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@breakthechaindc-blog
Last week, as India’s new ambassador to the U.S gave his first address, we participated in a vigil outside the building to draw attention to the Sangeeta Richard case. Exploitation and abuse that domestic workers face is far too common and there must be diplomatic accountability in these cases such as this.
Exploitation cannot be ignored and we will continue to work on behalf of trafficked domestic workers and their families to ensure their voices are heard.
A New Understanding of Direct Care Economy and CAG
Despite the fact that there are about eight hundred thousand to two million domestic workers caring for many of the nation’s elderly, disabled, and chronically ill populations, the current state of the direct care industry does not properly address the needs of its domestic workforce. According to Ai-Jen Poo’s “Making the Care Economy a Caring Economy”, she asserts that the majority of the time, domestic workers, who are overwhelmingly female-identified, low-income, and are disproportionately immigrant or of Color, earn less than the minimum wage from their dominantly female-identified employers, rendering domestic workers unable to properly support themselves or their dependents.
Now, Poo indicates that the current rhetoric in the mainstream public sphere creates an “us vs. them” dichotomy that does not help either party (neither the employer and nor the domestic worker).It does not behoove them to see the other as an enemy for direct care is a unifying interaction that becomes divisive when all parties needs are not addressed. To that end, she argues both parties would benefit from a “caring” care economy, where workers would receive necessary benefits like paid sick-leave, paid family leave, flexible hours, and fair wages and, in exchange, workers would provide high-quality care-giving and respect the people for whom they offer care. She emphasizes the mutualistic gaze with which our culture and, by extension, our policymakers must use to truly create a just and caring direct care economy. Through positioning domestic workers and their employers as being on the same side, the rhetoric validates the material realities of all domestic workers and the needs of the employers who need the domestic workers in order to live viable and fulfilling lives.
Poo’s ideas are consistent with the position that Caring Across Generations (CAG) maintains. CAG’s Policy Pillars include “Support for Consumers and Families”, which emphasizes the need for quality care that is respectful and comprehensive to the needs of the people receiving care, and “Job Quality”, which focuses on paying the workers fairly and creating safe workspaces while not financially burdening the people receiving care. CAG seeks to change the culture and policies surrounding the direct-care industry in order to mutually benefit all parties involved.
To learn more about Caring Across Generations’ work on the relationship between senior rights, disability rights, and direct care worker rights, please visit their About Us page.
Voices on US Poverty
On Friday July 12th, Oxfam America, a global organization dedicated to developing solutions for systemic poverty and inequality, hosted a panel discussion on domestic poverty issues as part of their Voices on US Poverty initiative. This initiative aims to begin a conversation among those with various perspectives on the domestic poverty crisis in order to find comprehensive solutions. What began as a collection of essays from experts ranging from economists to military and faith leaders has become a national campaign for social equality. The movement seeks to combine the efforts of many organizations such as Measure of America at the Social Science Research Council, National Domestic Workers Alliance, andNETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby to find long-term solutions to growing social justice issues in the United States.
From left: Ray Offenheiser, president of Oxfam, Sarah Burd-Sharps, director of Measure of America, Ai-Jen Poo, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Sr. Simone Campbell, executive director of NETWORK, and Major General George Buskirk Jr. (Ret.) Photo: Laura Rusu / Oxfam
Raymond Offenheiser, president of Oxfam America, began the discussion by highlighting the current and disturbing trend of growing poverty in America. This poverty, he believes, is about power and not scarcity. Oxfam America believes in order to eradicate poverty in America, it is crucial to minimize the wealth gap. Even though, according to a recent Oxfam poll, 84 percent of Americans believe that the federal government should prioritize the needs of the working poor, there is a lack of conversation about wealth inequality in politics.
