[IPSM] No One Is Illegal-Montreal Newswire/Bulletin de nouvelles (Mayday!) USA Immigrant General Strike!
No One Is Illegal Montreal
nooneisillegal at gmail.com
Sun Apr 30 18:45:01 PDT 2006
=====
NO ONE IS ILLEGAL-MONTREAL NEWS AND EVENTS DIGEST
BULLETIN DE NOUVELLES ET D'ÉVÉNEMENTS DE PERSONNE N'EST ILLÉGAL
=====
MAY 1, 2006 -- LE 1er MAI 2006 (1.11)
No One Is Illegal-Montreal sends Mayday greetings to all who resist
borders and global apartheid. In particular, we send a message of
support and solidarity to the Mayday immigrant strikers in the "United
States". In struggle, -- The No One Is Illegal Collective of Montreal.
Para el Primero de Mayo, el día del trabajador, Nadie es
Ilegal-Montreal dirige un saludo solidario a todos que resisten las
fronteras y el sístema de aparthied global. Además, mandamos un
mensaje en apoyo a los trabajadores en pie de lucha quienes realizarán
la huelga en "Estados Unidos". La lucha sigue y sigue. -- El colectivo
de Nadie es Ilegal en Montreal.
Personne n'est illégal-Montréal envoie ses salutations du Premier mai
à toutes celles et ceux qui résistent aux frontières et à l'apartheid
mondial. Nous aimerions particulièrement envoyer un message de soutien
et de solidarité aux grévistes immigrant-e-s des "États-Unis". En
lutte, comme toujours, -- le collectif Personne n'est illégal de
Montréal
::::: MONTREAL EVENTS/ÉVÉNEMENTS À MONTRÉAL :::::
1) 1o de mayo/1er mai/May 1st: Manif de solidarite avec les
mobilisations des immigrants aux E-U/Solidarity demo with immigrant
mobilizations in the United States
2) (May 13, 12pm) Rally Against "Guantanamo North"/Manif contre le
"Guantanamo du Nord" (13 mai, 12h)
3) (May 13, 5pm) A Supper with Kader/Un souper avec Kader (13 mai, 17h)
4) (May 20) Montreal's 7th Anarchist Bookfair/Le 7e Salon du livre
anarchiste de Montréal (20 mai)
5) (May 23) Film Night -- Apatrides Anoymes et No One Is Illegal --
Cinéma-Cabaret (23 mai)
6) (May 27) Status for All! National Day of Action (Vancouver,
Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal)
::::: MAYDAY USA IMMIGRANT GENERAL STRIKE :::::
7) MAY 1: "A Day Without Immigrant" Strike/Boycott: Over 100 events in
60+ cities
8) radioActive San Diego: Live radio coverage of May 1st Strike/Walkout/Boycott
9) Spanish-English Mayday Pamphlets, by Arizona Indymedia, San Diego
Indymedia and Delete the Border (San Diego)
::::: SOLIDARITY :::::
10) Joint Committee for Migrant Workers in Korea: Request for
International Solidarity
11) Please donate to the Esperanza Fund and help the families of
Canada's Secret Trial detainees
::::: SIX NATIONS :::::
12) Message from Hazel Hill from Six Nations (April 28)
13) Audio: The Other Side: Interviews with Hazel Hill, Clyde Powless
& Janie Jamison (CFMU Radio Hamilton)
14) Winnipeg Six Nations Solidarity Protesters Delay Traffic (The
First Perspective/The Drum)
15) Westbank First Nation shows solidarity with Six Nations (Kelowna
Daily Courier, BC)
16) Coast Salish Territories/Vancouver: Non-native supporters stand in
solidarity with Six Nations
17) Six Nations Clan Mothers taking land dispute to the UN (CP)
18) Up-to-date News from/about Six Nations
::::: NEWS/NOUVELLES :::::
19) (La Presse) Un «Guantanamo du Nord» en Ontario
20) (Radio-Canada Montréal) Les nouveaux visages de l'esclavage
21) (Radio-Canada Ottawa) Où sont les réfugiés?
22) (Toronto Star) Immigration seizes girls to lure parents
23) (Toronto Sun) Kids hauled out of classes
24) (AP) Teen immigrant from NYC faces deportations to Senegal
-----
The No One Is Illegal News and Events Digest is a bilingual (English
and French) weekly selection of analysis, news and events, compiled by
the No One Is Illegal collective in Montreal. To subscribe or
unsubscribe, visit:
https://lists.resist.ca/mailman/listinfo/nooneisillegal-l;
to contribute, e-mail nooneisillegal at gmail.com
Le bulletin de nouvelles et d'événements de Personne n'est illégal
rassemble une sélection hebdomadaire et bilingue (anglais - français)
de nouvelles, analyses et événements compilée par le collectif
Personne n'est illégal - Montréal. Pour vous abonner (ou vous
désabonner), suivez ce lien:
https://lists.resist.ca/mailman/listinfo/nooneisillegal-l;
pour contribuer au bulletin, contactez-nous par courriel:
nooneisillegal at gmail.com
-----
(((((1)))))
(français ci-dessous... English below the French and Spanish ...)
C O N V O C A T O R I A
La Asociación Comunidad Mexicana de Québec convoca a toda la comunidad
Mexicana, Latinoamericana y pueblo en general, a unirse a una sola voz
como parte de la lucha de los derechos de los inmigrantes en EU.
Apoyemos con nuestra fuerza, recursos e idealismos manifestándonos con
inteligencia y en forma civil y ordenada el día Lunes, 1º de Mayo del
2006, a las 13:00 hrs. Frente al Consulado General de los Estados
Unidos. En el No. 1155 St. Alexandre.
Para información y colaboración. Tel: (514)481-9534 (Les invitamos a mostrar su
creatividad realizando sus propias pancartas de protesta para la
manifestación).
(avisa a todas las personas que conoscas)
C O N V O C A T I O N
L'Association de la Communauté Mexicaine du Québec convoque toute la
communauté mexicaine, latino-américaine et population en général, à
s'unir en une seule voix afin de faire part de la lutte pour les
droits des immigrants des É-U. Appuyons avec notre force, ressources
et idealisme en manifestant intelligement et avec civisme et ordre en
date du lundi 1er mai 2006 à 13:00hrs en face du Consulat Général des
Etats-Unis. L'adresse est le 1155 rue St-Alexandre. Pour avoir des
renseignements et collaborer, s'adresser au (514)481-9534 (On vous
invite à faire preuve de créativité en réalisant vos propres pancartes
de protestation.)
Visita nuestro sitio Internet: www.comexqc.org
Correo electrónico: info at comexqc.org
Teléfono: (514) 993-8320
C A L L O U T
The Association of the Mexican Community in Quebec is asking the
Mexican and Latin-American Community, as well as the general
population, to unite in one voice in order to support the struggle for
the rights of immigrants in the United States. Let us support with our
strength, resources and idealism on Monday, May 1st at 1pm in front of
the U.S. Consulate located at 1155 rue St-Alexandre. For more
information or to get involved please contact (514)481-9534 (We invite
you to use your own creativity to make your own protest banners and
placards).
