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Ajamu Baraka on Immigration
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Mobilize public opinion to accept refugee flows from Syria
After months of horrific scenes of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean where literally thousands of human beings were dying at sea, European public opinion was finally mobilized to respond to this movement of people. However, the anguished expressions
of concern from the general public and government leaders in Europe was a far cry from the response that met the first wave of migrants that was largely African.In response to that migration, European authorities openly talked of launching military
attacks on the boats in Libya to stop the "flood" of these "illegal" immigrants into Europe, even after experts cautioned them that military attacks would result in even more deaths at sea.
U.S. propagandists are preparing the people for an even more
direct intervention into Syria, using the absurd pretext that somehow the imposition of a "no fly zone" is an appropriate response to the humanitarian concerns of refugee flows from Syria to Europe.
Source: Ajamu Baraka column in Counterpunch, "Yemen Tragedy"
, Sep 16, 2015
Don't capitulate to the forces of nativism & white supremacy
How did a movement that put millions on the streets in 2006 allow the development of something called the "comprehensive immigration reform act," now being debated in U.S. Congress, which expands the guest worker program, devotes millions to border
and immigration enforcement, denies migrants access to public services and in general does not recognize the rights of migrants and immigrants as full human beings with human rights? This legislation does not in any way reflect the power and success of
the immigrant rights movement--instead, it demonstrates its loss of autonomy and vision. What is being touted as immigration reform is no more than an unprincipled capitulation to the forces of nativism, white supremacy and liberal opportunism.
How did this happen? Unfortunately, the failure of the immigrant rights movement in the U.S. is a story that is not unique. Like a recurring nightmare that haunts progressive/radical activists and movements in the U.S. over the last forty years.
Source: Ajamu Baraka column in Counterpunch, "Immigrant Rights"
, May 1, 2013
Comprehensive reform will still deny range of human rights
Immigration legislation will probably pass in some form in the near future, but millions of people will still find themselves denied their full range of human rights, and we must continue the struggle for those rights. Our common humanity and commitment
to social justice can serve a basis for building an independent, multi-national, anti-oppression, people's movement that emphasizes people-centered human rights, self-determination, authentic decolonization, and a politicized global perspective that
understands the contradiction of global capitalism and imperialism, which push and pull people across national borders. There is a basis in the U.S. for a new progressive social bloc, if only we can see its potential form and have the courage to
struggle with our differences and contradictions to snatch victory back from our defeat. This is the key lesson that we can take from the efforts for comprehensive immigration reform.
Source: Ajamu Baraka column in Counterpunch, "Immigrant Rights"
, May 1, 2013
Obligation to respect the rights of the displaced
In the article, entitled "Hold the United States Accountable: The Internationally Recognized Rights of the 'Internally Displaced,' " Baraka wrote, "The extent to which various aspects of the recovery should be funded will be a topic of much debate among
policymakers, especially given the federal deficit and competing economic needs.
But the rights of the displaced must be viewed as a separate and overriding issue. "Receiving protection and humanitarian assistance from government authorities is not an act of benevolence, but rather is obligatory for displaced people -- for the
duration of their displacement. This will be especially important to remember after media coverage of Katrina has faded, and we must not compound the plight of the displaced by letting them fend for themselves once the dust has settled."
Source: Tulane University "New Wave" interview on Katrina
, Oct 16, 2006
Page last updated: Aug 22, 2016