Currently, America’s poverty rate is at its highest in two generations and no significant changes have been made to change this in the last 40 years, stated Sarah Burd-Sharps, director of Measure of America. 60 percent of Americans believe that the federal government has done more to increase the incomes of the wealthy rather than the working poor in recent years according to the recent Oxfam poll. The bottom 90% control just 23% of the nation’s wealth and from 1979 to 2007, the top 1% benefited from a 275% income increase after federal taxes. While other countries such as Brazil and Argentina are reducing their wealth gap, the United States ranks 10th out of 12 developed countries for the prospect of upward social mobility said Offenheiser.
On Thursday July 11th, the House of Representatives passed the first Farm bill in history with no money allocated for food stamps, which historically counted for about 80% of funding in the bill. The passing of this bill provides a concrete example of increasing apathy over growing poverty that is currently plaguing government. While House Democrats voted against the Farm Bill, Offenheiser feels that both parties do not make fixing the poverty crisis enough of a priority.
The lack of conversation and action to combat domestic poverty stems from a sense of hyper-individualism that Sister Simone Campbell, the executive director of NETWORK, believes has grown drastically in recent years. The sense of solidarity that America had in the 1960’s and 1970’s is no longer prevalent in our society, she states, and therefore, aiding the nation’s poor is no longer a pressing issue for current politicians. However, Campbell feels strongly that the public have the ability to reverse this trend. As Americans took to the streets to advocate for same-sex marriage, the government responded with new marriage equality legislation and the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. Likewise, if Americas get involved in combatting wage inequality, the government will respond by putting domestic policy issues on the national agenda. The panel believes that the balance of power can be shifted back to the 99% through community movement and the will to change the status quo.
The discussion was a great first step in advocating for the importance of combating global poverty. While there is still much work to be done, bringing together leaders from various perspectives effectively united like-minded organizations towards a common goal. If these organizations are able to raise community awareness, the panelists believe that the American public will be able to use their collective political power to instigate long term solutions in domestic poverty issues.
-Elise Girard, Break the Chain Intern
Becoming Uncomfortable: Discussing Moral Issues of Immigration Reform
In the last two months I have taken to this blog to update you all on the latest immigration reform efforts in Congress. I, like most who discuss immigration reform, have cited the economic benefits of a path to citizenship as well as countless other provisions in the immigration reform bill S.744. However, today I would like to discuss something different, something controversial and yet very poignant: the complete disregard of morality in talks of immigration. I myself have fallen into this argument template, and I believe that while important, it is just wrong and inhumane to solely discuss immigrants (both documented and undocumented) as a source of human capital. When we discuss matters that directly impact the lives of human beings it is important to discuss not just the economic factors, but the personal as well.
Today I was privileged to attend a forum concerning the importance of a path to citizenship in talks of immigration reform presented by the AFL-CIO and the Economic Policy Institute. The group of speakers at this event ranged from Dreamer activists, decorated professors, prominent businessmen, and current politicians including Representative Xavier Becerra and Senator John McCain. However, the most powerful impact came from undocumented Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, who discussed both his personal experience being undocumented as well as multiple anecdotes that he retained from his travels, leaving those in attendance and on stage in awe. In his last words he encouraged the audience to have uncomfortable discussions surrounding the issue, and to not just fall into the same bullet pointed memos that are read by organizations or politicians.
The tone by which a path to citizenship was discussed immediately shifted at that point. What was a discussion on the economic benefits of citizenship for undocumented immigrants became a discussion of undocumented citizens as individuals trying to make a living and support and keep their family together. They were not spoken of as “illegals” or criminals but as people, no different than the millions of Americans trying to do the same, The only thing separating them being a country of birth, influenced irrefutably by chance.
Therefore it is very important for us to approach the issue of a path to citizenship from an economic perspective, but also from a human perspective. If asked to define what being an American is, many Americans would not simply a state owning or receiving a certificate of citizenship or birth. America continuously prides itself on being a nation that is inclusive and accepting. Simultaneously there is an under class of people living in the shadows without basic protections from abuse and mistreatment.