Website: www.comexqc.org
Email: info at comexqc.org
Telephone: (514) 993-8320
==========
(((((2)))))
[English below]
MANIF CONTRE LE "GUANTANAMO DU NORD"
Contre l'ouverture d'une nouvelle prison pour les non-citoyens détenus
sans accusations
sans procès
sous des informations secrètes et des soupçons
sous la menace d'être deportés vers la torture
pour une durée indéterminée
---
samedi, le 13 mai à midi
au Complexe Guy-Favreau
(René-Lévesque, coin St-Urbain. métro Place-des-arts)
---
Quatre détenus sous un "certificat de sécurité" - Mahjoub (presque six
ans), Jaballah (sous son troisième certificat), Almrei (quatre ans et
demi), Harkat (plus de trois ans) - ont été transférés dans les
nouvelles installations de Kingston le 24 avril dernier.
Cette prison, sous la directions de les Services frontalières, a été
construite pour les détenus des certificats de sécurité. Ce
"Guantanamo du Nord" crée un précédent au Canada et témoigne de
l'intention du gouvernement de garder les réfugié(e)s en détention de
façon arbitraire et pour une durée indéterminée. Le transfert vers
cette nouvelle prison signifie également que les détenus seront loin
de leurs familles et de leurs avocat(e)s.
Des groupes de Vancouver, de Toronto, de Kingston, d'Ottawa, du Québec
et de Halifax dénoncent l'ouverture d'un Guantanamo du Nord et
demandent au gouvernement de libérer immédiatement les détenus,
d'abolir le certificat de sécurité et de cesser les déportations vers
la torture.
***Nous avons besoin de vous pour aider à mobiliser ! Faites circulez
dans vos réseaux et venez en grand nombre !
--------------------------------------------
Coalition Justice pour Adil Charkaoui
www.adilinfo.org
justiceforadil at riseup.net
tél. : 514 859 9023
::::::::::
RALLY AGAINST "GUANTANAMO NORTH"
Oppose the opening of a new prison for non-citizens detained
without charge
without trial
under secret evidence and suspicions
under threat of deportation to torture
indefinitely
---
Saturday, 13 May, 12pm (noon)
Complexe Guy Favreau
(Rene-Levesque, corner St-Urbain. metro Place des arts)
---
The four Ontario "security certificate" detainees - Mahjoub (almost
six years), Jaballah (on his third certificate), Almrei (four and a
half years), Harkat (over three years) - were transferred to a new
prison in Kingston, Ontario on 24 April.
Dubbed "Guantanamo North", the new six-cell facility was built
especially for security certificate detainees and is run by the
Canadian Border Services Agency. It establishes a dangerous precedent
in Canada and signals the government's intention to keep refugees in
indefinite, arbitrarydetention - no charges, no trial, no end in
sight, under threat ofdeportation to torture. The move to the new
prison will also cut detaineesoff from their families and lawyers,
adding a new layer of hardship to the unbearable situation they and
their families are already living. In coordination with groups in
Vancouver, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa,Quebec City and Halifax, we are
calling for a demonsration to:
* denounce the establishment of "Guantanamo North";
* demand the immediate release of 'security certificate' detainees;
* call for the abolition of security certificates; and
* call for an end to deportations to torture.
***We appreciate your help in mobilising people to come out !
Coalition Justice for Adil Charkaoui
www.adilinfo.org
justiceforadil at riseup.net
tel. 514 859 9023
==========
(((((3)))))
Mark your calendars! Tell your friends! Because...
Inscris-le dans ton calendrier! Dis-le a tes ami(e)s! Parce que...
You are invited to ... Vous êtes invités ...
A SUPPER WITH KADER ** UN SOUPER AVEC KADER
For the past four months, our dear friend Abdelkader Belaouni, has
taken sanctuary within the confines St. Gabriel's Church in defiance
of a deportation order from Immigration Canada.
Join us on Saturday, May 13, for a community supper at the church to
celebrate his act of resistance and to learn more...
Childcare/childrens' activities will be available
Transportation to and from the dinner is also available. Please call
(514)267-3701 in advance for a ride.
Unfortunately, the space is not wheelchair accessible. There are three
stairs to get down into the basement where the event is being held.
For more information, please get in touch (contact info below).
!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
Depuis quatre mois, notre cher ami Abdelkader Belaouni, prend refuge
dans l'église Saint-Gabriel de Pointe-Saint-Charles, défiant ainsi un
ordre de déportation d'Immigration Canada.
Venez le samedi, 13 mai pour un souper communautaire a l'église pour
célébrer son acte de résistance et pour vous informer.
La garderie/activites pour enfants seront disponibles.
La transportation aller-retour est aussi disponible. SVP appeller en
avance, au (514)267-3701 pour arranger un lift.
Malheureusement, l'espace n'est pas accessible aux fauteuils roulants.
Il faut descendre trois marches pour accesser l'espace.
:::::
SATURDAY MAY 13
LE SAMEDI 13 MAI
ST GABRIEL CHURCH
2157 rue Centre
(metro Charlevoix)
17h à 21h
** FREE / GRATUIT **
:::::
community * music * info * musique * communauté
Contact: soutienkader at gmail.com + 514-859-9023
http://www.soutienpourkader.net
==========
(((((4)))))
Montreal's 7th Annual Anarchist Bookfair
For complete info: http://anarchistbookfair.taktic.org
Le 7e Salon du Livre anarchiste de Montréal
Pour des renseignements: http://salonanarchiste.taktic.org
==========
(((((5)))))
SOIRÉE-CABARET DE FILMS
Présentée par les Apatrides anonymes et No One Is Illegal
Le mardi 23 mai
À partir de 19h
Au Toc-toc (6091 av. du Parc, près de Van Horne)
Contribution demandée de 5$
En plus des films, il y aura des invités, de la musique et quelques surprises.
Informations : 848-7583 ou apatridesanoymes at resist.ca
:::::
FILM NIGHT AND CABARET
organized by Apatrides Anonymes and No One Is Illegal
Tuesday, May 23rd
Films start at 7pm
at Toc-Toc (6091 Parc, at Van Horne)
$5 or pay what you can.
Night to include films, talks and music, and some surprises.
INFO: 848-7583 ou noii-montreal at resist.ca
==========
(((((6)))))
:::::
Stop the Deportations!
STATUS FOR ALL!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
National Day of Action
(Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal ...)
:::::
Across Canada, migrants, refugees and their allies will demonstrate
against the deportation and detention of migrants and refugees, and
for a full, inclusive, unconditional and ongoing regularization
program, meaning STATUS FOR ALL!
Building on ongoing organizing efforts led by migrant communities
across the Canadian state, we are demonstrating because hundreds of
thousands of people live without status, while hundreds of thousands
more are exploited by the arbitrary and racist policies of Immigration
Canada. Thousands of migrants are forced to live in poverty, without
sufficient access to health care or education, and in great fear of
being detained or deported, all the while being the most exploited in
the workplace.
We are demonstrating as part of a struggle for self-determination as
migrants, immigrants and refugees, supported by our allies.
Join us on May 27, in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and elsewhere.
We refuse to be invisible; we refuse to live in fear. We demand STATUS FOR ALL!
-----
-> IN VANCOUVER
Action to be organized by the STATUS (Standing Through Action Towards
Unity and Solidarity!) Coalition. More details coming in the coming
weeks.
