Filing Seeks Support for Immigrants

November 2, 2006

Author: Stephen Franklin

Source: Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0611020230nov02,0,7471975.story?coll=chi-business-hed

Saying the United States fails to uphold the rights of undocumented immigrant workers, the Chicago-based Interfaith Justice Network joined several labor groups Wednesday in filing a petition with a Washington-based human-rights commission seeking a ruling against the federal government.

"We are very concerned that the U.S. is not committed to protecting these workers' rights," said Kim Bobo, head of the Interfaith Justice Network, a worker advocacy organization that links religious and labor groups across the nation.

The 54-page petition was filed with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights by attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union and two other law projects.

The Inter-American Commission is an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States. If the commission accepts the petition, it would hold hearings. The findings are advisory, and the U.S. is not obliged to comply with them.