That is why a blog post like this is important. There are very few statistics that can adequately display the difficulties of living below basic protections, and there is nothing that can detail the strife of a family separated by deportation. I am not advocating against a secure border, nor am I condoning breaking the law. However, I would like to push anyone reading this post to, as Jose Vargas encouraged, be uncomfortable. I would like to encourage everyone to not look at this debate in the way that the media or Capitol Hill sells it to you. I would like to see everyone look at a path to citizenship and the availability of basic fair wages and safety net protections as a foregone conclusion when discussing reforms. To allow for these men, women, and children to obtain the rights that, despite many misconceptions, they have risked their livelihood for. We need a secure border and a reformed immigration system. However, as Americans we also need to handle our reform in a way that ensures liberty and justice for all. At least that is my definition of being an American.
-Paul Stern, Worker/Immigrant Rights Intern
Corker-Hoeven Amendment Solidifies Senate Support For Immigration Reform
This week the media has not been short on stories to report. With potentially impactful Supreme Court rulings, a new climate change initiative, and a constant onslaught of scandals, it is hard to remember that debate on comprehensive immigration reform is coming to an incredibly crucial time on the Senate floor. In recent weeks damaging amendments to the bill and the lack of the now necessary sixty vote super majority, has threatened to kill what is the most promising, albeit far from perfect, push for reform in recent memory.
However, yesterday a new compromise offered by Senators Hoeven and Corker breathed new life into immigration reform. It received support from sixty-seven senators, including fifteen Republican senators, in a crucial “test vote”. The Hoeven/Corker proposal has become essentially a rewrite of the comprehensive bill, with a newly amended border security section destined to alienate some, but also pull some undecided votes. According to a CNN article the amendment offered primarily focuses on border security. In its current state it increases the number of border agents to 20,000, builds an extended wall along Mexico, and a reported increase in security and worker identification technology.
With the test vote showing nearly seventy senators in favor of the newly amended bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has cut off other amendments to the bill and filed for cloture in hopes of maintaining the current support for the bill. This will definitely go a long way in assuring the bill’s passage in what now looks like a pretty easy conclusion in the Senate.
However, it is important to note that this bill should not be considered the end all be all reform of our immigration system. The House of Representatives has only just begun to discuss comprehensive reform and many representatives are signaling a desire to break reform into smaller pieces of legislation. No doubt a ploy to enact some measures over others, such as border security over amnesty. Key provisions and amendments have also been left out of the Senate bill in order to make it more palatable for bipartisan support. Protections for foreign workers and family reunification provisions have been softened in order to appease the bill’s opposition. While the bill will certainly overhaul our flawed system, one can only hope that future legislation is drafted with a little more teeth.
For right now, a giant leap towards reform is certainly in sight. Comprehensive reform will most likely pass the Senate by the July 4th deadline, and the adoption of the Hoever/Corker proposal will definitely gain broader support from Republican representatives. Only time will tell what the next few weeks will bring to the table.
-Paul Stern, Worker/Immigrant Rights Intern
As Congress moves into its summer session, the high profile Senate immigration bill, Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, is on pace to be brought to the Sena...
Break the Chain's own Tiffany Williams is featured in this article which addresses the culture of fear that comes from increased immigration enforcement and keeps trafficking victims for coming forward for fear of deportation.
"What we've seen on the ground is that the more aggressive they are with these [enforcement] programs, where they're allowing local police to arrest people for being undocumented, the more that the Secure Communities programs and others are growing, the less likely it is that an immigrant survivor would be willing to come forward and ask for help," Williams says, referring to victims of trafficking and other crimes. "It impedes our work significantly," she adds.
Junot Diaz on the Colbert Report, tackling immigration issues
Great New York Times editorial addressing the importance of keeping issues of border enforcement and paths to citizenship separate in any legislation focused on comprehensive immigration reform.
"President Obama plans to speak on immigration on Tuesday. We hope he stands firm on a realistic hope for citizenship, and acknowledges the unnecessary toll that overbroad enforcement — including his own — has taken on those whose legalization he has lately been championing."
VOLUNTEER: Graphic Designer/Factsheet Designer Needed!