For more information, or to get involved, please phone 778-885-0040 or
e-mail saic at resist.ca
-> IN TORONTO
The STATUS FOR ALL! March will meet at 1pm at O.I.S.E. (252 Bloor
Street West at the St. George subway station). We will march through
the city and end with a community festival.
For more information or to get involved, contact
nooneisillegal at riseup.net; http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org
-> IN OTTAWA
The Status For All! event will begin at noon at the Human Rights
Monument on Elgin Street. More details in the coming weeks. Event
co-sponsored by the Justice for Mohamed Harkat Committee and the
International Solidarity Committee of Canadian Union of Public
Employees (CUPE) Ontario.
For more info: knastov at yahoo.com, jsquires at chebucto.ns.ca or 613-328-5831.
-> IN MONTREAL
The Montreal STATUS FOR ALL March will gather at NOON at Philips
Square (McGill and Union, metro McGill) in downtown Montreal. We will
march north along St-Laurent and Parc into Parc Extension, where will
stop for a lunch and speakers. We will then continue west into
Cote-des-Neiges where the day will end with a community picnic in Kent
Parc (corner of Appleton and Cote-des-Neiges).
For more information or to get involved, contact: 514-859-9023,
sansfrontieres at resist.ca; www.solidarityacrossborders.org
---
To endorse the STATUS FOR ALL National Day of Action (May 27, 2006),
please e-mail: sansfrontieres at resist.ca
If you are organizing an action or demonstration in your local
community, please get in touch with details: sansfrontieres at resist.ca
NO BORDERS, NO NATIONS, STOP THE DEPORTATIONS!
JUSTICE AND DIGNITY FOR ALL MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES!
==========
(((((7)))))
by Lee Siu Hin - Immigrant Solidarity Network
info at ImmigrantSolidarity.org
(213) 403-0131
Los Angeles, CA USA
As of April 24th, we have over 100 events at 60+ cities for the May
1st mobilization listed at our calendar!
"El Gran Paro Americano 2006" "The Great American Boycott 2006"
"Un dia sin immigrante" "A day without an immigrant"
Nationwide Immigrant General Strike Wear White T-Shirt at May 1!
http://www.NoHR4437.org
http://www.ImmigrantSolidarity.org
Dear immigrant rights activists:
As of April 24th, we have over 100 events at 60+ cities for the May
1st mobilization listed at our calendar.
On May 1, we are calling No Work, No School, No Sales, and No Buying,
and also to have rallies around symbols of economic trade in your
areas (stock exchanges, anti immigrant corporations, etc.) to protest
the anti-immigrant movements across the country.
No Work
No School
No Selling
No Buying…
- Yes To Immediate Amnesty
- Yes To Family Unity
- No To Criminalization of Immigrants
- No Border Fences and Racism
- No Increased Immigrant Enforcement
On May 1, we will wear "white" a T-Shirt and/or white arm bands, we
can paint and write our political demands (and creative arts) at the
T-shirt go to rally, protest, strike, vigil, work or school--we will
have a ocean of white T-shirts with our political demands from east
coast to west coast, at the street, work place, school, bus station &
store... and our voice will be LOUD AND CLEAR AND CANNOT BE SILENT FOR
EVER!
We will settle for nothing less than full amnesty and dignity for the
millions of undocumented workers presently in the U.S. We believe that
increased enforcement is a step in the wrong direction and will only
serve to facilitate more tragedies along the Mexican-U.S. border in
terms of deaths and family separation.
The success of the March 25 Los Angeles "Gran Marcha" proves that we
can make it happen! A new civil rights movement of the 21st century is
building, a multi-ethnic movement to link immigrant rights, social
justice and anti-war together.
Therefore, activists and organizers have a particular responsibility
to point out the links between Katrina's impact, immigrant rights,
civil liberties, labor rights and the U.S. war in Iraq. We need to
make the connections between: wars in Africa, south America, Asia,
Iraq, Palestine and Korea, and sweatshops in Asia as well as in Los
Angeles and in New York; international arms sales and the WTO, FTAA,
NAFTA & CAFTA with AIDS, hunger, our reproductive rights, child labor
and child soldiers; multinational corporations and economic
exploitation with racism, homophobia and poverty at home--then we can
win the struggle.
United We Win! Together We Can Achieve Our Dreams!
Lee Siu Hin
National Immigrant Solidarity Network
==========
(((((8)))))
Live radio coverage of May 1st Srike/Walkout/Boycott
radioActive sanDiego will be taking calls from the street all day on
MayDay, from 10AM to 6:30PM.
CALL IN LIVE FROM THE STREET @ 619-269-4693 and we will put you on the
air! Call in with your news, reports, stories and personal experiences.
Listen online at http:/radioActiveradio.org
You can also tune in to 106.9FM to hear the live coverage and find out
where to go!
Also, http://deleteTheBorder.org has a list of local events as well as
a PDF pamphlet for distributing at Mayday events.
All over the US, massive actions are being planned as part of the call
for a General Strike / Walkout / Boycott // No Work, No School, Buy
Nothing, Sell Nothing. Take part! Help organize your community to join
the General Strike and Walkout against HR4437 and for Amnesty!
Freedom of movement!
Equal rights for all people regardless of immigration status!
An end to deportations and detention centers!
MayDay 2006 will be a day remembered for a long, long time. Call in to
radioActive sanDiego, help us provide coverage for the community and
make your voice heard!
==========
(((((9)))))
Individuals involved with Arizona Indymedia, San Diego Indymedia and
Delete the Border produced this bilingual pamplet, providing a radical
analysis between May Day and pro-immigrant actions. Please distribute
widely. It is an 11'' x 17'' pdf that is easy to print and fold. There
is a "generic" version which allows you to include local details in
the document before you print it. You can download the pamplet at:
http://sonoranstyle.net/mayday
OR
http://deletetheborder.org/node/1022
Best of luck on May 1.
In solidarity from the Southwest,
Jessica, Arizona IMC
==========
(((((10)))))
From: "Wol-san Liem" <wol-san at nodutdol.org>
Subject: Support Migrant Workers Rights in S. Korea, Request for Solidarity
Dear Ally,
As you know, the struggle of migrants is one and the same struggle all
over the world. In South Korea, like in the U.S., migrant workers are
fighting inhumane working conditions and unjust government policies,
which are not only degrading but also life threatening.
On April 18th, a young Indonesian migrant worker in South Korea, Nur
Fuad, fell to his died after having falling from a third story window
while trying to escape during an immigration crackdown.
Since 2003, the South Korean government has pursued a policy of brutal
crackdowns and forced deportations against undocumented migrants,
sadly resulting in several cases like Nur Fuad's. In response,
migrant workers and human rights activists have staged numerous
protests to demand an end to the government's policy and the
legalization of all migrant workers.
Since April 25, the Joint Committee for Migrants in Korea (JMCK), a
coalition of human rights groups and migrant centers, have been
staging a sit-in struggle in Gwanghwamun Open Park in downtown Seoul.
They have been there day and night for the last several days.
There will be a public protest calling for legalization this Sunday
afternoon. JCMK's demands are as follows:
We demand:
- That the South Korean government legalize all undocumented migrant
workers and grant them the same recognition it does Korean residents
abroad!
