Victory for "Hungry for Justice"

 

                       The heavy rainfall was not an impediment for pro-immigrant groups to rally and demand an answer from Governor Patrick in regards to the anti-immigrant amendments proposed in the 2013 state budget. 

On June 25th Monday morning, thirty immigrant leaders and allies under the campaign “Hungry for Justice” held a delegation and stayed for a sit-in in Governor Patrick’s office. During the delegation, “Hungry for Justice” coalition members revealed their plan to hold an all day sit-in on Tuesday the 26th, which would escalate to an indefinite Hunger Strike on Wednesday the 27th until Governor Patrick promised to veto anti-immigrant amendments. They also planned to send delegations to the Governor’s office and hold solidarity vigils outside the State House throughout the week.

During the sit-in, Governor Patrick visited the young immigrant activists in the hallway of his office. They informed the Governor that 10 women will hold a hunger strike in his office if a clear response was not given regarding the anti-immigrant amendments. Erika Perez, an undocumented student, shared with Governor Patrick the challenges she faces living in Massachusetts. Governor Patrick responded,  “I’m on your side. I’ve said that a million times... I’ve been as clear as possible not just with you but with the legislature that if they come to me, its over. ”

With this victory, Xhulio Uruci, an undocumented student who would qualify for the Dream Act, said, “This was a victory for the entire immigrant community: for those having the strategy meetings, for those making calls, for those who came to support, and especially for those whose busy, hard-working lives only made it possible to be with us in spirit.”

“Hungry for Justice” members will respect the Governor’s statements and will not proceed with this week’s planned actions. Instead, they will organize delegations and call-in days to to thank Governor Patrick for standing with immigrant communities. On Wednesday June 27th at 11:00A.M., “Hungry for Justice” will hold a press conference to thank the Governor and hold him accountable to his statement that he will indeed veto anti-immigrant amendments in the state budget.