SIREN Statement: Opposition to H.R. Bills Threatening Immigrant Rights

February 1, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A SIREN Statement - Opposition to Bills Threatening Immigrant Rights

San Jose, CA - In response to the recent legislative proposals aiming to expand penalties and criminalize immigrants seeking crucial family reunification and reintegration after serving their time, SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights and Empowerment Network) strongly urges Members of Congress to reject these misguided initiatives.

The bills in question, namely H.R. 6678, 6679, 5585, and 6976, pose a significant threat to the well-being and rights of immigrant communities. SIREN calls upon Congress to stand against the political maneuvering embedded in these bills, which, rather than addressing genuine concerns, appear to be riding on the coattails of divisive political rhetoric.

One alarming aspect of these proposals is the removal of due process rights, undermining a fundamental pillar of justice that our country holds dear. Additionally, the duplication of existing laws under the guise of responding to current events raises questions about the true intent behind these legislative efforts.

It is disheartening to witness the appropriation of current events to cut and paste into laws, echoing a tactic reminiscent of past political campaigns. SIREN asserts that these bills do not align with the expectations of the House of Representatives in securing our nation.

We implore Members of Congress to prioritize fairness, justice, and the preservation of immigrant rights by voting NO on H.R. 6678, 6679, 5585, and 6976. SIREN remains committed to advocating for policies that uphold the principles of inclusivity, compassion, and respect for all members of our diverse society.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lourdes Medina, Advocacy and Communication Associate: Lourdes@sirenimmigrantrights.org

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SIREN Summer 2023 Newsletter Update

Dear SIREN Community, 

The summer of 2023 has ushered in a wave of change, growth, and renewed dedication at SIREN. We're excited to share some exciting developments with you. 

🏢 We've Moved! 🏢 As of September 1st, 2023, our new SIREN offices are now located at 1769 Park Ave. Ste. 200, San Jose CA 95126. We invite all our Bay Area leaders, community-based organizations, businesses, and clients to help us spread the word about our new address. Please stop by and say hello! Our doors are open from Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM. 

🌟 New Leadership and Transition 🌟 We are thrilled to introduce new community leaders who have joined our board of directors. Additionally, we have appointed an Interim Executive Director as we embark on this transition into the fall. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRANSITION LEADERSHIP TEAM here.

🤝 Meet Our Leadership Team 🤝 SIREN is now under the capable leadership of Interim Director Huy Tran and Interim Deputy Director Carmen Torres. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our mission. Find the Interim Executive Director message here.

🚀 Thriving Programs and Services 🚀 Our Immigration Legal Service Program and Organizing team, both in the Bay Area and our Central Valley Office continue to thrive thanks to the relentless efforts of our dedicated staff. We remain committed to uplifting immigrant rights and advocating for the national support needed to include all 11 million individuals who have toiled and established roots in this country. 

🌎 Standing Strong for Our Mission 🌎 In the face of rising anti-immigrant policies and inhumane border practices, it is clear that our mission and vision are more critical than ever. We stand unwavering in our commitment to protect and serve migrants, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve. 

🤝 A Stronger San Jose Presence 🤝 With our new board members and the fresh energy they bring, we aim to amplify our presence in San Jose. Together, we will have a greater impact on advocating for the rights and protection of immigrants and refugees who call California their home. 

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all. Stay tuned for more updates and events in the coming months! 

SIREN Statement on Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Decision to Build a New Jail in Santa Clara County

For Immediate Release:

January 26 2022

Contact: Jose Servin, Director of Advocacy and Communication, SIREN

jose@sirenimmigrantrights.org, 714-728-2520

SIREN Statement on Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Decision to Build a New Jail in Santa Clara County

California - Maricela Gutiérrez, the Executive Director of the Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN) and SIREN Action issued the following statement:

Yesterday’s majority decision by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to move forward with building a third jail in our community was a cruel commitment to racial injustice. 

The majority of San Jose residents wholeheartedly oppose the creation of a new jail in Santa Clara County, as evidenced by the nearly unanimous opposition expressed through hours of public comment. 

Despite years of community opposition and a bold proposal by Supervisor Susan Ellenberg to expand mental health resource facilities rather than build a new jail,  Supervisors Otto Lee, Joe Simitian and Mike Wasserman voted in favor of expanding the carceral state in San Jose.

The recommendations in the Framework for the County’s Justice-Involved Clients report presented at yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting did not reflect the reality that Santa Clara county residents live and experience. The Framework report acknowledges that the County of Santa Clara is committed to reducing the jail population and states that the proposal to create this new jail is supposed to lead to a reduction of population, but as expert advocates with 35 years of experience advocating for immigrant communities that are often the target of incarceration in both the criminal justice system and the immigrant carceral system, the SIREN team is well aware that when a county decides to expand incarceration, they are unequivocally committing to incarcerate more people of color, not the other way around. It is extremely concerning that despite nearly unanimous opposition through public comment yesterday, the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors voted to move towards building a new jail.

Yesterday, SCC County Supervisors had the opportunity to turn the tide on California’s dependence on mass incarceration as an outdated, tried-and-failed practice. What residents in Santa Clara County actually need are housing support services, wrap-around care and mental health services not rooted in the punitive carceral system. 

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