- That the government ratify the UN agreements on migrant workers and
guarantee them overall human rights!
- That the government immediately abandon the murderous policy of
crackdowns and deportation for undocumented migrant workers!
- That the government legalize all undocumented migrant workers and
guarantee their right to work!
JCMK would very much like solidarity statements from groups in the
U.S. and all over the world.
Below is JCMK's statement. You can send message of solidarity by
email to jcmk at jcmk.org or fax to (82 2) 312-1688.
http://www.jcmk.org/
:::::
<Statement>
Limitless Grief for the Late 'Nur Fuad'
Nur Fuad's body is now being sent to Indonesia, his homeland.
Nur Fuad died on April 18th 2006, after falling from the third floor
of the Immigration Bureau at Inchon while trying to avoid being
captured by a Bureau regulation official. When one imagines who this
thirty-year-old Indonesian youth, who came to Korea with a Korean
dream, will miss and what he might have been thinking as he breathed
his last breath and closed his eyes, it is impossible not to feel deep
sorrow. Moreover, when one looks at the Korean government's
irresponsible manner of dealing with Nur Fuad death, it is impossible
to restrain deep resentment. With its actions, the government asks for
impeachment.
Nur Fuad's death is the result of a murder attributable to the
government's policy of crackdowns and deportation. It is our belief
that if this policy is not fundamentally revised more tragedies and
needless deaths of undocumented migrant workers will doubtless less
occur. The numerous cases of migrant worker who have already died
testify to this fact.
We have protested every time a death has occurred due to a
violent crackdown, calling for an end to government's wrongful policy.
But the government has neglected our demands and continued its
murderous attack. How many more undocumented migrant workers must be
arrested before the government is satisfied? How many more
undocumented immigrant workers must die before the government realizes
it must pay attention to our demand? How long will this policy, by no
means beneficial for national image or interests, last?
It has recently been reported that many countries are
competing for seats on the UN Human Rights Council. The Korean
government seems to be very optimistic, expecting to safely take 13 of
the 47 seats assigned for Asian countries. However, we cannot but
question whether a government that adheres to a coercive policy of
crackdowns and deportation which results in the deaths of innocent
migrant workers, is really qualified for membership in the UN Human
Rights Council at all. Even if South Korea manages to enter, it will
only do so by drawing a veil over its faults. Its membership will
have no meaning at all. The families of migrant workers, who watch
their sons, husbands and fathers go to Korea to fulfill a beautiful
Korean dream and come back as cold dead bodies, will never acknowledge
Korea as an advanced nation that protects human rights. Rather they
will severely censure Korea for human rights violations and develop
strong anti-Korean sentiment.
We, the Joint Committee for Migrant Workers in Korea (JCMK), a
coalition of migrant workers' human rights activists and
organizations, are staging a sit-in protest against the government's
policy. We strongly urge the Korean government to abandon its policy
of crackdowns and deportation and replace it with the legalization of
all undocumented migrant workers. This is the only way to prevent
more tragic events like Nur Fuad's death from happening in the future.
We hope that if the government changes its policy that the inhumane,
unjust and violent crackdowns and deportations will end and we can
then construct a truly multicultural and multiracial Korean society in
which all migrant workers are accepted as members and allowed to live
safely and with dignity.
We, the sit-in protestors of JMCK, make clear that we will
fight to the end until the day when all migrant workers in Korea can
work legally and honorably and go back to their homelands happily
after their work is concluded.
Once again, we pray for the soul of the late Nur Fuad and
express our condolences to the bereaved family who are in great
despair and grief.
We demand:
That the South Korean government legalize all undocumented migrant
workers and grant them the same recognition it does Korean residents
abroad!
That the government ratify the UN agreements on migrant workers and
guarantee them overall human rights!
That the government immediately abandon the murderous policy of
crackdowns and deportation for undocumented migrant workers!
That the government legalize all undocumented migrant workers and
guarantee their right to work!
April 26th, 2006
Joint Committee for Migrant Workers in Korea
==========
(((((11)))))
Please donate to the Esperanza Fund and help the families of Canada's
Secret Trial detainees...
Letters for the detainees and their families (details below) are also
appreciated)
Friends
As many of you know, the four secret trial detainees who have not yet
made bail have been transferred to Kingston's Millhaven Federal
Penitentiary in a new facility specially built for secret trial
prisoners. There are six cells in the special unit (perhaps no doubt
because there remain two individuals out on bail under this atrocious
regime!). This transfer, while long expected, has been extremely
stressful and nerve-wracking for the men and their families, who are
no longer in the same city.
In the past, many of you have donated to the Esperanza Fund, which is
run by the Campaign to Stop Secret Trials in Canada to help meet the
extraordinary expenses of families who have been thrown into poverty
with their loved ones behind bars on secret "evidence." Those expenses
are continuing to rise, especilly now that families must travel long
distances, as well as arrange for food and accommodation, in a city
that is three hours away. In addition, special things like
extracurricular activities and tuition for post-secondary education
are beyond the reach of these families, and they need your help.
(Mahmoud Mahjoub has three children, Mahmoud Jaballah has six).
The Esperanza Fund is hoping to raise a significant amount of money to
help meet these growing needs, and we hope you can help. If you would
like to donate, please send cheques in any amount made out to Homes
not Bombs (earmarked "Esperanza") and mailed to PO Box 73620, 509 St.
Clair Ave. West, Tornto, ON M6C 1C0. We can issue tax receipts for
donations over $100, but you MUST contact us for details on how that
process works first, since the receipts come from another foundation.
Because there is absolutely no overhead or administrative fees, every
cent you donate will go directly to the families.
Meantime, it is a very isolated and lonely place where the men have
been transferred, so a short note or postcard of support for their
rights to bail and to be free of deportation to torture, among other
things, would be a welcome and timely gesture during this difficult
period.
The new address for the four detainees -- Mohammad Mahjoub, Mahmoud
Jaballah, Mohamed Harkat, and Hassan Almrei -- is:
Kingston Immigration Holding Centre
c/o CSC RHQ Ontario Region
440 King Street West
PO Box 1174
Kingston, Ontario K7L 4Y8
This remains a difficult and stressful time for the families of the
men as well. If you would like to send a brief letter of support to
"the family of Mohammad Mahjoub" or the "family of Mahmoud Jaballah),
you can send them to the Homes not Bombs PO Box and they will be
forwarded.
Meantime, be sure to join the Freedom Caravan to Ottawa, June 3-10, and
Camp Hope in Ottawa during this June's Supreme Court hearings, June 11-16.
If you cannot make it, perhaps consider holding a vigil on June 13 in
your community, or sending a banner for the Supreme Court lawn. More
details at www.homesnotbombs.ca
Peace
Matthew Behrens
Campaign to Stop Secret Trials in Canada
(tasc at web.net)
==========
(((((12)))))
Message from Hazel Hill
Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 7:11 AM
Friday morning, and I just wanted to touch base with everyone. things
are quiet around the camp. we are currently in the process of
re-organizing, re-structuring, etc. so that we're not all over the
place. the women are in the process of getting the information
organized and hopefully (?) we will have a daily report coming out
from the site. At least that is my personal goal, perhaps early
evening, maybe even once in the morning and once at night.
