JUNE 11 WAS THE NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
IN SUPPORT OF THE INDIAN GUEST WORKERS' HUNGER
STRIKE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. - READ NEWS OF END OF STRIKE

They are speaking on behalf of some 130,000 foreign workers who come to this country under the H2B guestworker visa program. The Indian workers escaped from forced labor in March. We will be supporting the two key demands they are making:

1) That Congress hold hearings into the rampant abuse of workers who come to the United States under the H2B visa program.
2) That the Department of Justice comply with the terms of the U. S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act, that assures aliens who are victims of a crime to remain in this country until the trial in which they have material evidence takes place. The Bush administration is dragging its feet and thus far has not guaranteed the status of the workers. Without the Attorney General's authorization of their status they are subject to arrest deportation at any time.

See the links for more information on the Indian Guest Workers' Hunger Strike. Follow this link to get more information about the H2B guestworker visa program: http://www.splcenter.org/news/item.jsp?aid=309

 

Jobs With Justice of East Tennessee participated in the National Day of Action on June 11, in support of the Indian Guest Workers' hunger strike in Washington D. C. Eleven JWJET members demonstrated on Wednesday in front of the Federal Building downtown, and then walked to Rep. Duncan's office and delivered a letter asking Duncan to support the two demands being made by the Indian Guestworkers: (1) that Congress hold hearings on the terribly flawed H2B guestworker visa program; and (2) that the 550 Indian skilled workers brought to this country by Signal International Corp. and its recruiters be given status to remain in the U. S. while charges of human trafficking are investigated and possibly brought to trial. (Thanks to Fran Ansley for writing the letter.)