Immigrants make up forty percent of New York City's
population. Organizers expect that a lot of the
city's immigrant population will be supporters, if not active
participants, in the anti-RNC protests planned for this coming weekend.
But it is these same immigrants who face legal restrictions on their
right to engage in peaceful protest. The status of immigrants can vary
widely. Some are here on work or student visas; others have green cards
and can apply for citizenship after five years with a green card.
However, for certain immigrants the security check (post 9/11) can add
several years to this process. All these types of immigrants have
the legal right to protest and express political opinions in America
-- but due to extensive and slow background checks and increased
surveillance, these rights are effectively restricted for Muslim
immigrants. [more ]
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