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DAP Forums > DREAM Act > The Lounge

My meeting with a legislator thread

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#1
02-27-2010, 12:55 PM
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Hi DAPpers,

I am making a new thread which will hopefully be of use to share our stories about meeting our legislators and their staffers. I visited one yesterday and I would like to share my experience with you guys. I hope that our legislator database helps you see which legislators are more likely to hear our message.

Yesterday, I went with a US citizen friend to visit Christina Rogers, a staffer who works for Halverson's (D-IL) office in Bloomington, IL. We came in while she was busy taking calls and waited for her to finish. She warmly welcomed us and sat on a circular table and began a long but very interesting conversation about the current state of affairs with immigration.

She mentioned to us that she had just come from DC where the House spoke again about their resolve to wait for the Senate to introduce an immigration bill. Additionally, even though Halvorson is a Democrat, she is not vocal about supporting a comprehensive package. Part of the reason lies in that she is currently one of the many legislators who are up for reelection this year.

Nevertheless, the staffer seemed interested in the DREAM Act. I told her my story and she was moved (she was holding back her tears). She was being genuine because her office has taken immigration cases, including students. She also used to work for Durbin's office and she is well aware of his efforts to pass DREAM.

We talked about what the best approach to immigration could be. I explained to her that our community is looking to push for the DREAM Act alone instead of CIR. The staffer told me that what I had to say was a new idea for her and wishes that community organizations would begin a new dialogue about tackling immigration reform PIECE by PIECE. Currently, the local organizers here in Bloomington keep pushing the whole package which is not possible for the legislator to support vocally. The legislator would feel much more receptive supporting DREAM instead of a whole package.

She also encouraged me to tell you all that it is important to make personal visits to the staffers or the legislators themselves. I am not saying that all of them will welcome you with open arms. But it is a step we HAVE to take. You can bring an ally with you as well--it is open doors.

Rallies and vigils are nice.... but ultimately we need to connect with our representatives and senators face to face. And push for DREAM instead of CIR.
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Last edited by Abaddon; 02-27-2010 at 01:07 PM..
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#2
02-27-2010, 07:34 PM
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Agreed.
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