GALEO Newsletter: May 2011, Georgia is now more like Arizona

ATLANTA (May 13, 2011) - Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of GALEO, released this statement upon confirmation that Governor Nathan Deal � will sign into law, HB87, Georgia's Arizona-style legislation:

"Today, Friday the 13th of May, will be a day that will go in our history books as a very dark day for Georgia. Governor Nathan Deal has decided to sign into law HB87, the 'Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011' or also commonly known as an Arizona-style law. GALEO, along with many other allies in diverse communities and business interests, worked diligently to defeat HB87 during the legislative process and have also been calling for the Governor's veto. Unfortunately, those efforts for reason have failed.

We are deeply outraged and concerned that the Governor has chosen to sign HB87 into law because it will do serious harm to Georgia for today and for our future.

To read the full statement, please follow this link (http://conta.cc/jOq08y).

To read the full testimony provided in opposition to AZ style legislation, please follow the link here. Video is posted on youtube.com/GALEO2007.

Please follow this link for Part ONE.

Please follow this link for part TWO, where GA Senator Bill Heath (R) makes the comments about the Civil War not being about slavery and also makes the false claim that the 9/11 terrorists entered the country illegally.

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GALEO Board of Directors 2011

GALEO Executive
Board of Directors

Chairman: Former State Sen. Sam Zamarripa (SD-36, D-Atlanta)

Vice Chair: Evelyn "Mimi" Woodson, Columbus City Council

Treasurer: Judge Dax Lopez, DeKalb County State Court

Secretary: Rocio Del Milagro Woody, The Road to Recovery, Inc.

GALEO Board Members At Large:

Rudy Beserra, The Coca-Cola Company

Charles Kuck, Kuck Immigration Partners LLC

Judith Martinez-Sadri, formerly with Atlanta Latino

Rey Pascual, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP

Sonny Poloche, Kilpatrick Townsend

GALEO - STRATEGIC PLAN 2009-2011 OVERVIEW

MISSION:
GALEO's mission is to increase civic engagement and leadership of the Latino/Hispanic community across Georgia.

VISION for 2012: GALEO will help create an engaged, active, responsive and knowledgeable assembly of Latino/Hispanic residents of all ages across all sectors in Georgia.

CORE BELIEFS

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Diversity
Responsive

Georgia Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) openly associates with hate group

Atlanta, GA - February 4, 2009

Please follow this link for full details on Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers' links with a hate group.

GALEO Newsletter
May 18, 2011

Greetings!

Georgia is NOT Arizona? Unfortunately, HB87, the Arizona-style legislation was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal (R) despite objections from the business community, agricultural interests, the convention & tourism industry, faith leaders and various community & immigrant rights groups. Now, we await the pending legal challenges which will cost our state hundreds of millions of dollars and cost our state significant harm to our reputation. There is plenty of information to be shared below. Please do share it and stay informed and educated. Together, we shall overcome the latest challenges for our communities and work together towards making Georgia whole again soon.

Thank you for your interest, support and dedication to GALEO & the GALEO Latino Community Development Fund.

In 2011, we are looking forward to increasing our membership numbers to truly grow an engaged Latino community. We would like to encourage you to become a member of the GALEO Familia if you are not one yet. As a GALEO Member, you will be able to fully participate in our GALEO Leadership Council, led by Alejandro Lopez (Chair) and Laura Murvartian (Vice Chair). If you would like to join the GALEO Familia and become a Member, please visit this link: http://tinyurl.com/GALEOMembership. If you are interested in the GALEO Leadership Council and participating in the monthly meetings, please contact Laura Murvartian, Vice Chair: laura_murvartian@bellsouth.net. Please engage and commit to work with our organization this year! Every GALEO Member counts and we need YOU to join!

2011 will also bring many challenges. Georgia is one of three states which have passed laws to emulate Arizona's controversial SB1070, the "show me your papers/racial profiling" state law which is being challenged in the federal court system. These challenges will only serve to make our community stronger. Obviously, YOUR voice will be needed now more than ever.