The Caledonia residents are getting a bit frustrated, not only with
us, but there is alot of anger toward police for not getting us out of
there, and now they want to block our roads on the rez, stop accepting
status cards etc. it really is alot of garbage and i understand their
frustration, but it was clearly stated by my daughter who wrote in to
one of their blogs, "the racism is not new, it has just been hidden
better until this incident" something along those lines anyway. and i
agree with her. as do many. not all of them feel that way, but it is
not uncommon in any of the cities towns and townships along the grand
river, and it shouldn't even surprise us, they were taught their
history and believe us to be just like them......but it is their
spirit that is stirring and questioning their truth, and that is where
the anger comes from. it is easier to be angry and racist than to
admit that they might be wrong and there might be truth to what we are
saying. so, have compassion in your hearts for those people, don't
react to their anger and if you're going to the site tonight, lets
stay by the front gate, we'll have a sing, and let's ignore their
behavior. The media is just waiting for us to react and give them a
show, we need to stay proud and allow those people to have their own
say, in their own way, without even acknowledgeing it. As far as them
stopping us from shopping in "their" town, quite frankly, if they
don't want our business, caledonia may soon turn out to be a ghost
town without it.
Will touch base soon.
Hazel
==========
(((((13)))))
The Other Side: Interviews with Hazel Hill, Clyde Powless & Janie
Jamison (CFMU Radio Hamilton)
http://www.radio4all.net/proginfo.php?id=17785
==========
(((((14)))))
Caledonia protesters delay Winnipeg downtown traffic
FP/Drum Staff
The First Perspective/The Drum: http://www.firstperspective.ca
April 28, 2006
WINNIPEG -- Four-dozen demonstrators showed their support for Six
Nations Mohawks on Friday morning by partially closing a Winnipeg
bridge prior to police intervention.
They closed off the right hand lane on the Midtown bridge for a very
short period of time likely less than a minute or two before police,
who were stationed nearby, moved in and ordered the demonstrators off
the roadway portion of the bridge.
"Nobody got arrested and nobody got hurt, so we will live to fight
another day," said Peter Kulchyski, who was carried off the traffic
portion of the bridge by three members of the Winnipeg police.
"I think it went pretty good considering people were not trained
properly," said Kulchyski, an Aboriginal studies professor who is on
sabbatical and was acting as picket captain.
He was a veteran of protests dating back to the 1970s, but many of the
demonstrators were new to this type of activity. With more experience,
they could have held up traffic a while longer, he explained
afterward.
The evening before, when planning strategy, they decided their goal
would be to slow traffic but leave one lane open while pamphlets were
passed to drivers and passengers in other lanes. During the
demonstration, police ordered the picketers onto the sidewalks and
walkways, saying loudly that they were doing this to keep
demonstrators from being hit by vehicles.
After the police intervened, the demonstrators mostly confined
themselves to the sidewalks and meridians, although occasionally they
walked into the traffic lanes to hand out pamphlets while cars were
stopped by red traffic lights. Close to a dozen cops watched.
The demonstration began around 8 a.m. and lasted about a half hour.
Some motorists opened their car windows to take the pamphlets that
were being handed out, but other drivers in the morning rush either
refused to open windows or yelled at the demonstrators. Most of the
verbal hostility occurred before police cleared the bridge.
"Some people did not want any information, but those who took it were
supportive," said Shelagh Pizey-Allen, who estimated that 30-50
motorists took her pamphlets.
When the demonstrators returned to their drum circle on grass near the
foot of the bridge there was general discussion of participation in
future events. Heather Lightning, one of the organizers, said the
extent of future actions would largely depend on what happens at the
Caledonia camp site near Hamilton.
Lightning said the First Nations organizations in Manitoba haven't
been active on the issue. That is why individual citizens both
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal decided to act. "The chiefs'
organizations in the province haven't done anything," she said.
The only chief at the demonstration was Chief Terry Nelson of the
Roseau River First Nation. Speaking prior to the demonstration, he
said that it was a mistake for First Nations organizations, like Union
of Ontario Indians, to tell people to stay away from the Caledonia
site saying that they didn't want people going into an area that could
be unsafe.
UOI had called for cooler heads to prevail, but Nelson said the Native
people who were standing up for their rights were not responsible for
cranking up tensions. "They should be condemning the police and
courts."
He also said that people across the country would respond with railway
blockades if the police or military move against the Six Nations camp
at Caledonia and kill people.
The demonstration held Friday morning (April 29) is among a series of
events being held across the country to show solidarity with the Six
Nations and to deter governments and police from using force to evict
demonstrators at a sub-division construction site at the town of
Caledonia.
==========
(((((15)))))
>From KelownaDailyCourier.ca
Local
Natives show support for Mohawks
By Daily Courier Staff
Wednesday, April 26, 2006, 12:01 AM
http://209.115.237.105/kelowna/publish/article_1813.php
A small group of protesters held an "information" protest along
Highway 97 in Westbank Tuesday, but they didn't rule out the
possibility of shutting down the bridge in the future.
The natives were supporting members of the Mohawk Nation near
Caledonia, Ont., who have occupied land planned for a housing
development.
"There are going to be repercussions – it could be a rough summer,"
said Pierre Kruger, a native from the Coast of B.C.
"If police enforce the theft of land, it might come to shutting down
the (Okanagan Lake) bridge. If I had my way, that would have happened
today. But that's up to the elders."
There were about a dozen protesters walking the sidewalk across
Highway 97 from the Westbank First Nation office. Most of the
protesters were from out of town.
Alex Louie, a native from Oliver who organized the protest, said most
Indians don't support the elected chiefs and councils at Six Nations
or the WFN.
"The grassroots peoples believe that the traditional people are in
charge of making any decision on Okanagan land rights and
sovereignty," he said. "The membership has been excluded from
negotiations here (WFN self-government).
"What the (WFN) council and provincial and federal governments want
has no bearing on what the people want.
"The grassroots people do not believe in the Canadian government's
land selection process because aboriginal title exists throughout
Okanagan territory."
WFN Chief Robert Louie said the protest was not approved by the
Westbank band council.
"WFN supports the right of peaceful assembly, and although we
sympathize with the Mohawk Nation and their plight, we have our own
land issues to deal with here," he said.
Protester Ethan Baptiste, also from Oliver, said if Ontario police
don't back down in their standoff with the Mohawks, it will have
consequences across the country.
"Blockading the bridge may be extreme, but that's the kind of extreme
measures that will be taken across the country," he said.
There were several non-natives on the protest line.
"I'm supporting them because I think they have much more respect for
the land than our culture does," said Lynda Barrer of Kelowna.
==========
(((((16)))))
NON-NATIVE SUPPORTERS STAND WITH THE SIX NATIONS
As non-native, multiracial groups in Coast Salish Territories/
Vancouver, we extend our solidarity to the Six Nations Community in
Caledonia, Ontario and condemn the police violence and criminalization
of the community who are standing for their rights. The racist
colonial legacy of Canada continues to devastate the lands and lives
of indigenous peoples and as non-native supporters, we affirm our
solidarity with the Six
Nations community in calling for immediate end to construction by
Henco Industries; a withdrawal of OPP and enforcement forces; and for
a just resolution as determined by the clan mothers.
