Fair Immigration Reform Movement

The Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FAIR)^[1] which started in 2000 by Center For Community Change is a grassroots movement that supports comprehensive immigration reform and the civil rights of immigrants in the United States. Now, this immigrant rights movement is led by a coalition of 30 different immigration rights movement organizations across the country.^[2] The FAIR has two fundamental goals: Help different grassroots organizations make a collective voice on comprehensive immigration reform & Address immigrants' predicaments in the U.S. including their economic inequality and political under-representation.^[3]

History

Since its beginning in 2004, the Fair Immigration Reform Movement has been the central hub for the "comprehensive immigration reform and the civil rights of immigration" in the United States. This social movement has encouraged hundreds of immigrant and non-immigrant organizations to collectively call for the improvement of the lives of marginalized communities of color, gender, race and ethnicity.^[4] In 2006, the Fair Immigration Reform Movement gained a nation-wide recognition;^[5] thus, consequently, through making a collective voice, the movement could manage to attain a momentum for long-term social changes in the United States.^[6]

Principles

There are 9 fundamental principles of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement. The participants of the movement argue that the United States is a country of immigrants. Therefore, "the welcoming spirit of the country is deeply rooted in the values of family, equality and opportunity."^[7]

1. Provide a Path to Citizenship for all members of communities
2. Address the root causes of Migration
3. Reunite All the families and reduce immigration backlogs
4. Provide opportunities for safe future migration and maintain worker protections
5. Establish Border policy that protects border communities
6. Respect the safety and security of all in immigration enforcement
7. End the mass detention of immigrants
8. Recognize immigrants' full humanity and rights
9. Preserve and expand pathways for African immigrants

Outcomes

Prior to the movement, it was reported that about 2 million undocumented immigrants were deported in the beginning of the 21st century.^[8] After FIRM, there have been several legislative and social changes in the United States with respect to the immigration reform.

• Legislative changes: In California, there were several significant passages of bills including California DREAM Act (AB130 & AB131) which allow even undocumented college students to enjoy the benefits of financial aid. The passage of AB1236 prevented city and county governments from "mandating the use of the federal E-Verify programs." California Governor Jerry Brown also signed AB207 which provides a universal access to education from K-12 schools to all students even if their parents' immigration status remains undocumented.^[9]
• Social changes: The movement helped raise the public awareness regarding the lives and hardships of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Through FAIR, undocumented immigrants received greater supports from various groups in the United States.

Long-Term Goals and Threats

The leaders of FIRM endeavor to sustain the energy of the movement. Thus, they assist local immigrant rights organizations to gain "powerful voices for their communities." FIRM also supports the youth leadership in local communities in order to "give the next generation of immigrant community leaders a collective national voice." Not only does FIRM provide resources such as information, strategic advice and tools to local organizations, but it also provides a platform where immigrant rights organizations can share ideas and make a collective voice.

The recent election result may pose a threat to the movement. President-elect Donal Trump has been extremely hostile to illegal immigration throughout the 2016 presidential election.^[10]

References