Two Americans highlights the hardship of an Arizona family and the need for common sense immigration reform.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 4, 2013

CONTACT: Alessandra Soler, ACLU of Arizona, (602) 773-6006 (office); (602) 301-3705 (cell); asoler@acluaz.org 

PHOENIX– As Congress reconvenes in Washington D.C. in the coming week to tackle immigration reform, the ACLU of Arizona is hosting the kick-off event in a nationwide campaign featuring community conversations on immigration reform and film screenings of the award-winning, local documentary Two Americans. The ACLU is using the film, which documents how Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s practices have criminalized hard-working immigrant families, to call for legislation that includes the broadest possible roadmap to citizenship for 11 million aspiring citizens, ensures a fair day in court for all, protects human rights at our borders and defends civil rights and privacy at home and at work.

Two Americans, directed and produced by Daniel DeVivo and Valeria Fernandez, is a riveting documentary that traces the parallel stories of Joe Arpaio, America’s self-proclaimed “toughest sheriff,” and Katherine Figueroa, the then 9-year-old American daughter of undocumented immigrants arrested in a sheriff's workplace raid.

“The heart wrenching story of the Figueroa family is one that many families have sadly experienced in Arizona and across the country,” said ACLU of Arizona executive director Alessandra Soler. “Local and federal enforcement measures targeting hard-working, contributing members of our communities must end and Congress must work toward a common sense immigration reform that includes an expeditious and inclusive roadmap to citizenship. Families like the Figueroas can no longer afford to wait,” added Soler. 
  
Ten ACLU affiliates in Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Utah are also hosting film screenings and similar events throughout the months of April and May.

"At the end of the day, the film offers something for everyone; whether you are a supporter of the sheriff or not, you'll come away feeling closer to these two very different worlds," said filmmaker Valeria Fernandez.

WHAT: Two Americans screening and community conversation on immigration reform.
WHO: Filmmakers, Daniel DeVivo and Valeria Fernandez, the Figueroa family and Alessandra Soler, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arizona will participate in a dialogue with the audience following the film.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 10th 6:30PM- 9:00PM
WHERE: Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. 3rd St. in Phoenix

For more information and a complete list of screening event details visit:twoamericans

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