Finally, we do hope you will join us for our 8th Annual GALEO Power Breakfast (Friday, May 20, 2011) where we will hear from Georgia's newest Latino official, the Honorable Dax Lopez, DeKalb County State Court Judge appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue (R). Late registration is still open. Please see the link below for details.

Lots of plans and activities for 2011 and we do hope you engage and join our efforts.

Thank you!

Join us! Few spaces still available!

8th Annual GALEO Power Breakfast

Friday, May 20, 2011

Late Registration continues!

Keynote Address:

Honorable Dax Lopez

Judge Dax Lopez, DeKalb County State Court

DeKalb County State Court Judge

We hope you will make every effort to join us!

The 8th Annual GALEO Power Breakfast is one of the principle fundraising events for GALEO & the GALEO Latino Community Development Fund.

The 8th Annual Power Breakfast is a place to connect with the Latino movers and shakers in Georgia.

DATE: Friday, May 20, 2011

TIME: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

LOCATION:

Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort
4021 Lakeview Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083-3099

We hope you will make every effort to join us!

Late registration is still open and we do have some spaces left. Please RSVP with a credit card payment today and follow teh link below.

http://bit.ly/gEtBLv

More details are posted online:

http://www.galeo.org/event.php?event_id=0000000795

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Georgia is like Arizona: HB87 is signed into law on Friday the 13th of May

It is important to note that most of HB87's provisions will not go into effect until July.

Furthermore, it is important to note that there will likely be several lawsuits filed against the state asking for a federal injunction on some of the provisions of HB87, similar to what has happened in Arizona and in Utah. Additionally, 22 other states are considering legislation similar to the Arizona law, SB1070. Finally, there was no funding allocated for implementation of the new law. Local and state budgets are stretched by the recent economic downturn and the state provided zero dollars for any implementation, training or enforcement of the new law.

Our community must be educated and informed to make rational decisions. We do not want for our community to flee Georgia. One of the main efforts of laws like HB87 is to spread fear. We must not allow irrational fear to control our decisions as a community. That is why it is important to remain calm and informed. YOUR help is needed to please spread the word. Thanks!

There has been significant media coverage internationally on the immediate impacts of HB87. Please follow the links for more information on the following news articles and resources for information regarding the HB87.

