Hispanic

community are immigration reform, the dream act (in-state tuition

rates and legal status for undocumented high school students), and the

agjobs bill, which would provide rights for farm workers.

california's a lot more complicated than minnesota, because there are

so many more latinos there. but legal status is a big deal for a lot

of people, and one issues poeple organize around are drivers licenses.

Employment/Economic Development: When a person's opportunity for employment is compromised because of discrimination, unfair hiring practices, or other labor law violations, workers are too often powerless to fight injustice. Their inability to protect their rights is often due to unequal negotiating positions, limited English language skills, low educational attainment and a lack of resources. MALDEF's Employment and Equal Opportunity Program represents those who have been denied the right to work and to be fairly compensated. Although Latinos have the highest worker participation rate, they are the lowest paid, least covered by health insurance, and most vulnerable to economic downturns.

Immigration:

Civil Rights and civil liberties: The right of all workers to join unions and to organize without fear of intimidation by employers. The right for all people to become a full part of our governmental system by becoming U.S. citizens and having the right to vote.

their quest for humane working conditions, safer housing, affordable health care, and the recognition due them as working members of society. In the wake of recent anti-immigrant scapegoating, Proyecto Campesino has defended the rights of immigrant workers and their families, countering negative public perceptions with accurate information.

The program conducts voter drives, citizenship classes, open forums on immigration affairs, and a weekly radio program directed to farmworkers. AFSC also assists farmworkers acting on public health concerns, as in a recent campaign that defeated construction of a toxic waste incinerator.