MALDEF “Truth In Immigration” Campaign Sets The Record Straight With A Number Of High Profile And Innacurate Media Reports, We Need You To Help Spread The Truth

MAY 28, 2008 – In March 2008, MALDEF unveiled a new project to identify media distortions of Latinos and immigrants and to arm advocates, community leaders and the media with the facts and the law on some of the critical issues facing our community. Our Truth in Immigration (TII) campaign can be found at www.truthinimmigration.org and has already exposed and rebutted errors and distortions in the media ranging from:

In response to CNN’s Glenn Beck charging that “illegal immigrants have no rights,” we have a 5-minute video describing the Constitutional protections that apply to “all persons.” See the item and video here.

In response to a CBS Evening News report that portrays a Mexican woman crossing the Southern border to have a U.S. citizen baby at taxpayers' expense, we corrected factual inaccuracies that suggest that immigrants are a drain on the Texas economy. See the item and video here. To document the economic contributions of immigrants in Texas and across the nation, we have provided the Texas Comptroller’s Study, the report of the President’s Council on Economic Advisors, and other authoritative resources.

Most recently, on May 15, 2008, Lou Dobbs claimed that a voluntary employment verification system, commonly known as Basic Pilot or E-Verify, "works," despite mounting evidence that the system contains major flaws and despite contrary assessments from his own show and other news programs on CNN. Lou Dobbs continues to tell one side of the story in his effort to blame the immigrant community for a number of the current challenges facing our society. To learn more about why Lou Dobbs is wrong, click here.

“In creating the Truth in Immigration project, we are inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s words to let both sides be heard,” stated MALDEF President and General Counsel John Trasviña. “The project targets misstatements of fact and law, not differences of opinion. MALDEF will not hesitate to correct the record, demand an accurate portrayal of the Latino community and take back the bully pulpit from the bullies,” he continued.

Truth in Immigration is a key online resource for legally and factually accurate information about immigrants and immigration. To view and/or register for free weekly updates, please join us at Truth in Immigration at www.truthinimmigration.org. Spread the word by telling a friend today.

Founded in 1968, MALDEF, the nation’s leading Latino legal organization, promotes and protects the rights of Latinos through litigation, advocacy, community education and outreach, leadership development, and higher education scholarships.