Missouri
Immigrant &
Refugee
Advocates



Time is running out on the legislative session this year, but a bill that would make it next to impossible for thousands of Missouri’s immigrants to get a driver’s license is in danger of becoming law.  For years, our state has allowed people with limited English proficiency to take the written driver’s exam in their own language.  House Bill 167 would change all that, requiring that the test only be given in English.  For thousands of Missourians, this is the difference between getting their license or not.  Without a license, how can someone get to work, take kids to school, and be a contributing member of the community?

Your senator needs to hear from YOU! Click Here to send an email to your senator telling them you oppose discriminating against immigrants.  Tell your senator to VOTE NO on HB167!!

Wednesday, the Missouri House of Representatives passed House Bill 708, sponsored by Rep. Curtman of Pacific.  The bill prohibits  Missouri judges from recognizing any court decree, contract, or other legal agreement issued by another country.  Immigrants, more than any other group in the state, often operate under international child custody arrangements, divorce decrees, and other contracts; and this bill would remove any certainty that those contracts would be upheld by a Missouri court.

In spite of the fact that the direct impact of this bill clearly affects immigrants of all backgrounds, the intent of legislators was to demonize the Muslim community in particular.  The  bill’s supporters claim that it will prevent courts from considering Sharia Law in their deliberations.  Sharia, the religious code observed by Muslims, is used by millions of American Muslims to guide daily actions like prayer and fair treatment of one’s neighbor.  In truth, the First Amendment already rightly prevents American courts from considering any religious law.

“Legislators are unfairly targeting Muslims to score cheap political points,” said Vanessa Crawford, Executive Director of MIRA.  “What makes the bill even worse is the consequence – intended or not – of disrupting the lives of thousands of Missouri’s immigrants who would have no assurance under this law that their international legal arrangements will be honored by Missouri courts.  This bill is a short-sighted and mean-spirited attempt to scapegoat one community.  I hope that the state Senate will be more interested in addressing Missouri’s real problems than in engaging in this unnecessary and harmful debate.”

“Welcoming Missouri”

A Missouri Immigrant & Refugee Advocate Initiative
and
the Missouri History Museum

…INVITE YOU
for a guided tour with Martin Rafanan and Rene Foronda
of
SINGGALOT
A Centennial Commemoration of Filipino Immigration to the United States

Singgalot explores the issues that challenged Filipinos following the annexation of the Philippines as a U.S. territory in 1898. Through a hundred photomurals and images, the social history and the progression of the Filipino community in the United States are depicted.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2011

6:00 p.m. AND 6:45 p.m.

Main floor of the Missouri History



Ready for a fun night of trivia and friends that supports your favorite cause?  Register today for MIRA Trivia night!

When: Saturday, May 14

Doors at 6:30, Game starts at 7

Where: IBEW Hall

5850 Elizabeth Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110-2895

Tickets: $20 per person, $160 per table – Cash prizes for winners!

Click here to register or reserve your place with Vicki by sending an email to vickia264@gmail.com

Join MIRA and Community Cinema for a  free screening of  Welcome to Shelbyville.  The documentary tells the story of immigrants in America through the lives of the people of Shelbyville, Tennessee.  The film and the discussion that will follow will explore religion, race, integration and the dynamics of a changing American landscape.

When: Thursday, May 5, 2011
Time: 7 PM
Where: Missouri History Museum

Hosted by Nine Network Producer Jim Kirchherr