In September, parts of Alabama’s anti-immigrant bill went into effect. HB56 is the harshest of the recent state anti-immigrant laws, with provisions that criminalize immigrants, cause racial profiling, and void contracts with all undocumented people in the state. The law has led to a humanitarian crisis where people in Alabama fear sending even U.S. citizen children to school and people are afraid they will lose their homes. The Department of Justice is suing the state on constitutional grounds.

On November 21, a congressional delegation will hold hearings on the effect of HB56 on Alabama's residents, and the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice will launch its "One Family, One Alabama" campaign to repeal HB56 and  “uphold the legacy in the shared struggle for dignity and justice for all.”  Allies across the country will hold vigils in solidarity.

Join JUFJ and allies for a June 15 film screening and dessert reception!
  Long before Arizona, Virginia's Prince William County became ground zero in America's explosive battle over immigration policy when it started requiring police to question anyone they had "probable cause" to suspect of being an undocumented immigrant.  The acclaimed film, 9500 Liberty, documents the debate and profound effects of this policy on communities in our region.  The documentary follows the national anti-immigration forces who frighten and intimidate local lawmakers and citizens, and the residents who resist by using YouTube videos and virtual townhalls to set up a real-life showdown in the seat of county government.

On, Thursday, September 24th at 6:30 pm at Foundry United Methodist Church (1500 16th St., NW), members of the Day Laborers Association will be holding an accountability session with officials from the DC Office of Wage and Hour to follow up on promises that were made following our spring campaign/letter-writing action. 

There are reports that some of these promises are not yet being fully honored, so we will gather to show visible support for the workers.  Important: please RSVP to elizabeth@jufj.org if you would like to attend.

Come to our next Day Laborer Justice campaign meeting.  Exact time and location TBA.  If you are interested in attending please contact elizabeth@jufj.org for full details.

Learn the facts about wage and hour rights in DC and develop tools to
help fight Wage Theft in our community. Interactive workshop will focus
on knowing our rights... and how to stand up for them. Part of the
on-going Gerry Brittain Education Project. Free and open to the public.
Snacks provided. Register online at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=bdAvdFc2_2bP7TBKN2m08OLA_3d_3d

See the flyer here.

Join JUFJ's working group as we work to bring justice to day laborers who live and work in Washington, DC. All are welcome, and snacks will be provided.

RSVP to Nathaniel at ndb22@cornell.edu . 

Join us as we plan the next steps for JUFJ's day laborer justice work -- including how to take our message into synagogues during Labor on the Bimah! All are welcome.

Join the Coalition for a Worker Center in DC for a great event planned for this Saturday*. From 11am to 1pm, members of the Union de Trabajadores will clean-up the area around Home Depot.

Then from 1-4pm we'll have an outreach fair right in the parking lot in front of Home Depot where we'll have tables with info and resources for the community, children's activities, food, and music. Performances will include a puppet show by members of the Union de Trabajadores! It's going to be a lot of fun, but we need all hands on deck to make it happen.You can sign up for a one-hour shift here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ZRFymva0TonwJ33HD6Fpww_3d_3d or, just stop by the celebration! 

* This events is taking place on Shabbat, and on the second day of Shavuot. We are making information available about this event, which is being organized by our allies, so that our members can choose to attend, if their Shabbat and Shavuot observance allows.  

Interfaith Worker Justice of Greater Washington
invites you to join us to share resources and discuss how congregations can support workers during these tough economic times. Rabbis, lay leaders, and all members of the Jewish and other faith communities are invited to attend. The seminar is free, and lunch will be provided.

RSVP to Darya at 202-408-1423 or to Mackenzie at 202-974-8224.

• What can our congregation do to help members who are impacted by the economic crisis?
• What recourse do workers have if they are denied unemployment insurance?
• What kinds of protections do workers have in this economy?

Seminar will feature speakers from the legal and faith communities. Topics will include:

• Resources for Congregations
• Increasing Access to Unemployment Insurance
• Combating Wage Theft