Urgent Appeal from Derechos Humanos

February 8, 2013

Dear Immigrant Justice Supporter,

Coalición de Derechos Humanos is nearly out of money.

We must raise $7,000 by the end of February. Unless you, and others like you in the community, can give generously within the next two weeks, Derechos Humanos will have to face a massive layoff of staff and close its doors.

Can you please give a tax-deductible donation today to help this organization, which is so vital to our community, weather this financial crisis?

If Derechos Humanos is forced to close its doors, it will leave a huge hole in our community.

  • Who will be there for worried families of migrants missing while crossing the desert or those who were taken by ICE?
  • Who will help workers that have been cheated out of their rightful pay or families who are suffering under unscrupulous slum lords?
  • Who will help eligible residents achieve U.S. citizenship?
  • Who will stand up for the rights of all migrants, everywhere, without exception?

The sad answer is that no one will. Although there are a number of fine immigrant advocacy and service groups in Tucson, everyone is already stretched to the limit. None of them are able to take on the tasks that Derechos Humanos has fulfilled so capably for so many years.

Your help is needed right now, today. This is an emergency that can’t wait.

At a time when Comprehensive Immigration Reform is on the public agenda, it is imperative that we have a strong, healthy Coalición de Derechos Humanos. Arizona, Washington, DC, and the nation needs to hear NOW that immigration reform starts from a human rights perspective. They must hear NOW about human migration, and how NAFTA trade policy and drug violence, fueled by US demand, drive immigration. No one else so strongly challenges the militarization of our border and the policies that have killed hundreds of men, women and children in our scorching desert.

Derechos Humanos has historically been there for you, our community, since 1993. Now, Derechos Humanos needs You. Please make a tax-deductible donation today. Please dig a little deeper than you ordinarily would. You can donate online by credit card by going to http://www.derechoshumanosaz.net/join-the-struggle-to-defend-and-promote-human-rights-on-the-border/ and clicking on the “Donate Here” button. We also offer the convenience of recurring monthly donations.

Thank you in advance for helping Derechos Humanos keep our doors open. Our community will be stronger thanks to your generosity.