1. Al-Awda (Palestinian Right of Return) Coalition-Vancouver
2. Anti-Capitalist Community Forum
3. Anti Poverty Committee
4. Association of Chinese Canadians for Equality and Solidarity Society
5. B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
6. B.C Latin-American Collective
7. Bolivia Solidarity Committee
8. Bus Riders Union
9. Canadian Network for Democratic Nepal
10. Canada Palestine Association
11. Downtown Eastside Residents Association
12. Haiti Solidarity B.C
13. Grassroots Women
14. International Solidarity Movement
15. Iranian Federation of Refugees
16. Justicia for Migrant Workers
17. Mostly Water Newswire
18. No One is Illegal-Vancouver
19. Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance
20. Filipino Nurses Support Group
21. Palestine Community Centre
22. Palestine Solidarity Group
23. Palestinian Arab Women's Association
24. Philippine Women Centre
25. Seven Oaks Magazine
26. SIKLAB (Overseas Filipino Workers)
27. StopWar.ca
28. South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy
29. South Asian Women's Alliance
30. Vancouver Status of Women
31. Voice of Palestine-Vancouver
==========
(((((17)))))
Six Nations clan mothers taking Caledonia land dispute to UN
Canadian Press
Thursday, April 27, 2006
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=48c36ed6-6991-4dac-994f-dad417720a39&k=2635
CALEDONIA, Ont. -- Aboriginal activists occupying a southern Ontario
housing development are taking their case to the United Nations.
On Thursday, Six Nations clan mothers were drafting a statement about
the land protest for the United Nations.
Although they seldom speak in public, the clan mothers are considered
the protectors of the land in the Six Nations Confederacy and have
been wielding influence behind the scenes.
Former Six Nations resident Doreen Silversmith, 49, will deliver the
clan mothers' message to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights in Geneva next week.
When Canada last appeared before the committee in 1998 it was
chastised for the "gross disparity between aboriginal people and the
majority of Canadians.''
The committee also expressed concern about poverty rates among
aboriginal women like Silversmith, who rose from a street person to an
outspoken native activist.
Silversmith was still waiting for written instructions from the clan
mothers Thursday night as she prepared to board the plane for Geneva
on Friday.
When they took over the site two months ago, the protesters erected a
large banner proclaiming "Six Nations Land.''
They claim that land is part of the original Haldimand Grant to the
Six Nations people and had never been surrendered.
Governments say the sale was approved in the 1840s.
Don and John Henning, owners of Henco Industries, say they have a
clear title to the land and satisfied all the municipal requirements
before they started building houses on the site last fall.
Apart from delivering the clan mothers' missive, Silversmith will tell
her own tragic story.
After growing up on the Six Nations Reserve, she went to Toronto where
she slept on the street and in shelters for the homeless.
She ended up in a mental health hospital, written off as "a drunken,
crazy Indian.''
However, through the help of a nurse, she joined an alcohol treatment
program and hasn't touched a drop of booze since June 26, 1980.
Representatives of international human rights groups have also taken
note of the Caledonia occupation.
Bryant Greenbaum, who works as a human rights lawyer in South Africa,
visited the Douglas Creek Estates protest site Thursday to learn about
First Nations land issues and see how they compare with tribal issues
in his own country.
Greenbaum said he was impressed with the way the Six Nations activists
were conducting their protest.
"I see a peaceful political activism that can make positive changes,''
Greenbaum said.
While touring the site, he said he heard stories similar to those
related to him by Zulu and Xhosa tribal leaders in South Africa, where
land reform and reclamation is also a big issue.
Tribes that lost indigenous territories during the apartheid years are
seeking compensation or return of ancestral lands.
"The images I've taken, the stories I've heard and the dialogue I've
engaged in today will be taken back with me to South Africa and will
be totally empowering for (the tribal people trying to get their land
back),'' he said.
==========
(((((18)))))
Six Nations Resources, Information and Up-to-date News
Indigenous Coverage:
--> Gathering Place First Nations Canadian News, with reports and
photos from people visiting the support camp and blockade:
http://gatheringplacefirstnationscanews.ca/breakingnews.htm
--> If you'd like the latest info from the standoff at Caledonia you
can listen live to the local Six Nations radio station CKRZ over the
internet: http://www.ckrz.com/index.html
--> NDN News Page on Caledonia and Six Nations:
http://www.ndnnews.com/Caledonia%20Occupation.htm
--> Turtle Island Native News Network page on Six Nations:
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-sixnations.htm
More Information:
--> Settlers in Support of Indigenous Sovereignty Six Nations
Solidarity Page: http://sisis.nativeweb.org/actionalert/
--> Six Nations Caledonia Resource Page by Autonomy and Solidarity:
http://auto_sol.tao.ca/node/view/2012?PHPSESSID=6636d4771ff904c3899dfc6202cb0186
==========
(((((19)))))
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20060426/CPACTUALITES/604260811/1024/CPACTUALITES
Le mercredi 26 avr 2006
JUSTICE
Un «Guantanamo du Nord» en Ontario
Tristan Péloquin
Affirmant vouloir leur procurer de meilleurs services, l'Agence des
services frontaliers du Canada a transféré lundi quatre hommes visés
par un certificat de sécurité dans une aile isolée du pénitencier de
Kingston.
Indignée par l'ouverture de cette aile spéciale, une coalition
d'organismes opposés aux certificats de sécurité qualifie l'endroit de
«Guantanamo du Nord», en référence à la prison américaine à ciel
ouvert située à Cuba, où sont détenus plusieurs centaines de
«combattants illégaux».
«C'est un précédent très inquiétant. En regroupant pour la première
fois les personnes visées par un certificat de sécurité en un même
endroit, le Canada laisse planer une utilisation encore plus grande de
la détention arbitraire», dénonce Mary Foster, de la Coalition Justice
pour Adil Charkaoui.
Très controversés, les certificats de sécurité permettent au
gouvernement de détenir pour une durée indéterminée et sans déposer
d'accusations formelles des résidants permanents soupçonnés
d'appartenir à des organisations terroristes. Six individus sont
actuellement visés par cette mesure, dont le Montréalais Adil
Charkaoui, qui a recouvré une liberté partielle et surveillée après
avoir passé 21 mois en cellule.
Six cellules spéciales
Même si la Cour suprême doit se pencher sur la constitutionnalité de
ces certificats à la mi-juin, le gouvernement libéral a décidé avant
les élections de créer ce «Centre de surveillance» spécial, situé à
l'intérieur du pénitencier à sécurité maximale Millhaven, près de
Kingston.
Six cellules y ont été aménagées. «Nous y avons transféré (les quatre
détenus) pour pouvoir leur donner un meilleur service, a expliqué hier
Cara Trest, porte-parole de l'Agence des services frontaliers. Ils ont
accès à des services médicaux et dentaires, à la vidéoconférence, au
téléphone et peuvent sortir dans une cour surveillée. Ils ont aussi
accès à une pièce pour accueillir de la visite.»
Pour Adil Charkaoui, ce centre de détention n'en est pas moins une
aberration. «Au début, lorsque j'ai entendu parler de l'intention du
gouvernement d'y transférer les détenus, j'ai cru que c'était plutôt
une bonne idée. J'ai passé près de deux ans dans une cellule de deux
mètres sur deux mètres et demi, et j'ai failli devenir fou. Je me suis
dit: Au moins, dans une prison fédérale, ils auront accès à des
services.»
