A Salvadoran woman SCSJ represents is featured as the cover story of today's publication of the Independent Weekly. Read the article to learn the story of this courageous young immigrant who stood up to an Immigration official who attempted to use her undocumented status to sexually harass and blackmail her. SCSJ looks up to her bravery in standing up for her rights and speaking out against her abuser. We are hopeful that her story will empower other immigrants whose rights have been violated to speak out.

By Rebecca Fontaine, Immigrant Rights Organizer

This past week undocumented students and allies across North Carolina have been holding actions in support of the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act would provide 1.5 million undocumented students with a path towards legalization and access to higher education.

Unfortunately, today the Senate blocked a vote on the Defense Authorization Bill, meaning the DREAM Act will not be given the opportunity to come up for discussion as an amendment on this bill. DREAM Activist.org is urging supporters to call Senator Harry Reid (NV) to bring up the DREAM Act as a stand-alone bill and stop playing politics with the lives of undocumented students.

Rosario Lopez, an NC DREAM Team member, is disappointed but says that this defeat will only make us fight harder. “We are not going to give up and we are going to keep fighting for the DREAM Act. We are stronger than ever. I think we can accomplish the passage of the DREAM Act as a stand-alone bill.”

Luisa Estrada thought she had purchased a home for family. But after making a large down payment on a house in Alamance County it became clear that the realtor had taken advantage of her. The contract she signed contained confusing language indicating she was in fact only renting the property in question. Ms. Estrada partnered with SCSJ staff attorney Chris Brook to successfully negotiate a resolution wherein the realtor agreed to let Ms. Estrada out of her “purchase” contract in addition to refunding her full down payment and many of the expenses she incurred while improving the property. After months of frustration, Ms. Estrada now speaks with relief: "Through SCSJ's support, I was able to prevail against a realtor who had deceived me." One small blow against unfair and deceptive housing practices!

Not only have SCSJ’s community partners throughout the South been working hard to reduce the undercount, but they have also been using the census as an organizing tool for building sustainable grassroots power. Sixty-eight organizations in five states – VA, NC, GA, FL and LA – have implemented their own unique outreach projects through funds from SCSJ’s mini-grant program. These groups and other organizations are collaborating with the communities they support and are a part of – disenfranchised communities that the Census Bureau has struggled to count for decades, such as working-class families, communities of color, homeless people and new immigrant communities.

Conducting outreach around the census has been a fantastic opportunity for grassroots community organizations to build their base, strengthen their capacity, and cultivate relationships with other progressive and grassroots organizations. In Guildford County, NC, various groups joined forces to form the Census Community Coalition, with strong representation from the Latin@ community, the Arab/Middle Eastern community, African immigrant groups, the Montagnard Dega community, the African-American community, and local student groups.

Organizations like FaithAction International House, Montagnard Dega Association, La Vela Center, and the Islamic Center of the Triad have collaborated to develop their grassroots analysis of the census while sharing resources and strategies. Some examples of outreach in their communities include door-to-door canvassing, church announcements, flyering at local events, and new technology messaging through YouTube videos. Working off of their census partnerships, this coalition and others across the south will continue to mobilize and politicize their constituents and membership, through redistricting and beyond.

Haven’t been counted in the census yet? Not sure? Call the Census Bureau’s hotline to get counted or have your questions answered.