Immigration Reform

As new immigrants migrate to cities and towns spread out across the United States, there is a widespread need to build bridges between existing residents and immigrants. Faith communities recognize the importance of immigration to America society and the urgency of protecting new immigrants from exploitation. PICO's organizing model has proven to be a valuable tool for bringing immigrant and non-immigrant families together to address common community concerns; helping new immigrants become active, contributing citizens; and combating discrimination and exploitation of immigrants. PICO's immigrant organizing is changing the political landscape in communities across the country.

Civic Leadership

Northern Valley Sponsoring Committee (NVSC), a PICO affiliate based in Sacramento, CA, has guided nearly 1,500 eligible immigrants through the grueling process of becoming U.S. citizens while training them to become leaders in their community. These new citizen leaders are putting their skills to work improving the drinking water in Colusa County, one of the poorest counties in California.

National Policy

People and Congregations Together (PACT) in Stockton, California helped change language in the U.S. Patriot Act that had prevented members of the Hmong community from becoming citizens, applying for permanent resident status, and even attaining driver's licenses. President Bush signed the legislation, which included automatic relief for the Hmong and other groups that do not pose a threat to the United States, days after a massive rally of more than 1,800 Hmong members in Stockton.

Local Ordinances

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO) in southern California helped stop a proposal by the Santa Ana Police Department which would have given local police the ability to enforce federal immigration law. OCCCO leaders arranged a large community meeting with the Police Chief, where community members shared the public safety problems the city would face if immigrants were afraid to interact with the police. The Police Chief dropped the proposal after the meeting with OCCCO.