Evelyn Holmes/ABC7(WLS)/[[September 30, 2006]]/ link

A local group fighting for immigrant rights is calling for a boycott of two nationally known companies. Dunkin Donuts and Applebee's are accused of discriminating against immigrant workers whose names don't match their social security numbers.

..."The social security administration says it plans to send out 8 million no match letters," said Martino Unzuerta, Chicago Workers Collaborative.

The initial purpose of the social security administration's 'no match' letter was to credit workers unclaimed social security earnings. The agency routinely sends out 'no match' letters to a company when employees' names and social security numbers don't match possibly because of a spelling error, omission of information or a unreported name change. But immigration activists say some employers are now aggressively using the letters to fire immigrant workers.

Not mentioned: the letters give some indication that the SSN bearer might be an illegal alien using someone else's number or a made-up number.

"The Bush administration wants to give the appearance that they are cracking down on undocumented immigration and workers are an easy escape goat," said James Thindwa, Chicago Jobs with Justice.

...Some immigration rights groups at Federal Plaza say it is no mistake there has been an increase in effort to curtail immigration reform. They have planned a day of fasting in protest of the 'no match' letters, raids, and deportations.

"It looks to me like its racism," said Emma Lozano, Pueblo Sin Fronteras.

The National Alliance for Immigration Rights wants an immediate moratorium on all workplace raids and deportations. As does Elvira Arellano -- who still seeks refuge at a West Side church after being slated for deportation because she's undocumented. Her seven-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, will go to the nation's capital to try to save his mother.

"I want President Bush to stop the raid and the deportation of my mom so she can stay with me," said Saul Arellano, Elvira's son.

...Saul will be accompanied by several immigration activists as well as by Congressman Luis Guitterez to Washington DC. The group plans to address the president on Tuesday.