//swampland.time.com/2013/07/08/senate-plan-to-militarize-border-draws-backlash/
Media advisory for: Thursday, July 11, 2013

As pressure grows on the House to pass immigration reform this month, unique “Living Infographic” will highlight calls for inclusive immigration process

What: With Congress just back from recess and pressure mounting on the House over immigration reform, immigrant advocates and community leaders will participate in a symbolic “obstacle course” urging California legislators to make sure the path to citizenship under reform legislation is reasonable and doesn’t leave millions of aspiring citizens behind.

The event will feature creative cardboard cut-outs and several activity stations representing undue obstacles which could exclude many undocumented Americans from a chance at citizenship. It also comes as criticism from civil rights advocates grows over the wasteful “border surge” added to the Senate immigration reform bill shortly before passage last month.

When: 12:00 PM, Thursday, July 11, 2013

Where: Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco

Who: Sponsored by the SF Bay Coalition for Immigrant Justice

Media visuals: “Obstacle course” with giant cardboard “jail,” fencing symbolizing the border, traffic cones, and activities such as balancing beams and jump rope symbolizing different points on the path to citizenship.
Background:  At this make-or-break moment for immigration reform legislation, Bay Area groups that have staged massive marches, rallies, and press conferences in recent months are turning to a new tactic in the fight for an inclusive path to citizenship for the nation’s 11 million undocumented people.

Through a series of role-playing scenarios, Thursday’s “obstacle course” will illustrate gaps in the crucial roadmap to citizenship provided by last month’s historic Senate immigration bill. Advocates worry anti-immigrant forces could seek to worsen these gaps as the House takes up the issue.

Among the obstacles addressed: provisions requiring proof of continuous employment which could leave hard-working day laborers and domestic workers behind, excessive fees, and unreasonable border security “triggers” that could keep aspiring citizens in limbo for years.

To represent the estimated 13-year wait time for citizenship, participants will perform activities such as jumping rope, hopping on one foot, and balancing on a beam, while people dressed as immigration agents hover anxious to deport participants over even the smallest mistake.

Since California, with the nation’s largest immigration population, has suffered the most from unjust detentions, deportations, and firings of aspiring citizens, groups are calling on California’s representatives to champion an inclusive path to citizenship and advance improvements to ensure the bill truly reflects the principle that all people are created equal.
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