We are looking for one person to take several existing factsheets- all currently in Word form - and turn them into a unified series of factsheets with a similar aesthetic. Most of them are 2 pages (front and back). We are looking for something very modern, clean, and bright and include graphics to make them more interesting (e.g., charts, images).
This is a volunteer (unpaid) project, but you can be credited as the designer in the footer of the factsheets and receive a written recommendation (or we can serve as a reference for your future endeavors).
Ideally we are looking for someone who can commit to finishing all the current factsheets by the end of January, and who can either stay on for ocassional work (a new factsheet every 3-4 months) or who can leave the template for us for future factsheets.
To apply please send a short letter of interest describing experience, availability/timeline and a few samples of your work to [email protected]
INTERNSHIP: Worker/Immigrant Rights Position!
Break the Chain Campaign is a project of the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC. For 13 years, we have provided direct social services for domestic workers (nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers) who have survived human trafficking and worker exploitation. Currently, we focus on research, writing, policy advocacy, and training, all based on our direct service experience and our commitment to a rights-based approach. We work to deepen the connections between parallel movements of human rights, immigrant rights, worker rights, climate justice, trade and tax fairness, and demilitarization, through the lens of domestic workers fighting for justice in the US and around the world.
Project Description: The focus of this internship will be
1) Immigration rights, particularly immigrant women and families, and the rights of immigrant survivors of crime; and
2) Worker rights, particularly workers in industries historically excluded from labor protections- domestic workers, day laborers, farmworkers, and guestworkers, among others.
The work will primarily involve research, writing, and attending policy/advocacy meetings and events, with some administrative work (database entry, meeting minutes, filing, etc.) is required of all interns, but will be a small percentage of your time. We are a busy project so there is plenty of concrete work to be done! You will represent Break the Chain Campaign on national calls, at DC meetings, and will blog about your issues. You will also have the opportunity to create factsheets and other longer written materials.
Please send a cover letter describing your interest areas and experience, a resume, a relevant writing sample (2-3 pages), and your dates/hours of availability
Email all materials in PDF or .doc form as attachments to [email protected]
Women of color and bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged. Some experience in legislative, community organizing, or media work is preferred but not required. You should have a good sense of humor and a relaxed attitude, but be able to meet serious, sometimes last-minute deadlines and high expectations for independence and professionalism. Thanks!
VOLUNTEER: French Interpreter Needed!
We are seeking an intepreter fluent in French (for a client from Africa) who is available for a full day of legal interpreting at the end of December (we are considering December 21st). Someone located in the District of Columbia or in Maryland would be ideal.
We are a small organization with limited funds for direct services, so we are seeking someone who is available on a pro-bono/volunteer basis.
Prior experience in a legal setting is highly desirable, and you must consent to interpreter guidelines and confidentiality because of the sensitive nature of our work.
Please send a resume a short letter of interest/experience, and a reference to [email protected]
October 25: Briefing on the impact of deportation and family separation on women at the Mexico-U.S. border
The We Belong Together campaign invites you to join us for a multimedia briefing on women, migration and the impacts of U.S. immigration policies at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Thursday, October 25th 9:00-10:30am PST / 12:00-1:30pm EST ** Note that the briefing will be presented as a webinar, so you will need both internet and phone access in order to participate. Please RSVP to Wida Amir, [email protected], to receive login instructions.
In September, We Belong Together travelled to Tijuana, Mexico to meet with women who have been deported from the United States and have been separated from their families on both sides of the border. Their testimonies are compelling evidence of the humanitarian crisis that has been created by U.S. immigration policies. They are also powerful illustrations of the bravery of migrant women who risk everything to provide a better future for their children, families and communities.
Join us for a presentation of migrant women’s testimonies, for a discussion of the issues they raise, and for a conversation on the importance of using a multinational approach to ensure the human rights of all migrants.
Please view this short video profile of Yolanda, one of the women we met in Tijuana. Like and share on Facebook to encourage others to participate.