SAN Marches in Solidarity
on May Day
The march was led by the LA Taxi
Workers Alliance |
May
1, 2006 was a watershed event in the history of Los Angeles’
movement for economic and social justice, says a SAN announcement.
It adds: “Over a million people from all backgrounds
joined in calling for an end to workers exploitation and fair
and dignified immigration reforms. Different languages projecting
the diversity of Los Angeles were unified in calling for full
civil and human rights for all.
“The presence of the larger South Asian community continues
to be minimal at best. Immigration remains to be seen as a
Latino issue in the eyes of many South Asians even those who
either directly or their families would be severely affected
by any new policy being discussed by Congress. Issues of backlog
ranging from 13 to 21 years in certain cases of family based
visa petition, the granting of authority to local police to
enforce immigration laws, declaring undocumented immigrants
felons and those assisting them in time of need, the elimination
of lottery visa, extreme restrictions on asylum based adjustment
are some of the harsh measures now on the table in Washington.
Unless the community raises its voice their issues will remain
invisible. Unfortunately, the leadership in the community
continues to fail in its responsibility to speak out on issues
of critical nature that affect the lives of thousands amongst
us. Whether it is out of political and economic interest,
such attitudes set us further back in our collective hope
for a dignified and respectful life in the United States.
“The March was led by the LOS ANGELES TAXI WORKERS ALLIANCE
(LATWA), courageous taxi workers who are standing up to harassment
and exploitation. LATWA is a partnership between taxi drivers
of Los Angeles and South Asian Network, Legal Aid Foundation
of Los Angeles and the Asian Pacific American legal Center.
These taxi workers – many of them South Asian –
are an example to our community to stand up for their rights.
“This current wave of millions standing up against racism
and hate is a vivid reminder of past struggles for civil and
human rights in the US. It is time for the South Asians to
join this fight.
“For further information please call SAN at 562-403-0488
or www.southasiannetwork.org”
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