Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles
2533 W. Third Street, Ste 101, Los Angeles, CA 90057 * tel 213.353.1333 * fax 213.353.1344 * www.chirla.org
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact:
Jorge-Mario Cabrera (jmcabrera@chirla.org)April 29, 2009 (562) 243-5559 (mobile) or (213) 353-1789
H1N1 Flu Spike in U.S. Should Not Be Used
To Spread Anti-Immigrant Demagoguery
Immigrants urged to seek information and services
Los Angeles
-- As concerns over the spike in H1N1 virus flu cases increase in the United States, conservative commentators such as Michael Savage and Neal Boortz, Fox's Glenn Beck, and columnist Michelle Malkin, in addition to separatist group Americans for Legal Immigration, have engaged in racist, anti-immigrant, anti-public health diatribes that do little to educate the public about the outbreak and further divides our nation at a time when scientifically sound information is needed by all. Angelica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), a regional immigrant rights organization, had this to say on the topic:"Comments made by Savage, Boortz, and Beck are racist and ignorant beyond the pale. At a time when men, women, and children, regardless of their race, ethnicity or immigration status, need sound information to prevent or treat H1N1 influenza, these so-called commentators shame themselves turning public health concerns into an immigrant bashing fest.
There is no evidence to suggest that immigrants are or have ever been responsible for the spread of a particular illness. The public deserves to know the facts about the H1N1 flu and they should hold these commentators accountable for their disservice to our nation at such a critical time.
Immigrants in the United States are just as concerned about the flu outbreak as every other person and look towards our government and public health officials to keep them out of harm's way. We believe the response by DHS has thus far been prudent and informative. We urge immigrant communities throughout the United States to ignore racist comments and not be afraid to seek veritable information and services from health care and community organizations should they need it.
We all need to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu. The media and community organizations play a key role in getting factual information out to underserved communities. We hope the voices of reason will prevail over the hyperbole of anti-immigrant advocates."
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The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) was formed in 1986 to advance the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees in Los Angeles, promote harmonious multi-ethnic and multi-racial human relations and through coalition-building, advocacy, community education and organizing, empower immigrants and their allies to build a more just society.