03 Feb Enough Talking!

On the heels of the GOP announcing their principles on immigration reform, farmworker women in Oregon are sending their own message. But this message is not made up of words. We’ve heard enough of that already.

At 5pm yesterday, over 20 farmworker women from PCUN and Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas (MLP) began a 24 hour fast in solidarity with the National Farmworker Alliance and the Fast for Families campaign for immigration reform and citizenship. At about 1pm today some of the women were able to share their experience with Eliseo Medina, SEIU’s International Secretary-Treasurer, who recently finished up a 22 day fasting himself to support the cause (see photo below).

Here is what some of the women had to say about why they are fasting:

“As an organizer I see a lot of needs in my community, especially with undocumented farmworker women. They often get hurt on the job or are sexually harassed but are afraid to report it. We should all have the privilege of having a permanent work permit”—Carmen

“I’m doing this because I believe in the cause! This is a small step I can take in the larger movement.”—Elisa

“I believe in my gut this is right. I want to physically manifest why I care about this issue and educate others I know that may not be aware of it.”—Rosi

“I’m doing this because I want to support my sisters and brothers who don’t have papers.”– Rebeca

“I know that if we stick together we can achieve change.”— Maricela

“We know that CIR is important. Demonstrating it in a noble, humble, and peaceful way unites us and at the same allows us to express the injustices we see”—Laura

“I’m a documented immigrant and somebody led a struggle for me. Now it’s my turn.”—Brenda

Que vivan las mujeres campesinas!!!