Human Rights

The Human Rights Task Force supports the idea that all persons should have equal rights and equal opportunities in their pursuit of happiness. It is our mission to be advocates for human beings who have those rights infringed upon and/or who are unjustly denied opportunities based upon their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, and immigration status.

The Missouri Association for Social Welfare Human Rights Task force works closely with the Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates (MIRA), a statewide coalition working for the rights of Immigrants and Refugees. Read answers to questions like, "Why can't they just wait their turn?" and "Why can't they just follow the rules like my great-grandparents did?" provided by Joan Suarez, Chair of MIRA.

The talking points below are for bills that MASW and MIRA are following during the 2008 State Legislative Session.

For more information on MIRA contact Jenny Rafanan

Talking Points:

General Talking Points on Immigration
Access to Higher Education for Immigrant Students (HB1463 and SB858)
Driver’s License Restrictions (HB1420 and SB750)
State Sanctions for Employers of Undocumented Immigrants (HB1381 and HB1434)
Why Local/State Law Enforcement of Federal Immigration Code is a Bad Idea for MO (HB1346, HB1395, HB1549 and the Governor’s Directives)
Anti-Immigrant Restrictions Regarding Public Benefits (HB1346, SB751 and SB858)
Voter Registration and Identification (HB1317 and HJR48)

TASK FORCE GOALS FOR 2008

GOALS:

The Human Rights Task Force will work in close cooperation with our partners, especially Missouri Immigrants and Refugees Advocates (MIRA), to make our state a place that welcomes newcomers and extends justice to all people in our state.
Advocate for comprehensive immigration legislation at the federal level, where this issue should be addressed and resolved.
Work with coalition partners to defeat the proposed “English-only” amendment that will be on the statewide ballot in 2008.

View an updated list of legislation MASW is following on Human Rights

A list of upcoming meetings is available on the MASW Calendar page. A list of related web sites is available on the MASW Links page.

The Human Rights Task Force is looking for passionate members statewide to create change through activism and community education. For more information, please contact Courtney Prentis .

Staffed by Josh Ewing.

Updated: 06/12/2008