Message from the ED: March 2019

Dear Friends,

As you know, SIREN’s mission is to empower low-income immigrants and refugees through community organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy, civic engagement and legal services.  We believe that all people regardless of legal status or nationality are entitled to essential services, human dignity, basic rights and protections, and access to full participation in society.

In this context of our important and vast mission, we would like to take a moment to address the tragic case of Bambi Larson. We join the community in mourning the loss of this innocent life. There are simply no words to console all those who have been impacted by this senseless loss.

Sadly, this tragic situation has also become a rally cry for some who wish to criminalize all immigrants in our community. As our community grapples with this tragedy, we implore that our values of basic rights and protections be upheld. SIREN believes in the need for every member of our community to feel safe and protected by our local law enforcement agencies without the interference of ICE. Please find our full statement by the FIRE Coalition here. This is why we invite our supporters to call the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors urging them not to change our local policy that ensures our County does not collaborate with ICE and to join us to speak at upcoming Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meetings on April 4 at 2 pm and April 9.

Let us continue to work together in the spirit of our great democracy. Thank you for believing in the overwhelmingly positive contributions of immigrants and refugees to this country. It is a strong legacy that has fueled the success of this country for generations. Join us today in making your voice heard through a donation to SIREN.

With love and justice,

MG