Isolation
Mais le fait que les détenus soient isolés des autres prisonniers
change complètement la donne, croit-il. «Ce n'est pas facile pour un
gardien de prison de commettre des mauvais traitements devant 40 ou 50
détenus. Mais devant trois ou quatre individus isolés, tout est
possible. On risque de se retrouver avec un Abou Ghraib canadien.»
Des manifestations sont prévues au cours des prochains jours à Ottawa,
Toronto, Halifax et Vancouver pour dénoncer l'ouverture du Centre de
surveillance. Une marche est aussi prévue à Montréal le 13 mai
prochain.
==========
(((((20)))))
http://radio-canada.ca/radio/sansfrontieres/72250.shtml
CANADA, Immigration
Les nouveaux visages de l'esclavage
On estime qu'il y aurait entre 200 000 et 500 000 personnes sans
papiers au Canada. Pour ces immigrants illégaux, dont certains sont au
pays depuis plusieurs années, la vie quotidienne est extrêmement
compliquée. Ils sont souvent exploités par leurs employeurs, leurs
propriétaires et n'ont aucun moyen de défense.
La situation est particulièrement difficile pour les enfants, qui
ravalent leur souffrance, de peur de trahir leur famille.
L'organisme qui leur vient en aide, Solidarité sans frontières,
demande la régularisation de tous les immigrants illégaux au pays.
L'organisme déplore que des milliers de personnes doivent vivre dans
la pauvreté, privées d'accès aux soins de santé ou à l'éducation et
dans la peur d'être emprisonnées ou déportées. Une grande journée
d'action est prévue le 27 mai à Toronto, Vancouver et Montréal.
==========
(((((21)))))
Où sont les réfugiés?
Mise à jour le jeudi 27 avril 2006, 10 h 30 .
http://radio-canada.ca/regions/ottawa/2006/04/27/002-refugies-perdus.shtml
Le Conseil canadien pour les réfugiés demande au fédéral d'expliquer
ce qui est advenu de milliers de demandeurs d'asile. Seize mois après
l'entrée en vigueur d'une entente canado-américaine sur les réfugiés,
les deux pays n'ont toujours pas publié le bilan prévu au bout d'un
an.
Le Conseil souligne également que le nombre de demandeurs de statut de
réfugié a chuté de plus de la moitié depuis l'entrée en vigueur de
l'accord.
L'année dernière, 4000 personnes ont fait une demande de statut de
réfugié à un poste-frontière canadien. C'est une diminution de plus de
la moitié par rapport à l'année précédente.
Les défenseurs des réfugiés estiment que l'accord sur les tiers pays
sûrs conclu entre le Canada et les États-Unis a fermé la porte aux
personnes dans le besoin.
En vertu de cette entente, un réfugié doit présenter sa demande dans
le premier pays visité. Si par exemple les États-Unis rejettent cette
demande, le réfugié ne peut se tourner vers le Canada.
Selon Nicole Laviolette, professeure de droit international à
l'Université d'Ottawa, il y a lieu de s'inquiéter. Mme Laviolette
affirme qu'on a carrément perdu la trace de milliers de réfugiés, dont
certains tentent peut-être d'entrer au pays de façon clandestine. À
Ottawa et à Washington, on se contente de dire qu'un autre mois
pourrait s'écouler avant que le rapport soit publié.
==========
(((((22)))))
Immigration seizes girls to lure parents
Apr. 29, 2006. 07:18 AM
ISABEL TEOTONIO
STAFF REPORTER
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1146261012873&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home
In a highly unusual move contradicting federal protocol, immigration
officials went to a Toronto school yesterday and threatened to take
away two young sisters if their parents, illegal immigrants, did not
show up to turn themselves in within 30 minutes.
Their Costan Rican mother, who arrived in tears at St. Jude school a
short time later, was taken to a detention centre with the frightened
girls, age 7 and 14. But she was released into a friend's care last
night with her daughters.
"This is very strange. I don't understand what happened," Alvaro
Serdas said through an interpreter, of the incident involving his wife
Denia Araya and daughters Lisbeth and Hacel. "I think maybe
Immigration released them because they're scared they did something
wrong in going to the school," said Serdas, who was shocked that
officials would essentially threaten to hold children ransom to lure
their parents out of hiding.
"All we know is that there was a call made to Ottawa and it was from
there that came the order to release them," Serdas said last night.
Fearful that their release was a sting operation to lure him and his
two other children, aged 18 and 21, out of hiding, he said he probably
wouldn't be reunited with his family until today.
Late yesterday, spokeswoman Anna Pape, of the Canada Border Services
Agency, could not confirm details of the school incident but said such
a move "completely contravenes protocol," particularly in the case of
a failed refugee claimant who didn't report for deportation. The
Serdas were ordered deported back to their native Costa Rica last
year.
"What took place was contrary to CBSA protocols and the family has
been re-placed," Pape said. "We don't want to create a situation where
parents without status or facing removal keep their kids out of
school. We're not in the business of using children to apprehend
parents in violation of the Immigration Act."
A spokesperson for the Toronto Catholic District School Board said the
board is planning a meeting Monday to discuss what principals should
do if faced with a similar situation and parents don't show up to
retrieve their children.
Mary Jo Deighan confirmed that immigration officials arrived at the
school, in the Weston Rd. and Sheppard Ave W. area, yesterday morning.
The school arranged for a Spanish speaker to call the Serdas'
cellphone — they don't have a land line and the school didn't have
their home address — and relay the threatening message.
Lisbeth and Hacel were sent to the office, where they and their mother
were eventually led to a van that took them to the Rexdale immigration
holding centre.
Deighan said the students' removal was done "quietly" and "none of the
other kids saw" what happened.
"We have to abide by federal laws that govern us," said Deighan, who
nonetheless called it a tough situation. It would have been even
tougher had neither parent shown up.
But the whole scenario should never have occurred in the first place,
Pape said, calling the St. Jude incident a textbook example of what
shouldn't happen.
An example of the proper protocol took place Thursday at Dante
Alighieri Academy, when immigration officials removed Kimberly
Lizano-Sossa, 15, and her brother, Gerald Lizano-Sossa, 14.
The students and their parents, Francella Sossa and Gerald Lizano,
came to Canada as visitors from Costa Rica in 2001. They applied for
refugee status, fearing they'd been targeted by a dangerous drug
dealer. They were denied and told to show up for a deportation flight
on Feb. 16. When they did not, a warrant was issued for their arrest —
along with the grandparents who had joined them last year.
Thursday morning, working on a tip, immigration officials descended on
a north-end building, arresting the grandparents and then Francella
Sossa and her 2-year-old Canadian- born daughter, Joshlynn.
The family, except the father — who was working on a construction site
and remains at large — were driven in an unmarked van to the high
school, where staff were told to get the students.
"It was heart-wrenching," recalled vice-principal Anita Bartolini, who
broke the news to Gerald during lunch with his friends. "I walked him
out to the van, and the looks on the mother and grandparents' faces
was `help me,'" recalled Bartolini, who was one of about 50 students
and staff who held a vigil outside the detention centre yesterday,
praying for the release of their friends.
