WHEREAS we, as Socialists, stand by full and complete political, economic, and cultural rights of immigrant workers in the United States and across the world.
WHEREAS in the Socialist Party USA’s Principles we clearly state that “People of color, lesbians and gays, and other oppressed groups need independent organization to fight oppression. Racism will not be eliminated merely by eliminating capitalism.”
WHEREAS in Socialist Party USA’s Electoral Platform of 2001-2003, our party states clearly that “The Socialist Party recognizes the intimate link between racism and capitalism and is committed to the creation of a pluralistic society and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in housing, jobs, education, and health care.” ;
WHEREAS in the same document our party states clearly that “We defend the rights of immigrants to housing, education, health care, jobs, and civil, legal, and political rights.
WHEREAS the Socialist Party USA:
1. Has officially embraced the cause of immigrant workers in the United States; and
2. Actively campaigns for legislative reform to benefit immigrant workers and their families; and
3. Expects that legislation to reform immigration law will be a matter of increasing congressional and executive activity; and
4. Believes that such legislative reform must include, at a minimum: (1) legalization, including the right of immigrant workers in the United States to live and work in this country and become its citizens, and (2) the right of immigrant workers to unite their families in the United States if they wish; and
5. Understands that a national mobilization of individuals and organizations from all sectors, including labor, business, political, religious, community, immigrant and civil rights and others, is necessary to demonstrate to Congress and the President that there is widespread support in the United States for meaningful legislative reform and for the recognition of the contribution of immigrant workers to the quality of social, cultural, political and economic life in the United States; and
6. Believes that the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, which will culminate in a mass demonstration in support of immigrant rights and legislative reform in Washington, D.C., and in New York City in Fall of 2003, will be a powerful vehicle for mobilizing that national constituency.
THEREFORE the Socialist Party USA resolves that it will:
1. Adopt the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride (IWFR) as a campaign of the Socialist Party USA; and
2. Contribute the funds it can to help organize and carry out the IWFR; and
3. Call on its members and locals to adopt this same resolution in support of the IWFR where it can; and
4. Distribute information on the IFWR on its web page and literature; and
5. Continue to work for the rights of our fellow immigrant workers in the United States.
Passed unanimously by the
National Action Committee, August 16, 2003 |
