In fact, it sends some strong statements by encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the country and return in the distant future; paying a fine for being here “illegally”; setting an undefined goal called a “trigger” as a bench mark to determine that our borders are secure; promoting a point system that will result in the separation of families; and utilizing a flawed E-verify system to track legal employment.

However, after my usual analysis to first look at the negatives, I have taken a step back and believe that the proposed legislation is at least pointing in the right direction. Looking back at the lessons from the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, we learned just how long it took for monumental change to occur. From changing deeply entrenched negative public perceptions, building enough political will from legislators, to developing new partnerships to push the agenda forward.

In the case of pushing comprehensive immigration reform forward it may continue to take us on a long and similar journey.

As recent as the 2008 Presidential election, the topic of immigration reform was a non-starter. In fact, President Obama’s administration through the Office of Homeland Security has deported more undocumented immigrants than any other sitting President.

Yet in 2012, it is common knowledge that President Obama’s re-election involved a strong turn out from immigrant communities. Now several poll’s cite the growing support from the public; legislators from both political parties work tirelessly to grab the immigrant vote with Senator Marco Rubio, a Tea Party darling, leading the way; and the recent endorsement from several conservative Evangelicals and business leaders with a strategy to give political cover for conservative legislators who in the past have showed very little political will or prowess to move immigration reform forward.

Many progressive organizations are preparing to weigh in on amendments to the proposed immigration reform legislation.  Patricia Diaz, Executive Director of Services, Immigrant Rights & Education Network (SIREN), an immigrant rights collaborative supported by The San Francisco Foundation, described that she will fight to include family reunification, protection of worker’s rights and a roadmap to citizenship for aspiring citizens.

There is a long way to go before we are able to develop and pass a common sense immigration reform bill. My suggestion to the several legislative staff who will draft and redraft language for this historic bill, is to keep in mind the saying on the Statue of Liberty; for its intent of compassion is what makes this country so special. I also offer a suggestion to the rest of us – we must remain patient but vigilant in this journey as the country moves towards a fair and just immigration policy.

The session, “Building Bridges, Building Power: Race, Immigration, and Faith-based community organizing in Post-Prop 30 California,” was hosted by Interfaith Funders and focused on the latest research, trends, and organizing strategies. (Download a copy of Building Bridges, Building Power: Developments in Institution-Based Community Organizing, a just-released report published by Interfaith Funders.) The San Francisco Foundation hosted the meeting; we are proud of our 20-year partnership with the faith-based community through our FAITHS program, which has built a network of over 600 bay area congregations and faith-based organizations.

Amidst the researchers, faith leaders, and organizers, Rev. Deborah Lee noted that immigration detention centers are quietly located in many communities where the surrounding neighborhoods have little or no knowledge of their presence. Rev. Lee, Director of the Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, hosts a monthly vigil where a dedicated group of up to 100 community members bear witness to the activities at the immigration center located in Richmond, California.

Why does the faith community continue to focus on immigration? Because there are tragic implications of our immigration policy, such as dividing families via deportation and addressing these “is another step in the long history of humanization.”

“There is a deep generational struggle involving race and class,” says Dr. Manuel Pastor of the University of Southern California, pointing to California’s election results as an example of how younger voters and people of color are making their votes count.

Dr. Pastor, a national expert on equity issues and community-based advocacy, shared observations on “Big Changes in Organizing” that have occurred over the last twenty years, leading to the recent passage of California’s Proposition 30 that was largely driven by people of color and younger voters. He highlighted that:

1. Organizing strategies have shifted from interest-based to values-based. People share many values— think security, education, democracy. However, there are many ways to meet those values. For example, education can occur by resourcing the public school system or by removing your children from that system to a private school. By focusing on values, organizers can appeal to similarities in values rather than the interests that often separate us.
2. There has been a shift from focusing on issues to focusing on a vision. Whether it’s the DREAMERS or the push for marriage equality, focusing on the vision of what’s possible helps build momentum.
3. In the past, organizing strategies focused largely on identity, such as race; more recent strategies focus on a common frame, such as who we are as Californians.
4. Strategies have also shifted from focusing on what makes people angry to building on aspirations. Dr. Pastor observes that younger people are very hopeful and both younger folks and many people of color feel that government can help them reach their dreams, so an aspirational approach is a very effective organizing strategy.

Erika, a 14-year-old immigrant who is also a remarkably seasoned organizer with a PICO affiliate, drove home the message of the power of organizing: “When you go visit your representative and you can say that you turned out 60,000 votes, you’re no longer powerless.” Amen.

No, small man with a dark beard and a
Joyous smile and a mean slider
You are us, we are you, chasing the dream
Of orange and black, of community
Looks diverse because we are
Following the dream because dreams are
NOT illegal
Number 54 from Brole, from the land,
On our border, we smile upon you and all
The dreams of dreamers, of hard workers,
Seen and unseen