UndocuBus - No Papers, No Fear

Three undocumented immigrants from Tennessee have joined the ‘No Papers No Fear’ caravan on it’s way to the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The delegation includes immigrants from across the country who are students, mothers, fathers, day laborers, community organizers, and families. They join local undocumented families in sharing their stories publicly, and addressing the recent implementation of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

Memphis, TN – The No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is a national delegation of undocumented people and allies that left Phoenix, Arizona on the anniversary of the state's implementation of SB1070, July 29th, and is travelling across the country to rally the migrant community to overcome fear and organize to challenge anti-immigrant policies. Three undocumented immigrants from Tennessee have joined the caravan on it’s way to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Charlotte, North Carolina, and hundreds will participate in ‘coming out of the shadows’ at Nashville community event.

Undocumented immigrants participating in the tour and those organizing locally will also address the recently implemented policy of deferred action for childhood arrivals, for which some of the bus riders qualify.  “I know that it will be a relief to be able to work legally and have a driver’s license, but it is temporary. I also think about my sisters, cousins, my mom and my dad who still have no rights in this country, said Nataly Cruz, 22, from Phoenix Arizona and an organizer with Puente Movement.

Additionally, Arizona governor Jan Brewer signed yesterday, August 15, 2012, an executive order designed to deny driver’s licenses and social services to undocumented students who qualify for the policy.  “That is why I’m on the bus, and why I will continue to work for just and permanent solutions,”  concluded Cruz.

Inspired by actions of undocumented students, such as coming out of the shadows events and civil disobedience actions, that have demonstrated the power and results of communities acting and speaking for themselves, the riders are undocumented people from all over the country and their allies, including mothers, fathers, day laborers, people in deportation proceedings, students, and many others who continue to face threats of deportation, harassment, and death while simply looking for a better life in the only nation many of them know and call home

What: Press Conference, Undocumented youth, riders, local civil rights leaders

Where: Park across the street from Congressman Jim Coopers office, 605 Church Sreet

When: Thursday August 16, 2012; 1:00 PM

Who: Undocumented youth, No Papers No Fear riders, local civil rights leaders

What: Undocumented, Unafraid, JUMP, Comite Mujeres Migrantes

Where: La Reyna Salon, 3753 Nolensville Pie

When: Thursday August 16, 2012; 6:00 PM

Who: Undocumented families from Tennessee, No Papers No Fear riders, community organizers.

More information on the No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is available at www.nopapersnofear.org, and follow @undocubus on twitter for updates.