Kimberly, described as a straight-A student, was led to the office by
her art teacher, where principal Angela Piscitelli broke the news and
comforted the sobbing teenager.
"I was so distraught, but I said she had to comply," recalled
Piscitelli, who was also part of the prayer service. "I called Sister
Pat, a teacher chaplain, who came in and put her hands on Kimberly's
shoulders and told her, `You're going to walk out of here with
dignity.'"
"These are two great kids," said Piscitelli, surrounded by students
holding signs that read: "Stop the Deportations Status for All."
Inside the detention centre, Kimberly and Gerald were aware of the
vigil but couldn't see the supportive crowd. They spoke with the Star
by phone.
"It's amazing to have my friends outside," Kimberly said, choking back
tears. "But my dreams are still to live here, study here and go to
university to become an architect."
The family is expected to be deported soon.
Meanwhile, a warrant for the father, Gerald Lizano, remains in effect.
A demonstration to protest the family's removal is planned for 4 p.m.
today outside the detention centre at 385 Rexdale Blvd.
==========
(((((23)))))
Kids hauled out of classes
Brother and sister removed from school as frantic father hides from authorities
By VIVIAN SONG, TORONTO SUN
http://torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2006/04/29/1556453-sun.html
There is no anger laced in Gerald Lizano's words.
Instead, there's just a palpable sense of brokenness as he speaks
about how his two eldest children were taken out of school mid-morning
Thursday by immigration officials and held in a detention centre.
"I was going crazy," Lizano told the Saturday Sun in an exclusive
interview yesterday. "How could (immigration officials) go to school
and take them away in front of other students like they're criminals?
... If someone made a mistake it was me. I made the decision to stay.
To me, (immigration shouldn't be able) to go to school."
Lizano, a framing carpentry foreman, is in hiding after his wife
Franssella Sossa, 38, three children and parents-in-law were found and
taken to the Toronto Immigration Holding Centre at Rexdale Blvd. and
Hwy. 27 Thursday.
The family is being held for failing to appear at the airport Feb. 16
for a deportation order back to Costa Rica after a failed refugee
application in 2001. They can't eat or sleep and relatives are
concerned about the grandparents who suffer from diabetes and high
blood pressure.
Lizano's oldest child Kimberly, a popular, honour roll student was in
art class when she was called to the principal's office Thursday at
Dante Alighieri Academy.
"The principal said she had bad news for me," Kimberly, 15, said in
phone interview from inside the detention centre.
"She said a lady from immigration was here and I started crying."
Kimberly knew right away.
Just as her younger brother Gerald, 14, knew immediately what was
about to transpire when he was taken to an immigration officer during
lunch and escorted to a van where his family waited.
"When the woman identified herself, he started crying," said the
vice-principal outside the detention centre where dozens of students
and teachers held a prayer vigil for the family.
Principal Angela Piscitelli said though the experience was wrenching,
"schools aren't above the law ... it was our duty to hand over the
child."
The children knew of the risks because the father had braced the
family for the consequences of his decision to keep the family in
Canada.
But his children were doing so well in school Lizano wanted to let
them finish the school year.
"I want my kids to grow up in a country where they can do better, and
give them the right direction," Lizano said, seated at a kitchen
table, his hands occupied with a paper clip.
"We were afraid all the time."
Lizano is no stranger to fear. The family came to Canada in 2001
because they feared they were on a hit list from drug lords.
Lizano's brother-in-law was an undercover drug cop in Costa Rica where
vengeful drug dealers have been after his family, Lizano said.
"I fear for the kids. If I go back to Costa Rica and something happens
to my kids, who's going to be responsible?" he asked.
A pile of reference letters from employers attesting to his hard work
and citizenship remain unheard, he said, adding he spent $10,000 on
legal fees that amounted to nothing.
'SHOULDN'T SUFFER'
"I'm trying my best to stay strong because of my family," Kimberly
said. "I feel I have to be a role model for them."
Anna Pape, spokesman for Canada Border Services Agency, meanwhile,
stressed illegal immigrants shouldn't fear keeping their children in
school, saying officials removed the children to keep them with their
families.
"Children shouldn't suffer for their parents' decisions," she said.
The children are scheduled to be released into the care of a family
member today after a flurry of phone calls were made late last night.
Yesterday morning, two more students from Costa Rica were removed from
their classrooms after immigration officials gave the mom 30 minutes
to get to the school -- a move Pape said was a "breach of protocol."
The family has since been released.
"We do not enter schools or use children as a measure of apprehending
people in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Act.
"We don't want to face a situation where children are kept at home."
==========
(((((24)))))
Teen Immigrant From NYC Faces Deportation
By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO
>From Associated Press
April 28, 2006
ATLANTA - The FIRST international robotics
championship is supposed to be about the world's best
young engineering wizards showing off their skills.
But for an illegal immigrant getting a U.S. education
under the threat of being deported to Africa, it meant
a secret revealed.
An upset victory the East Harlem Tech robotics team
scored over elite New York City schools had unintended
consequences for 18-year-old Amadou Ly. He had to tell
his teammates about his immigration problems because
he had no valid ID to board a flight to Atlanta.
"I never wanted to share this with people," said Ly, a
lanky senior from Senegal.
Three days a week for six weeks, as long as janitors
didn't kick them out of spare rooms, Ly and his 18
teammates worked with donated tools to build a robot
capable of shooting balls into a goal.
His teammates' elation over the chance to compete with
hundreds of teams from the U.S., Canada, Israel and
Brazil turned to shock when they learned Ly would have
to take an 18-hour train ride to get to the
Thursday-through-Saturday competition.
"I felt real bad," said 17-year-old Glenn Wright. "If
I was him ... Just thinking what college to go to is
hard for me, I don't know how I could handle it."
Ly and his mother came to the U.S. on a visit to New
York in 2001, when he was 13. His mother knew no
English, but decided to overstay the tourist visa to
give her son a U.S. education. About a year later, she
returned to Dakar broke and left him in the care of a
friend in Indianapolis, who soon changed her mind and
sent the teen back to New York.
He found another Senegalese acquaintance and enrolled
in high school, where he is three months shy of
graduation. He dreams of studying math and computer
science at New York City College of Technology in
Brooklyn, where he's been accepted, but doesn't have
enough money - or perhaps enough time.
Ly is in the middle of deportation proceedings that
started in November 2004, after a police officer asked
for his visa when he was injured in a car accident.
Federal immigration officials detained him after he
was treated at a hospital, he said.
Ly will be in court in July, with deportation possible
by the end of the year in the worst-case scenario,
said his lawyer, Amy Meselson of the Legal Aid
Society.
Ly says he hopes to stay in the U.S. long enough to
master English and get more education, so he can go
back and help his countrymen.
"In Senegal, I may eat breakfast today but tomorrow it
is not promised," he said. "I don't have a problem
going back but I want to finish my education. I admit
being overstayed, but at least I'm not doing anything
bad for the country."
And if he's sent back to his family in Dakar, what
will he miss the most?
"Everything," Ly said, a wistful smile spreading over
his face.
-----
No One Is Illegal/Personne n'est illégal-MONTREAL
tel: 514-859-9023 -- noii-montreal at resist.ca
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