2008 Woodie Awards
The Immigration Debate at Smith
Katie Chase
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
As the debate over the controversial immigration bill HR-4437 rages across the nation, Smith students are also taking action to protest against the bill.
On Wednesday from 12-1 p.m., students gathered on Chapin Lawn for a rally. In addition to speaking out about immigration rights, students made calls to Senators on cell phones and also wrote 74 letters to Senators from 19 states. The rally was organized by the Smith Immigration Rights Coalition (IRC), a newly-organized group that is part of th Five-College Immigrant Rights Coalition.
"We oppose HR-4437, the bill that passed in the House and is now coming up for a vote in the Senate when they reconvene. It would turn undocumented immigrants and anyone who aids them into felons. It would automatically make foreign students registered for less than 12 credits into felons. It would turn children of undocumented immigrants into wards of the state, who would have to remain in the US even if their parents are deported. It would build 700 miles of fencing along the US-Mexico border. It is an intolerant bill that must be stopped, and this is why we formed the Smith Immigrant Rights Coalition," said Sammy Lyon '07, a member of the group.
The IRC often meets in Gillett dining room during lunchtime to plan their actions. The next big event that the group is planning for will be held on May 1, a national day of immigration protests that will also be observed in the Five College area.
The Government department will hold a lecture on Friday, April 21, at 12 p.m. in CC 103/104 to discuss recent immigration policy proposals.
Anyone interested in learning more about this issue or joining the Smith IRC should email SmithIRC@yahoo.com.
On Wednesday from 12-1 p.m., students gathered on Chapin Lawn for a rally. In addition to speaking out about immigration rights, students made calls to Senators on cell phones and also wrote 74 letters to Senators from 19 states. The rally was organized by the Smith Immigration Rights Coalition (IRC), a newly-organized group that is part of th Five-College Immigrant Rights Coalition.
"We oppose HR-4437, the bill that passed in the House and is now coming up for a vote in the Senate when they reconvene. It would turn undocumented immigrants and anyone who aids them into felons. It would automatically make foreign students registered for less than 12 credits into felons. It would turn children of undocumented immigrants into wards of the state, who would have to remain in the US even if their parents are deported. It would build 700 miles of fencing along the US-Mexico border. It is an intolerant bill that must be stopped, and this is why we formed the Smith Immigrant Rights Coalition," said Sammy Lyon '07, a member of the group.
The IRC often meets in Gillett dining room during lunchtime to plan their actions. The next big event that the group is planning for will be held on May 1, a national day of immigration protests that will also be observed in the Five College area.
The Government department will hold a lecture on Friday, April 21, at 12 p.m. in CC 103/104 to discuss recent immigration policy proposals.
Anyone interested in learning more about this issue or joining the Smith IRC should email SmithIRC@yahoo.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Anonymous
posted 4/22/06 @ 10:25 AM EST
As an alumna ('63) I wonder if any Smith debate includes discussion of the use of language. "Undocumented immigrant" is so benign. There is much to be argued and improved regarding our immigration policies, but the fact is that people who come into any country illegally are illegal. (Continued…)
Barbara brandow
posted 12/03/06 @ 3:13 PM EST
I would strongly vote against making the illegal aliens felons unbelivable how someone could even suggest such a thing i am totally against it i do not beleive this should even be an issue
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