With attitudes toward immigrants hardening in the wake of 9/11, leaders of the San Francisco hotel and restaurant employees’ union in 2001 protested for the rights of immigrant workers, who were often targeted by their bosses. Inspired by the Freedom Rides of the 1960s, they organized a cross-country bus caravan to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress for legislation that would create a path to citizenship for all immigrants and protect against workplace mistreatment. Filmmaker Valerie Lapin Ganley’s documentary draws on footage from this 2003 "long ride," which was widely publicized to generate public support. Cameras recorded the camaraderie among the 900 riders who occupied the 18 buses that left various cities to meet in the nation’s capital for a rally. Excerpts are included from interviews with citizens and non-citizens, who were met by supporters along the way as well as protesters. One bus was stopped by INS inspectors, who ordered non-citizens off for interrogation before allowing them to proceed. The Long Ride also features brief appearances by Representative John Lewis, who joined the convoy for a time, and Senator Edward Kennedy, who spoke at the rally (participants also stopped by Nancy Pelosi’s office). As a postscript filmed 11 years later demonstrates, the riders still look back with enthusiasm, even if their major goal—a path to citizenship—might seem further away than ever. A memento of an important episode in the struggle for immigrant rights, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Long Ride
(2019) 77 min. DVD: $39, Blu-ray: $49: individuals; DVD: $250, Blu-ray: $260: community colleges; DVD: $350, Blu-ray: $360: public libraries, colleges & universities. Share Productions (www.share.productions). Volume 34, Issue 5
The Long Ride
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