Today Trash and I visited the church which is giving refuge to Elvira Arellano and her son, Saul. There was tons of activity. Supporters were outside guarding the church's entrance and defending her from the taunts of the two minutemen (yeah only TWO!) who had come to intimidate the crowd and get far too much air time for it (Univision was there). Talked to some organizers and they are asking people to bring groups to visit and give support : DAILY at noon and 7pm. One neighborhood teacher takes her class everyday and the students have started calling Elvira "our Rosa Parks." Take some time out of your day to visit this very brave woman and those who are defending her.

See below for more info!

////Megan


WE SUPPORT ELVIRA & SAULITO
NOSOTRAS APOYAMOS A ELVIRA y SAULITO

Elvira Arrellano has put a face on the 12 million undocumented people in this
country. Our immigration system is broken and what are we doing about it -
continue to deport people? Senators Durbin and Obama are saying that we need comprehensive immigration reform, that we cannot solve problems with private bills alone. We agree. But Congress promises that a compromise is near and comprehensive immigration reform is so close. Why not give Elvira more time? Once deported, there will be a permanent bar against her and she will never be able to return to see her son.

Elvira's story represents millions of stories. We need to stop dividing
families. We need a moratorium now - until there is fair, comprehensive
immigration reform.

For now, the church has been able to provide sanctuary, but it's not enough. President Bush and the Republicans have also said that we need immigration
reform - now we must act on it. Let's not punish people on hand and claim that we helping them with on other hand.

We are asking people to stand for what's right and moral. We need to continue to call for a moratorium on all deportations and raids until we fix this broken system. These people are your friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters. When the law is unjust and immoral, we as citizens have a responsibility to make sure that law is changed for the better. We need fair, comprehensive immigration reform now.

Keep calling your Senators and Representatives, letting them know that you
support the stand that Elvira Arellano has taken and we need a moratorium on deportations.

Every day, there's something going on at the Church. Visiting her once is not
enough. You want you to talk to your friends, family, neighbors, community,
youth, and church groups. You can stop by any time and show your support. Let her know that she's not alone.

Keep visiting Elvira while she's seeking sanctuary from an unjust, immoral law
and show her your support.

Aldaberto United Methodist Church
2716 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL

sent by:
Mexico-US Solidarity Network
4834 North Springfield
Chicago, IL 60625
www.mexicosolidarity.org