Chlorophyll

News Advisory
THE GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
http://www.cagreens.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Use of National Guard to militarize border sends wrong
signal, won't resolve immigration situation, say Green
Party congressional candidates

SACRAMENTO (May 16, 2006) – President Bush's
announcement Monday evening that the U.S. should send
thousands of National Guard troops to the California
border will only escalate the militarization of the
border, and do nothing to resolve the immigration
situation, said several Green Party congressional
candidates today.

The candidates also condemned Bush's plan for
immigration "reform" which would criminalize the
millions of immigrants without documents.

"Militarizing the border is absolutely the wrong
signal to send. It would make it look like we're at
war. I am sure Americans would be stunned if thousands
of Mexican Army troops took up positions along the
border," said Jeff Kravitz, a constitutional law
professor, civil rights attorney and candidate for
Congress (5th District, Sacramento)
.

"This is hysteria upon hysteria, another stunt by the
disinformation-driven Bush Administration that will do
nothing to resolve the immigration situation," said
Kravitz. "This will only serve to increase tensions
along the border with an ally," he added.

Krissy Keefer (8th District, San Francisco
), said that "troops
at the border have huge implications. Not only does it
further inflame the already deadly situation as it
pertains to the immigrants and our relationship with
Mexico, it lays the ground work for the continued
militarization of our country.

"Militarizing our border in California with Mexico is
just another example of President Bush's deteriorating
presidency, as is the recent revelations of spying on
Americans and the appointment of the military as head
of the CIA. President Bush is playing with the fear
factor. That's the only card he has left," Keefer
said.

"These folks that are coming here for a better life
are escaping a repressive environment. Trade
agreements like NAFTA have ravaged the working class
economy in Mexico which drives the migration
northward. They come to America for hope and for a
second chance – they come here seeking economic
asylum," said Byron DeLear (28th District, San
Fernando ).

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