News and Publications

The Central American Security Act (H.R. 1300) Reintroduced in Congress

CARECEN, as part of the Immigration Taskforce for Central Americans (ITCA), a national network of representatives from Central American communities around the United States, has been working this year to initiate immigration legislation in Congress. The Taskforce's priority is to advocate for the enactment of immigration legislation that would grant permanent residence to Central American residents in the U.S. As a result of efforts this past winter, the Central American Security Act (CASA), H.R. 1300 was reintroduced in the 108th Congress.  This bill, if enacted, would grant permanent residence to nationals of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since December 1995 and meet other criteria. Many of the beneficiaries of CASA have been living for years in the United States under a series of temporary immigration measures. Many now have deep roots here and long for a permanent solution to their immigration situation.

Tenants Fight for Housing Rights

It would be a powerful story to tell the tourists who gaze at the city's impressive monuments. A story of the "other Washington" the side where low-income families, primarily immigrants, are fighting the daily struggle to protect their housing, to have substandard living conditions improved, and to be assured of affordable housing in the future.

With the technical assistance of CARECEN, tenant groups have begun to organize themselves and take steps towards persuading their landlords and the city to improve living conditions. The tenants have learned to unite and defend their rights by legally demanding repairs in their apartments.

For a majority of tenant groups, defending rights usually means that tenants end up in the court system.  Through the courts, tenants hope that their landlords will be required to make necessary repairs while tenants maintain manageable monthly rent amounts. Tenants in various associations have had success with this method. Repairs have been made, some landlords have faced large fines and even jail time, and some tenants have even had the opportunity of exercising the first right of refusal. However, housing problems in the District are rampant and many tenants continue to live in deplorable conditions.