May 11, 2010

Given that the Muslim community is greatly affected by the issue of immigration, MPAC is drafting a policy document to help articulate Muslim American concerns. WE NEED YOUR STORIES. They will be used as real-life profiles of people who have suffered at the hands of the current immigration system. For example, if you went through an excessively long waiting process to obtain your paperwork to become a citizen -- we want your story.

According to a report released by the Congressional Research Service, there are an estimated 11 million illegal residents in the United States. This is seen as a failure of current policies and procedures and has become the rallying point for a polarized debate on how to fix the broken system. Legislation is being drafted to reform the immigration problem; and in the words of Congressman Keith Ellison, "We can either be at the table or be on the menu." We stand to gain or lose from reform depending on what the new bill includes.

Here is what we need from you:

• Your name (let us know if you would prefer to be anonymous)
• 1-3 paragraphs describing your experience/ concerns with the system
• Optional: 3 sentences on your recommendations for the new immigration reform bill
• We need your stories by May 13, 2010

Send your stories to aziza@mpac.org.

Please spread the word! The most effective way to raise the immigration issue, is to put up stories and faces for people to relate to. Thank you for your support!

- Aziza Hasan (aziza@mpac.org)
Southern California Government Relations Director