Public Interest Projects presents an Alliance-Building Donor Series

The Intersection of Immigrant Rights and Criminal Justice

Is it only the Right that divides us?

How do language, religion and identity create divisions in our progressive communities that make it difficult to build and leverage political power? Join us for a discussion on how to overcome fault-lines and wedge politics that prevent alliance building in the social justice field.

Thursday, February 25th, 2010
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Public Interest Projects, 45 West 36th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenue), 6th floor

Speakers:
• Andrea Black, Network Coordinator, Detention Watch Network
• Janis Rosheuvel, Director, Families For Freedom
• Karlos Gauana Schmieder, Communications Strategist, Center for Media Justice
• Patricia Watkins, Executive Director, Target Area Development Corporation

Over the last decade, federal immigration law has become increasingly intertwined with the criminal justice system. Last year alone, an estimated 369,483 individuals were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a figure that has more than doubled since 1999. This increase has had significant impact on the work of advocates – both those working on immigrant rights and those working on criminal justice. The use of language and notions of fairness have created a dichotomy of “deserving” and “undeserving” constituents and driven a wedge between these two communities. Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities for immigrant rights and criminal justice advocates to join forces in promoting the rights of all people.

To RSVP, please contact Maggie Raife at 212.378-2809 or e-mail her at mraife(at)publicinterestprojects.org.