”We Are America” : Achieving Comprehensive Immigration Reform

At the end of 2005, there were an estimated 11 million undocumented people living and working in the US. This large group represent some of the nation’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people.With no rights, these people live in the shadows and are subject to discrimination and violations of their basic human rights on a daily basis. Many undocumented live in mixed families, and the fear of retribution and deportation stymies the whole family from access to basic services.

As it stands today, the US immigration system is ineffective, unrealistic and inadequate. In order to address the needs and
rights of both the undocumented population and the future flow of immigrants, the country needs comprehensive reform of its current immigration laws and policies. The present US political landscape provides a short yet important window of opportunity for passage of reform legislation.

Purpose and Impact of the Grant

The Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CCIR) is a joint legislative advocacy and grassroots mobilization initiative begun in 2003 with the mission to enact rights-centered comprehensive immigration reform legislation in the US. This coalition effort is guided by a core set of rights-based immigration principles and priorities, including: a path to permanency for the undocumented, family re-unification and labor protection for future flows.

Atlantic has made three grants to date in support of this effort: a planning grant in the amount of $100,000, and two core support grants, one in 2004 which was renewed in 2005, totaling $7m.The initial planning grant enabled these twelve advocate groups – from labor, community development, ethnic identified groups, national immigration advocacy, and regional immigration coalitions – to come together at a common table and set a coordinated agenda and strategy.The two core support grants enacted this strategy – through advocacy, lobbying, communications, message and media development, grassroots mobilization and education efforts. To widen the reach and coordination of this “inside/outside” strategy, a sister 501(c)(3) coalition, The New American Opportunity Campaign, was created by the CCIR.