Take action on two important issues

1. Stop the Bill that would Ban Visas for Iranians

The STEP Act would make it illegal for all Iranians to travel to the United States, with few exceptions made after "extensive federal screening," only in cases of medical emergency or political or religious asylum. According to Rep. Barrett, he is reintroducing the STEP Act in response to the Fort Hood shooting, carried out by an American citizen, and the Christmas-day attempt to blow up an airplane over Detroit, attempted by a Nigerian national. The bill, however, targets citizens and residents of Iran, Cuba, Sudan, Yemen, and Syria. The bill originally would have deported all Iranians in the U.S. on student, work, exchange, or tourist visas within 60 days, but that part was removed due to protest. We need to continue to protest this racist and discriminatory bill until it is scrapped altogether. Please take a minute to send an email opposing the bill, and tell everyone you know to do the same. You can also spread the word via this Facebook event.

2. Earthquake hits Haiti, causing destruction to an impoverished nation

There's little "natural" about this disaster; it is man-made, and its impact would have been much less devastating had Haiti not been ravaged and plundered by the colonial powers for over 500 years (not the least of which taking place just in the past couple of decades). Shouldn't the leaders of the powers responsible for Haiti's destitution, especially the U.S. and France, be contributing massively to the relief effort? Unfortunately that's not going to happen, so the aid must also come from ordinary people like us. Here is a list of relief organizations that are accepting donations, but be sure to read this before you decide where to donate money. Médecins Sans Frontières is one organization that is well-established in Haiti and worthy of consideration.