Pilipino Worker's Center

May 1st Settlement Funds Available

By: Paula Diaz
April 12, 2009

A group of pro-immigrant organizations in Los Angeles announced yesterday the existence of a fund for victims of the riots of May 1 March 2007, where dozens of Salvadorans were affected.

The Special Fund is 250 thousand dollars for individuals and families who were present around the MacArthur Park May 1, 2007 and who experienced abuse by the Department Los Angeles Police (LAPD).

Of these resources, each applicant may receive up to $ 1000. The deadline for applications is May 27, 2009.

The forms can be obtained at the offices of the Coalition for Human Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)

"This is a new day we are closing a chapter, you are saying to the community in Los Angeles who participated in the march of 2007 asking these thousand dollars that are part of a fund that recognizes that its legal rights were violated," explained Angélica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA.

In the case MIWON vs City of Los Angeles reached a monetary agreement with the City for $ 12,850,000. Most of that agreement will be distributed among the 297 individuals represented.

"Instead of giving a welcome to the new Americans with open arms and a path to citizenship hundreds of working families were met with gunfire while demanding respect for human dignity and the May 1, 2007," said Amanda Garces, representing the Institute Popular Education of Southern California (IDEPSCA).

"Now, two years after we applaud the recognition of the illegal behavior of the LAPD that was against our community," said Garces.

The immigrant Daniel Mena, who was present that evening the first of May when the LAPD officers beat the attendees of the event, including members of the press, expressed his satisfaction at what he considers a victory.

"We're going to apply, I was not directly affected. Were able to run and fortunately do not suffer strokes," said Mena, 27.

"We come here to work to help our family that stays in our countries and this is a victory because it helps us continue to fight for legalization."

The activists acknowledged that this event marks the end of a shameful chapter in the relationship between the LAPD and ethnic communities, this announcement is part of the healing process of a painful history for many people despite the monetary benefits received.

At the same time, immigrant activists celebrated the announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama this year that defines the immigration reform that would benefit more than 12 million undocumented immigrants.

"This morning is a day of holding the president Barack Obama has an ad where he said that this year will move the legalization and will take the lead in this matter," said Chambers.

That's why it said that now the work is of the activists and the community to continue the fight until it becomes a reality.

IDEPSCA organizations, and other ethnic CHIRLA convened a March on Friday to begin May 1 in Park and Ecko will turn to the Placita Olvera in that place to join with other marches scheduled for that day.

¶ Notice: Visit the website address below to download a copy of the
                Class Action Claim Form:
                http://www.miwonvcityofla.com/

Source (Spanish) : http://www.elsalvador.com/mwedh/nota/nota_completa.asp?idCat=15873&idArt=3532198