California Immigrant Policy Center

With support from the Haas, Jr. Fund and others, the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is developing a statewide communications network that will provide the immigrant rights movement with the capacity to respond rapidly to biased or unfair local media coverage of immigration issues.  Another priority is building public understanding about the positive contributions of immigrants and the need for immigration reform.
 
“We cannot stand idly by while politicians, the media and others continue to denigrate and demean immigrants and the immigration movement,” said CIPC’s executive director, Reshma Shamasunder.  “We need to beat back the distortions and change how these issues are discussed so we can create a better climate for policies that protect and advance immigrant rights.”

CIPC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established in 1996.  Over the years, it has become a leading voice for immigrants in public debates on issues from welfare reform and health care to immigrant rights and integration.  Currently, CIPC is using Haas, Jr. Fund support to train and equip advocates in seven regions of California to communicate effectively about issues affecting immigrants.  The Haas, Jr. Fund also is providing support to CIPC so that California’s voice can be heard in the national debate on immigration reform.

“Immigrant integration will not happen without a concerted effort by advocates to change the public debate on these issues,” said Ira S. Hirschfield, president of the Haas, Jr. Fund.  “The immigrant movement needs CIPC’s leadership to build public understanding of the vital role immigrants play in our economy and communities.”