Marlon Meyer
Northwest Asia Weekly
From left: Ellen Abellera, Consul Jed Liona and Maricres Valdez at this month’s consular outreach to the local Filipino American community at Mill Creek (photo by Ellen Abellera)
For a Filipino family of four living in Washington state, getting involved in politics is the last thing they want to think about. Mother was hospitalized with a brain tumor. The father, who has been in business here for 10 years, counts on immigration lawyers to clear the way for them to get citizenship. But the lawyer failed. Ellen Abellera, an advocate who is assisting the family, said the Immigration Service has vowed to deport the family “even if they have to take the mother out of the hospital”.
Then, with the help of Abelala, who was then chairman of the Washington State Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, the political lobbying the family was able to carry out could serve as an example for other immigrants facing any issue — and engage in the need for civic engagement.
“The first thing I tell them is that if they have a problem, they need to reach out to their lawmakers and have their voices heard,” Abellera said in an interview.
Beyond that, Abellera and others outline the various ways in which immigrants can influence the voting process, meet their needs, and participate in local politics.
By joining advocacy groups, signing up for the City of Seattle’s Democratic Coupon program and reaching out to elected officials, even green card holders — but not yet voters — can have a significant impact on policies that affect their lives. Maybe you didn’t even dream.
it can save your life
For Filipino families (whose names are kept secret for privacy reasons), with the help of Abelella, they were able to reach the then-governor, their senators, their state senators, and even through visiting officials from the Philippines It was then President George Bush. the Philippines. When Bush visited a hotel in Bellevue, a local Filipino-American advocacy group held a rally. Abelella was able to obtain letters from a number of officials and local advocates, which were forwarded to Bush.
As a result, they were given new opportunities to apply for citizenship. Today, the two daughters of the then young children are registered nurses.
“So, like their parents, they’re giving back to the community,” Abellera said.
call your state legislator
But not all problems need to be this serious. According to Shomya Tripathy, director of policy and civic engagement at the Asia Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), local government agencies and lawmakers want to understand the needs of residents living in their communities, whether they are voters or not. For example, Metro King County established a task force with ACRS to determine whether it would make sense to eliminate cash fares, among other changes.
ACRS brought into the room a case manager dealing with immigration, who explained that all his clients used cash on the bus. Subway listened.
Likewise, Abellera urged immigrants to contact their local lawmakers if they have any questions.
She urges them to first identify who their representative is and then simply call his or her office, or if they are not confident in English, have someone else do it. The Legislative Assistant will note the caller’s name and concerns, and the legislator or assistant will return the call.
“Lawmakers are open to this because they need to understand the problems of the people in their region,” Abelella said.
indecisive
However, after obtaining a green card, first- or even second-generation immigrants may be cautious about using this method or even registering to vote.
Some immigrants come from countries with authoritarian backgrounds, which could prevent them from participating in the citizenship process, said Port Commissioner Sam Cho, president of the Washington chapter of the Korean American Coalition (KAC).
“The trauma of fleeing political or religious persecution has been passed down,” he said.
Still, he said, immigrants can join advocacy groups or sign up for unique programs, such as the Democracy Voucher Program.
Support a candidate even without voting
The Democratic Voucher Program enables both registered voters and permanent residents who have not yet become citizens to support candidates by donating to candidates of their choice. The city automatically mails these vouchers, four of which are worth $25 each, to every registered voter.
Green card holders can apply through a simple online form and specify the language in which they wish to receive their green card.
When it comes time to vote, immigrants can choose from all the candidates who have chosen to receive these vouchers (most do) and send them to any of them. The candidate will then receive the money from the city’s coffers.
Project manager Renee LeBeau said the project, approved by voters in 2015, is a way to address campaign finance reform and involve all residents in the political process.
just appear service
Connecting with the many service providers assisting immigrants in King County is another way for immigrants to learn about the political process and how to make their voices heard. ACRS distributes materials about democracy vouchers and other programs in grocery bags in the language of its customers. At the same time, the organization sets an example of civic engagement for clients by making public comments in the legislature and advocating for clients.
“We take a more holistic approach where we understand civic engagement as meaning that people understand the avenues they have access to influence and change their lives, such as all the tools and options available to them to have a public opinion,” Tripathy said.
Such issues may include whether bus lines are not getting where they need to be or libraries are closed. “But this education has to be integrated into the other programs we offer to be most effective,” she said.
overcoming language problems
Language can be one of the main barriers to migrant participation in the political process. Even for long-term residents who are citizens and have the right to vote, it is not always self-evident how elections or other materials can be requested in languages other than English. Voters must be able to identify democracy vouchers mailed to them in envelopes, which are indeed marked in multiple languages, but mostly in English. If they only open the envelope, there is a multilingual insert that allows them to request that the voucher be resent in their native language.
For immigrants, the language problem can be even worse. Advocacy groups host elections and other civic education programming in their native language on radio shows or YouTube channels. For example, KAC held a candidate forum on Korean radio shortly before the election (information can be found on the KAC homepage).
“Even if you’re not voting, it’s important to focus on issues and candidates,” Abellera said.
beyond everyday struggles
Many migrants are simply struggling with basic needs, food, housing and language. But Tripathy said ACRS has realised that you cannot separate these basic needs from the wider political environment. “The politics of the city completely influence how we support our marginalized communities,” she said. “We all have to get involved.”
To sign up for Democracy Vouchers, visit seattle.gov/democracyvoucher/i-am-a-seattle-resident/apply-now.
Mahlon can reach info@nwasianweekly.com.
