By Erik Love 

Last year, on May 1, millions of people across the nation stood up and marched in support of basic human rights, especially for migrant workers.  In response to a ridiculous bill introduced by Congressman Sensenbrenner (R-WI) - a bill that would have required the deportation of any undocumented person in the US - Americans in cities large and small took part in demonstrations calling for human rights and dignity for all people.  This movement quashed the idea of summarily "kicking out" people who come to the United States looking for work and a way to support their families, people who contribute to America in essential ways even while often facing exploitative employers.

This year, the impetus for another demonstration comes from President Bush, who has proposed that all people without papers in the US will have to deport themselves and pay more than $10,000 in order to have a chance at a new "Z Visa."  This plan is perhaps even worse than the Sensenbrenner bill.  In response to Bush's draconian and unrealistic proposal -- and in response to recently escalating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) dragnets, which serve only to frighten and dehumanize - there are renewed calls for more May Day demonstrations this year.

The call is once again for a national boycott on May 1, 2007, which will serve as a reminder that our economy could not operate were it not for the work of immigrants.  There will also be marches and speeches across the country.  The message is simple: human rights are not optional.  Everyone in the United States deserves basic dignity and a path to citizenship.