Programs: Media - fair's media department provides factual information and timely commentary on a daily basis for a growing number of media outlets, including print, television, web, radio and public appearances. In 2014, its experienced spokespersons continued to expand the public's familiarity with fair through traditional media and by harnessing the power of social media, such as twitter and facebook that reach younger audiences. In an increasingly bifurcated media, fair was able to target its messaging to americans across the political spectrum. Fair's press staff was sought out by respected mainstream print outlets such as the washington post, new york times, wall street journal, usa today, chicago tribune, and los angeles times for their unparalleled ability to explain immigration reform to the public. In 2014, fair's media department conducted 245 print and online interviews. Because many of these interviews were conducted by wire services and news syndicates, fair's views appeared in countless print and online news outlets. Fair was also regularly asked to contribute insight to washington, d. C. , political newspaper stories appearing in the hill, political and roll call, which are widely read by policymakers. Media made 102 television appearances, including but not limited to cnn, fox, msnbc, cbs, telemundo and univision. Fair increased its use of desktop video technology, like skype, to expand its availability to local television stations in major media markets. Fair's most successful means of reaching americans was through radio. Last year, the department conducted 547 radio interviews, the most we have conducted in any calendar year. In the midst of an unprecedented border surge in late spring and early summer, fair appeared on 82 local and national radio broadcasts in the month of june alone. Fair's media department sets the agenda for coverage of immigration issues with its media update and talk radio update that is received by more than a thousand journalists and producers. These alerts provide vital information and analysis that provides needed context for those who cover the issue and serve as a catalyst for follow-up interviews. Through op-eds and fair publications distributed on state, local and federal levels, the organization set itself apart as a credible leader in all things immigration. Throughout 2014, fair shared its expertise on many key immigration stories. These included: - the surge of migrants across the southern border. - the announcement of two new executive amnesty programs announced by president obama. - the ongoing decimation of immigration enforcement by the obama administration. - the fluctuating positions of the republican congressional leadership. - the role of immigration in the mid-term elections and post-election analysis.
public education - fair educates millions of americans and others through a diverse digital communications strategy (to include our main website, blog, and social media outlets), television, radio, and print media. Fair's publications includes policy briefings, issue briefs, research resources, and original fair research which is utilized by the census bureau, ins/dhs, department of justice, state department and others. Fair covers immigration facts and issues for every state in the u. S. Fair regularly produce op-eds as well as press releases which serves immigration-related, up-to-the minute information, background, research and perspective. Fair has a strong grassroots position in the community. Fair's website provides resources which help others make a difference in supporting true immigration reform. Fair is also active in the community through youth, community and international outreach. Fair's website is an important resource for congressional offices, journalists, activists, students and the general public. Fair's educational programs include an international visitors program, youth outreach, member round tables, and a speakers' bureau. An integral part of fair's public education outreach is our immigration internship program, through which selected students receive an education in all aspects of immigration issues and gain experience in public policy advocacy. Interns do substantive work in the areas of government relations, media relations, immigration law, policy research and publications, membership development, and information technology services.
government relations - in 2014, fair's government relations department spent a significant amount of time educating capitol hill staff and fair members on immigration legislation in congress as well as executive actions taken by president obama. On the house side, government relations focused its efforts advising the lower chamber of the flaws of s. 744, the comprehensive immigration reform bill the senate passed in 2013 that increased legal immigration and the number of guest workers admitted to the u. S. Each year and granted amnesty to those in the country unlawfully. Additionally, government relations worked closely with house staff on the effort to include a military amnesty (known as the enlist act) in the national defense authorization act, assisting offices seeking advice on the legislation and assembling summaries throughout the legislative process. Finally, government relations worked closely with house staff on the surge of unaccompanied alien minors who unlawfully crossed the southern border, advising offices on how to close a loophole in current law to allow for the prompt return of these individuals. In addition to being fair's representative on capitol hill, government relations also contributed to fair's grassroots efforts, issuing alerts and talking points to members and activists in critical times throughout the year. Moreover, government relations provided a critical support role to fair as a whole, helping other departments dissect and analyze legislation as well as the changes in immigration law through the executive action. Government relations also helped fair further its educational mission by issuing a weekly legislative update to members, as well as producing content for fair's blog to help inform members and activists on the latest immigration news.