Here is a link to a letter and analysis of HB87 from former State Senator Sam Zamarripa sent to Governor Deal prior to the signing of HB87 warning of some of the legal questions around the legislation: http://bit.ly/SamZamarripaHB87
For a simple analysis of HB87 from Charles Kuck, Immigration Partners LLC, please follow these links for English/Spanish summaries (English / Spanish): http://bit.ly/CKuckHB87_ENG / http://bit.ly/CKuckHB87_SP
USA Today: Carlos Santana slams immigration laws at Civil Rights Game (in Atlanta): ATLANTA -- The stage on the infield grass for the pregames ceremonies at baseball's Civil Rights Game included actor Morgan Freeman and Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, but also the Grammy-award winning artist Carlos Santana, a fan of the Oakland Athletics. Santana caused a stir in Turner Field on an appropriate day to be talking about social issues. Santana was on stage to receive Major League Baseball's Beacon of Change award. He took the microphone and said Arizona and the city of Atlanta should be "ashamed" for passing immigration bills, that have been criticized widely as racially motivated. Santana was booed by some fans in Turner Field. (http://usat.ly/iIM4C3)
Become a FAN of Carlos Santana on facebook. (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/carlossantana)
The Georgia Voice: "More LGBT businesses, organizations sign on to be 'safe zones' to protest Georgia immigration law", by Dyana Bagby, May 17, 2011 11:27 (http://bit.ly/jcDzHj)
Undocumented High School Students (in Mableton) Walk Out In Response to HB 87 and Ban on Higher Education: Youth Demand Equality Education on 57th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education (http://on.fb.me/jweYE3)
Charles Kuck, GALEO Board Member, & D.A. King, convicted felon, debate HB87, AZ style law for Georgia. (http://bit.ly/keQIn0)
Telemundo Series on HB87: (http://on.fb.me/lvuRc9)
Mundo Hispanico: GOBERNADOR DE GEORGIA PROMULG� LA HB87 ( http://youtu.be/ybnbSXx5whY)
El Patron: INFORMACION SOBRE HB 87 Monday, May 16, 2011, http://bit.ly/jpeAvX
GALEO video of HB87 Signing at Press Conference on May 13th, 2011: http://youtu.be/ge3AFvwDd3M
The Nation: "Santana is Booed for Using Baseball's Civil Rights Game to Speak Out for Civil Rights", by Dave Zirin
May 16, 2011: Carlos Santana took the microphone and said that he was representing all immigrants. Then Santana added, "The people of Arizona, and the people of Atlanta, Georgia, you should be ashamed of yourselves." In a perfect display of Gov. Nathan Deal's Georgia, the cheers quickly turned to boos. Yes, Carlos Santana was booed on Civil Rights Day in Atlanta for talking about Civil Rights. ( http://bit.ly/kpEaiW )
NILC: GEORGIA GOVERNOR TURNS BACK TIME, SIGNS RACIAL PROFILING LEGISLATION INTO LAW: Arizona Copycat Legislation Will Target Communities of Color, Trample Upon Civil Rights, Friday, May 13, 2011 (http://www.nilc.org/pubs/news-releases/nr066.htm)
Reuters: "Georgia governor signs immigration crackdown"
By David Beasley, ATLANTA | Fri May 13, 2011 7:12pm EDT: "Today is a dark day for Georgia," said Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, or Galeo. Opponents warned of a possible economic boycott to Georgia, similar to one estimated to have cost Arizona more than $140 million in lost tourism and convention revenue last year, according to one study by a liberal group. They also predicted costly and drawn-out litigation similar to what has unfolded in Arizona and Utah. (http://reut.rs/l3SUIH)
International Center of Atlanta to issue '2011 International Travel Advisory for Georgia, US': Atlanta, GA, US - The International Center of Atlanta will issue a web based 2011 International Travel Advisory for Georgia, US to provide guidance for visitors to and residents of Georgia, pending adoption of new laws related to immigration in the Georgia. (http://bit.ly/jzMZa8)
Atlanta Business Chronicle: "Gov. Deal approves immigration bill", By: Dave Williams, Friday, May 13, 2011: Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials called Friday "a very dark day for Georgia," while Bill Nigut, Southeast regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, said the law is "anti-business and inhumane." (http://bit.ly/iW4cZO)
AALAC's Executive Director Issues Statement on Governor Nathan Deal's signing of House Bill 87: (http://bit.ly/j9nFYC )
Georgia HB 87 Signed into Law on May 13th 2011, By. Erik Voss: http://youtu.be/Ja_ebvEKAw8
HuffingtonPost.com: "Darkness at Noon: Georgia Dumps Peaches for Prisons With Immigration Law Today", By: Jeff Biggers, 5/13/11. (http://huff.to/jLcPxm)
Donald Arthur King, convicted felon and leader of the Dustin Inman Society, proudly claims direct ties with John Tanton and admits funneling funds through another nonprofit organization. (http://youtu.be/YXNpOTb-PZI)
YouTube Playlist of Town Hall Meeting on Economic Impact: http://www.youtube.com/user/GALEO2007#grid/user/28C7C3E3DBA0916F

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Georgia Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford) disgracefully unveils the xenophobia behind HB87

Please watch this video on YouTube.com to learn about the real intentions behind HB87.

HB87 Senate Debate 041411 - Sen Unterman Pt. 1/2 Uploaded by GeorgiansAgainstHB87 on Apr 16, 2011

State Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford) arguing for HB87. Footage from GPB.org

Sen. Unterman, among other things, says we "should take care of our people, not their people" and that she can tell foreigners are leaving because she doesn't see them as much driving around.

http://youtu.be/nLd13NEt0ZI

GALEO NOTE: After the her speech on HB87, Senator Unterman was strolling around the Senate Chambers.

Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of GALEO, approached her and did tell her what many Latinos and other Georgians felt on that day. Jerry Gonzalez told her that he was disgusted with her speech and told her that she should be ashamed of herself. Gonzalez added that her speech represented the worst of the debate on immigration and that she was a disgrace to our state.

Unterman said she was proud of herself and that her constituents believed the same way. She then walked away only to return with a Capitol Police officer and pointed to Gonzalez.

The Capitol police officer approached Mr. Gonzalez and was asking him to leave the Georgia Capitol. Gonzalez refused to leave and asked why he was being asked to leave. After much discussion with the Capitol police, Gonzalez was told that Georgia State Senator Renne Unterman (R-Buford) wanted Gonzalez removed from the Capitol because he was "harrassing" the Senator. In order to remain in the Capitol for the remaining few hours of the 2011 Legislative session, Gonzalez agreed not to make contact with Unterman for the remainder of the legislative session.

Georgia State Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford) feels she can say what she wants in the Georgia Senate and denigrate our immigrant community and she expects no consequences to her speech? Georgia State Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford) does demonstrate the worst of the immigration debate in Georgia and she should be ashamed. Her speech was disgraceful and reprehensible. We shall not forget it and we shall not apologize for holding her accountable for her hurtful and shameful words on that day.

Contact information:

Georgia State Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford)

District Office:
   P. O. Box 508
   Buford GA 30518
   Phone: (770) 945-1887
   Email: renee.unterman@senate.ga.gov

http://youtu.be/nLd13NEt0ZI

Gainesville: Love Your Neighbor Rally!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Join fellow concerned Georgians on to come together to say "Stop discrimination! Stop HB87! Love your neighbor!"

Co-sponsors: Students for a Progressive Society at Gainesville State College, GALEO, North Georgia Immigrant Justice, Hispanic Families Helping Families, and several churches.

To be held at Central Park in downtown Gainesville and you can get connected and more details below on facebook.

RSVP online and spread the word on facebook.com:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182709551778813

SAVANNAH, GA: Information Forum on HB87, GA's Immigration Reform Bill

May 24, 2011

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location:

1era. Iglesia Bautista

1 Gamble Road

Savannah, GA 31405

Update on HB 87 in the Georgia legislature and what you can do.

On, May 13, 2011, Governor Deal signed HB 87, Arizona-style legislation which will devastate Georgia's economy, especially within the rural and agricultural communities and tourism industry. Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of GALEO, will provide a summary of what has been passed.

RSVP online on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=166799096713712

ACLU Know Your Rights: What To Do If You're Stopped By Police, Immigration Agents or the FBI

We rely on the police to keep us safe and treat us all fairly, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin or religion. This card provides tips for interacting with police and understanding your rights.

Please follow this link for details in English and in Spanish:

http://www.aclu.org/drug-law-reform-immigrants-rights-racial-justice/know-your-rights-what-do-if-you

Georgia Takes Risky Gamble with Harsh Immigration Law

Posted 05/16/11 at 06:05pm

Florida flirted with passing an Arizona-style immigration law, but rightly decided to abandon the effort after weeks of controversy and heavy pushback.

Not so with Georgia.

Last Friday, despite intense opposition from business, student, immigrant, and faith groups, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (R) placed his state on a perilous path by signing anti-immigrant legislation modeled after Arizona's "papers, please" law. The state now has one of the nation's toughest immigration measures.

http://americasvoiceonline.org/blog/entry/georgia_takes_risky_gamble_with_harsh_immigration_law/

Bluffton family waiting for justice: Man who assaulted immigrants was set free before because victims did not have documents

May 17, 2011

By John Newton, La Voz Latina, Savannah, Ga.

Four months have passed since Bluffton, South Carolina businessman, Carlos Olivera, was gunned down outside his brother's home by tow truck operator, Preston Oates.

"In 2008, this man (Oates) was set free because the Latinos he assaulted had no papers and were afraid to testify in court," she said. "I'm sure that, when he killed my son, Oates was thinking he could get away with murder again because he believed that all Latinos were illegals and the police would do nothing to protect them from his violence."