BOCA is very active around issues of Immigration. Most
recently as a result of Immigration Raids and the struggle for a just Immigration Reform, BOCA has held several Immigration
Forums to inform the community about their legal rights. At these forums people have the opportunity to consult with expert
immigration lawyers about individual cases. BOCA is also hosting Citizenship Classes to encourage residents to become citizens
and enforce their right to vote. We have also worked closely with the City of Berkeley on Immigration issues and have already
gained a City Resolution declaring Berkeley a Sanctuary City and have also worked with them to come up with a resolution regarding
the No-Match Letters conserning Social Security Numbers.
In April, at the request of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, we organized
an informational Town Hall meeting on immigration policy. The Congresswoman was the main speaker an immigration lawyers were
made available for consultation with those who attended.
________________________________________
In April and July 2005 over 200 families from Berkeley gathered
at St. Joseph the Worker Church to learn about their legal rights as immigrants in California. They received individual counseling
from Immigrant Legal Resource Center lawyers and learned how to meet US Citizenship requirements and establish legal residency.
_______________________________________
On May 1st at the height of the year's debate over immigration
policy in Congress and amidst the excitement of the resulting nationwide demonstrations, BOCA and other faith and community
leaders were invited to Congresswoman Barbara Lee's office for a meeting and press conference. At the same time she wanted
to plead for unity among people of color and diffuse potential tensions between the Latino and African American communities.
___________________________________
On June 4th BOCA hosted a multicultural Immigration Action that
was festive and joyous. Berkeley's Mayor Tom Bates and other members of City Government spoke at the press conference that
preceded the forum. The Pastor of The Way Christian Center, Rev. Michael McBride, emceed the program and Rev. Dr. Marvis Peoples,
community leader and Pastor of Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church gave a keynote address, remembering his days in the
Civil Rights Movement and recognizing its similarities to the current activism. A Gospel Choir gave forth a joyful noise,
noted by many to be an especially moving moment, declaring to all that we are united in our struggle against oppression in
all of its many facets. Over 450 people attended the event and an additional 40 children were in child care. Ninety-nine individuals
in need of legal advice were able to meet once on a pro bono basis. It was a day filled with celebrations but also with practical
accomplishments and defined by solidarity of purpose among all of us who want the best opportunities for our families.
