Past Campaigns

• Detention Working Group

In response to implementation of special registration requirements of immigrants from target countries, FBI interviews of Iraqi immigrants, and mass deportations of Middle-Eastern immigrants, many immigrants are currently in detention. We have been interviewing immigration detainees to find out who is being held and why. On June 29, 2005 we issued a report on our findings: “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor . . . A Report on Due Process Issues in the Handling of Immigrant Detainees in Massachusetts.” Volunteers are needed to work on the second phase of this campaign. Call the office to volunteer: 617-227-7335.

• Support for Equal Marriage

The Mass Chapter signed onto an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in the equal marriage case Goodridge v. DPH and presented testimony before the Joint Judiciary Committee on October 23, 2003 in support of equal marriage and civil union legislation. On November 18, 2003 the SJC ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry in Massachusetts.

• Anti-War Activities

The Mass Defense Committee trains and provides legal observers for anti-war and other demonstrations. Call the office to volunteer as a legal observer or attorney: 617-227-7335. Also check http://justicewithpeace.org for upcoming demonstrations.

• Legal Response to 9/11

1)    We have issued a statement expressing our concern.

2)    We wrote a letter of opposition to Attorney General Ashcroft’s Eavesdropping Rule.

3)    We educate victims of discrimination or harassment about their rights regarding the  INS, the FBI, and general discrimination law.

4)    We also provide speakers on the issues of a just and lawful response to the attacks of September 11 and on the clamping down on civil liberties in the U.S.

5)    Our members at Greater Boston Legal Services worked on an Immigration Human Rights Documentation Project.

6)    We conduct educational events with immigrant communities about Know Your Rights with regard to INS and other federal and state agents.