing the term of office, the Secretary shall preside until an election is held.
B. Other Officers: In the event any other officer is unable to fulfill the term of office to which elected, the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint member to that office. The member appointed shall be entitled to hold office for the unexpired term of the originally elected officer.

Article V. Board of Trustees
Section 1. Responsibilities: The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for all policy setting and procedural aspects of GCISN.
Section 2. Composition: The Board of Trustees shall be composed of a minimum of the four elected officers of GCISN, and may include the following: representatives of the communities served; chairpersons of standing committees; and members of the community at large who are committed to the mission and goals of GCISN.
Section 3. Duties:
A. To meet as often as deemed necessary by the President, but no less than four times a year, to direct the affairs of GCISN in order to accomplish the stated purpose of GCISN. Meeting of the Board of Trustees may also be called by a majority of the Board Members. All meetings of the Board of Trustees of GCISN shall be open to attendance by the membership but only members of the Board of Trustees shall be entitled to vote.
B. To plan and oversee all education, service, and advocacy programs,
C. To approve an annual budget including determination of membership dues,
D. To organize fund raising campaigns
E. To organize GCISN membership meetings,
Section 4. Quorum: A majority of Board Members shall constitute a quorum for transacting business.
Section 5. Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall be composed of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. After the election, this Committee shall meet and approve the President's selection of Standing Committee Chairpersons. It shall also act for the Board of Trustees in special cases requiring immediate action when a meeting of the Board of Trustees cannot be convened. The Secretary shall record all actions taken by the Executive Committee and send copies of those minutes to the members of the Board of Trustees.
Section 6. Removal: With a majority vote, the Board of Trustees may remove any member of the Board of Trustees for just cause and declare such a position vacant. The trustee shall be given an opportunity to be heard before removal action is taken. No trustee shall be removed from office without being given a thirty (30) day prior written notice. The trustee removed from office under the provisions outlined above must relinquish all papers, documents and other paraphernalia pertaining to the position at the time notification is given.
Section 7. Conflict of Interest:
A. Any member of the Board of Trustees who will benefit from the actions of the Board shall fully disclose any conflict of interest and shall not vote when an issue is deemed by the Board or the member to be a conflict of interest.
B. Employees of GCISN shall be excluded from the Board of Trustees.

Article VI. Deposits, Contributions, Gifts, Contracts
Section 1. Receipt of Monies: The Board of Trustees shall be empowered to accept dues, affiliation fees, contributions, grants, and special gifts for GCISN. These shall be duly deposited in accounts held by GCISN and accounted for by the Treasurer, quarterly to the Board of Trustees and to the membership at the annual business meeting. An informal audit performed by someone chosen by the Board of Trustees shall occur bi-annually. An official audit shall occur as needed.
Section 2. Contracts: The Board of Trustees shall be empowered to use the monies received to conduct the business of GCISN. The Board shall be granted the authority to enter into contract with others for needed services.
Section 3. Disbursement of Assets at Time of Dissolution: Should GCISN dissolve, assets shall be distributed to 501-C3 organizations(s) whose goals are consistent with those of GCISN. The distribution of assets shall be directed by the Board of Trustees.

Article VII. Committees
Section 1. Standing and Special Committees. Committees may be created, as necessary, by the Board of Trustees. All committees are responsible to the Board of Trustees. All Committee Chairpersons are voting members of the Board of Trustees.
Section 2. Appointment of Chairpersons: The President shall appoint Committee Chairpersons from the membership list. These appointments shall meet the approval of the Executive Committee, and shall be for a term of two years, but not to extend beyond the term of the office of the President. The Chairperson of each committee may appoint members to the committee with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Article VIII. Meetings:
Section 1. Annual Business Meeting: An annual business meeting of the membership of GCISN shall be held within six months of the close of the fiscal year. Notice shall be sent to the membership no later than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. The meeting shall be held for the purposes of voting for officers when appropriate and reporting to the membership the activities of the Board of Trustees.
Section 2. Special Meetings: A written petition for a special meeting signed by no less than twenty-five (25%) of the voting membership and presented to the President of GCISN shall constitute a requirement that a special meeting be called within thirty (30) days. At any special meeting no matters other than those set forth in the notice shall be acted upon.
Section 3. Quorum: At Annual or Special Meetings, the presence and/or written, telephone or faxed proxy of 20% of the voting membership shall constitute a quorum.

Article IX. Dues and Affiliation Fees
Section 1. Establishment of Amount of Dues: The amount of dues paid by the members of GCISN shall be determined by the Board of Trustees.
Section 2. Payment of Dues and Fees: Annual dues and fees are due and payable at the beginning of the fiscal year. Dues and fees may be paid by check, money order or other payment method as determined by the Board of Trustees. However, cash shall not be accepted.
Section 3. Waiving and Reducing Dues: The Treasurer, with approval of the Board of Trustees, has authority to waive or reduce dues for those with special financial circumstances. However, non-dues paying members are not entitled to vote or hold office.
Section 4. Fiscal Year of GCISN: The fiscal year of GCISN shall be from July 1 to June 30.

Article X: Position on Public Policy Issues: No individual member shall speak for GCISN on any issue or policy until such time as the Board of Trustees shall have adopted a policy on that issue.

Article XI. Amendments
Section 1. Proposal of Amendments: Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by;
A. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Trustees, or
B. The membership over signatures of not less than on-third (1/3) of the total voting membership.
Section 2. Ratification of Amendments: Proposed amendment(s) shall be presented at any duly called meeting of the Board of Trustees following which it shall be presented in writing to the voting membership. Voting shall be by mailed ballot. All returned ballots must be postmarked not later than thirty (30) days after the date of mailing to be counted. The proposed amendment must be ratified by two-thirds (2/3) of the returned ballots.

Article XII. Parliamentary Procedure
Section 1. Questions of Order: All questions of order not provided for in these Bylaws shall be determined by parliamentary usage as found in Roberts Rules Of Order, Newly Revised.
Section 2. Precedence of Bylaws: These Bylaws, as adopted, shall supersede all other previous constitutions and amendments adopted the GCISN.

Completed May 17, 2005
Ratified June 7 ,2005