For Immediate Release                                                       Contact: Luis 631 603-4266

Advocate to Be Honored by Long Island Immigrant Alliance Sunday August 17

Amityville, August 15, 2008 – The long Island Immigrant Alliance (LIIA) will be honoring James Claffey, Program Officer at the Long Island Community Foundation, for his years of dedication to immigrant protection and integration on Long Island.

“Jim Claffey, founder of the Long Island Immigrant Alliance, has been a mentor, friend and a skilled advocate whose calm demeanor belies a strength that makes us all proud,” said Luis Valenzuela, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We are proud of his achievements and hope to give him a great send-off on Sunday, August 17, at an international fiesta that celebrates immigrant achievements on Long Island.”

The fiesta is being held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s Art Gallery, located at 48 Shelter Rock Road, in Manhasset, NY.

Several dignitaries will be joining members and friends of the Long Island Immigrant Alliance to wish Claffey well as he prepares to commit his time and efforts to empowering the poor in Honduras, Central America.

    Dignitaries will include:

        1.     Assemblyman Phil Ramos

        2.     Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper

        3.     Marialena Jordan, Executive Director, Coordinated Agency for Spanish Americans (CASA)

This year, the Long Island Immigrant Alliance has been able to successfully defeat three out of the five anti-immigrant initiatives put forth by restrictionists on Long Island. The truth is that immigrants are the engine of growth that keeps the Long Island economy humming.

Immigrants and New Americans have brought new vitality to Long Island as they have invested in businesses, created jobs and increased tax revenues. Immigrants and New Americans are getting more and more involved in local affairs and welcome the opportunity to engage local leaders and vote in elections.

The Long Island Immigrant Alliance is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization. LIIA exists to develop, nurture and sustain initiatives and advocacy efforts that ensure a level playing field for immigrants and new Americans. LIIA draws its power from the commitment, and willingness of individuals and groups to contribute as much time and money as they can afford in support of the collective welfare and a pro-immigrant agenda.

To take part in the international fiesta on August 17, register with http://liia.eventbrite.com

For more information about the Alliance or the event, please contact:

Luis Valenzuela, Executive Director
Long Island Immigrant Alliance

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Office phone: (631) 789-0720
Mobile Phone: (631) 603-4266