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Enlaces News (January 2004)



Central American Immigrant Leaders Reconvene in Washington DC

Over 40 Central Americans representing communities and cities from Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Nevada, Rhode Island and Virginia, came together in Washington D.C. on October 16, 2003 marking the 2nd Encuentro (encounter) of Central American leaders since the group first convened in Ledbetter, Texas, in February of 2003. The group of prominent Central American community leaders and activists reunited to discuss a range of issues dealing with presidential elections in their countries of origin, to the proposed Central American free trade agreement, and U.S. immigration reform.

After a day of legislative visits, participants heard from a distinguished panel of speakers that included Joanna Carson, of AILA (American Immigration Lawyer’s Association.), Rick Swartz, an Independent consultant on Immigration Policy, and Josh Bernstein, Legislative Director of the National Immigration Law Center who updated the group on the current climate on Capitol Hill surrounding immigration reform. The panelists covered a an array of topics from the political success of the Immigrant Freedom Ride, to the Ag-Jobs bill and the Dream Act, as well as the Flake-McCain Bill, all of which were at various stages of debate in the House and Senate. Panelist concurred that none of these represents an ideal model for reform, but expressed hope that some progress could be made in the relatively near future. Panelists pointed out that many legislators do not understand the complexity of immigration reform, but there is growing evidence that legislatures were becoming more aware of its importance in appealing to Latino voters and in securing the nation’s borders.

With the impending completion of the negotiations for a U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) , participants were particularly eager to discuss its potential impacts on their countries of origin. Amy Shannon, Enlaces America Associate Director outlined the potential advantages and disadvantages of CAFTA for both the U.S. and Central American economies. Dr. Bernardo Villela, the president of ConGuate (the National Guatemalan Congress) advocated for a moratorium on the negotiations in large part because of the problematic nature of the closed and secret negotiation process, as well as the lack of consultation with civic society sectors. Moreover, Dr. Villela also referred to the significant negative impact NAFTA has had on Mexico’s rural and urban populations, over the last ten years. Both panelists expressed serious concerns about CAFTA’s potential impact on Central American communities and suggested that continued and increasing migration could be expected. After reviewing the accords made in their previous encounter in Ledbetter, participants broke into small groups to redefine common goals that could delineate points of collaborative action for the coming years. Focusing on public and economic policies in the U.S. and in their countries of origin, they outlined the common objectives highlighted below.

Common Objectives
· To advance in assuring new means of migratory protection putting emphasis on permanent legal status for migrant populations, particularly Central Americans.
· To increase access to all levels of education for Central American immigrants .
· To improve dissemination and coverage, of topics of interest to our communities in important media outlets.
· To have formulated a model for civic participation that seeks
improvements in the quality of life of Central American communities.
· To develop a Central American movement that recognizes diversity and is capable of working toward common objectives.
· To contribute to the defense of human and civil rights for all immigrants.
· To form an organized and focused majority movement capable of formulating and implementing public policies in our countries of origin.
· To build understanding and a sense of responsibility
among Central Americans and encourage them to support these
objectives through their diverse means and resources.

 

The 2nd Central American Leaders’ Encounter reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to develop common strategies that could consolidate their political power into a national force for change and improvement in Central American communities here in the U.S., and in their countries of origin.