Organizers of last week’s march on the National Mall won’t participate in “A Day Without Immigrants” events planned around the U.S. next month and instead will hold gatherings to discuss workers’ rights and the immigration debate.
“Now’s not the time to boycott,” said Jaime Contreras, president of the National Capital Immigration Coalition, which led the march that brought an estimated 150,000 to the Capitol as Congress was considering immigration reform. “We will carefully watch movement on the Hill and will reserve the tactic of a strike if and when it is most necessary.”
But at least one coalition with headquarters in Washington is going ahead with a national boycott and strike on May 1, urging immigrants to skip work and school and avoid spending money that day. South of the border, Mexican activists also are urging people to boycott big U.S. businesses.
Organizers of the boycott hope to call attention to the economic contributions of the 11 million to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
ANSWER, or Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, has taken credit for helping to mobilize the immigrant movement in Los Angeles. Spokesman Carlos Alvarez said he’s not concerned about people getting a mixed message in the D.C. area on the proposed boycott and strike.
“This movement is larger than any one organization, including ANSWER,” Alvarez said.
D.C.-area immigration leaders said they hoped the massive April 10 rally helped shift Congress toward their positions.
Gustavo Torres, executive director of CASA of Maryland, said he respects the decision of those who participate in the boycott, but said the tactic is unnecessary at this time. A boycott or strike should only be used as a lost resort, he said.
“We still have room to negotiate,” Torres said Tuesday.
On May 1, NCIC is calling for regional community gatherings to discuss worker rights, immigration and race and to celebrate diversity. Events will be held in Washington, Northern Virginia, Langley Park and Baltimore.
Immigration
» D.C.-area Hispanic population is about 600,000
» Boycott day coincides with Labor Day in Mexico
» An estimated 150,000 people marched on the Mall last week
