Talking Points for Press Conference

“We are one people and together we can survive and advance in spite of the vested interests attempting to divide us." 

• There are vested interests who attempt to divide the community into racial and economic groups and pit them against one another in order to maintain the power of those vested interests. The national immigration debate, especially in the GA and some other states, is heavily influenced by these vested interests--two of which are the private-prison lobby and the white supremacist movement. Both have influenced and assisted GA legislators who drafted HB87--the so-called immigration reform bill.-- with their monetary and other forms of support.
• We know that regardless of our diverse races, cultures, faiths, immigration and economic status---that we are one people---and we will stand together regardless of any attempts to divide and conquer.
• When one does not have truth on his side then he must create myths. Two of the most often spoken myths by the anti-immigrant legislators and crowd are :
• 1) The undocumented immigrants are draining our economy. The truth, which is revealed in all independent audits and studies conducted by think-tanks, government agencies and the state and federal level, and others--is that they are contributing millions more into our economy than they will ever receive in services.  The fact is that the financial mismanagement and corrupt dealings of these same legislators, at both the state and national level, and of the financiers on Wall Street, are the cause of our economic problems and they are cowardly using immigrants as their scapegoats.

• 2) The state has to act and pass these bills (which have already been found unconstitutional in AZ) because the federal government has not done anything. While that has a shade of truth, which myths often have, it was largely these same politicians, including the Governor when he was in Congress, and their party, who blocked all attempts of both the Obama and Bush administrations to enact comprehensive immigration reform which would address all of these issues. (In fact, Bush supported the bi-partisan efforts of and bill introduced by McCain and Kennedy however they were all fought down by the conservative, right wing of their party--which interestingly are the same folk who are proposing these state bills.) This is utter hypocrisy.
• Not since the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was anyone in GA required to carry and show their papers proving their status--and under this bill (HB87) everyone, not just new immigrants, will have to do so! This is the biggest erosion of our civil and human rights since the abolition of Jim Crow in the south.
• Most Georgians and Americans are uninformed and misinformed regarding these facts and that is why any polls regarding their feelings about immigration are completely skewed. We will be conducting ongoing events to properly inform them with the facts rather than fear-based myths. A list of these events will be posted on www.laboroflovecampaign.org
• Arizona passed its similar bill SB1070 a year ago and it has lost millions in  economic revenue , jobs lost, business closures, and in legal fees fighting lawsuits against the bill (the main provisions of which have been struck down by two Federal courts, as will HB 87). Who will foot the bill for all this in Georgia: taxpayers!
• The main organizations helping GA legislators to draft these bills and mobilize support for them have been labeled as hate groups and are founded by Dr. Tanton who professed eugenics and white superiority used to justify genocide against other races. (His statements in this regard will be cited on the info sheet given to the press.)
• We are not against anyone but are for oneness, justice and truth--and none of those standards were considered in this bill.
• 12 million undocumented immigrants did not sneak into this country--they were invited here for cheap and productive labor by every government and corporate entity--which means by every citizen who votes, owns stock, and buys food, clothing, and shelter--and that means every one of us invited them. It is inhuman, un-American, un-Christian, and unbelievable to even think of shipping them back after they have worked so hard for us, set down roots and have children and families here--just like our immigrant ancestors did (many of whom were also persecuted and considered "illegal" or worse by the vested interests of those times).

Georgia “Labor of Love Campaign” Introduced at Atlanta Press Conference, Followed by Delivery of Flowers to Key Georgia Politicians
 

Atlanta (September 12, 2007) – A group of concerned Georgia citizens today announced the formation of a coalition designed to help highlight the significant contributions of Georgia’s immigrant community and to ensure a welcoming environment for immigrants of all backgrounds in Georgia. The “Labor of Love Campaign” made the announcement at a press conference today at Central Presbyterian Church, across from the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta.
 

“We are asking you, the community, and especially the political establishment to open your eyes, ears, and minds and to try to get to know us, your immigrant neighbors. Get to know our love and admiration for this great nation we now call home, our family values, our work ethic, and our commitment to help build a new Georgia. We love the USA, Georgia, and Atlanta, we are here to work and contribute and pursue the American dream. We would like you to see us as your neighbors and partners,” said Teodoro Maus, Co-Founder and advisor to the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR). “Events like the Labor of Love Campaign will allow our people to speak directly to the community at large and bring the immigrant community’s contributions in Georgia to light.”
 

Flowers were delivered to both Governor Sonny Perdue’s office, and to Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle’s office.  U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson’s offices also received flowers immediately following this morning’s press conference. Glenn Richardson, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, also received flowers from the Labor of Love Campaign. The flowers are to signify the immigrant community’s good will and wish for a continued open dialogue about the issues that concern us all.
 

Jamie B. Hernan, Managing Partner, Hernan, Taylor & Lee, added “The immigrant community’s contributions to Georgia over the past decades have been enormous. Despite a growing animosity against them, immigrants continue to contribute to all sectors of the economy; agriculture, service industries, hospitality, and the construction sector are but a few of the areas where immigrants have helped fuel Georgia's growth.  We need to remember that immigrants’ hard work and effort has been a “labor of love” for the United States…that they have come here because of their love for this country and the opportunity America offers.
 

Gyla Gonzalez, Executive Director of Latinos United of Carroll County, added, “The large majority of Georgia immigrants are Hispanic, therefore, as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15^th, we would like to remind people of Hispanics’ and other immigrant groups’ contributions to Georgia’s recent rapid growth.”

The “Labor of Love” kick-off community event will take place on October 28^th in a yet to be determined Atlanta park, where Georgia families from all immigrant backgrounds will gather together to construct a red, white, and blue flower structure to demonstrate our love of and gratitude for the United States of America. 

The “Labor of Love Campaign” is a voluntary grass roots group composed of individual members of Georgia non-profit, business, religious, educational, & political entities who have come together to help highlight the significant contributions of Georgia’s Hispanic and immigrant communities in general and to ensure a welcoming environment for immigrants of all backgrounds in Georgia.

Labor of Love

www.laboroflovecampaign.org