You may be unfamiliar with MCC Washington “Action alerts.” Here is the latest on calls to action for stopping anti-immigrant legislation.
Take Action
Action: Call your senators now at 202-224-3121 and urge them to vote “NO” on two anti-immigrant bills expected to be debated Wednesday morning (see sample call script below).
Background: The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (S 3100) would force local police to act as immigration enforcement officers and would withhold federal funding for cities which do not cooperate. To keep our communities safe, all individuals—including undocumented immigrants—must be able to report dangerous situations and seek protection from violence without the fear of being deported and separated from their families. [Philadelphia is a sanctuary city].
The Stop Illegal Reentry Act (S 2193), also known as “Kate’s Law,” would add a mandatory minimum sentencing provision of five years in prison for certain immigrants who reenter the U.S. “without inspection” (i.e., without a visa or other approved documents). Many of those who reenter after being deported are seeking to reunite with spouses and/or children. Rather than increasing penalties, Congress should provide legal avenues by which such persons can return to the U.S.
Faith reflection: The Old Testament encourages us to love the migrant among us as ourselves (Leviticus 19:34). The New Testament tells us that how we treat (or mistreat) a migrant is how we treat Jesus himself (Matthew 25:31-46).
Action: Call your senators now at 202-224-3121 and urge them to vote “NO” on two anti-immigrant bills expected to be debated last week morning (see sample call script below).
Sample call script: “I’m (name) from (city or county) and I’m calling to ask the Senator to oppose S.3100, the “Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act” and S 2193, “Kate’s Law.” These bills would turn local police into immigrant enforcement agents and put immigrants in prison for five or more years for trying to return to their families in the U.S. As a person of faith, I expect the Senator to find solutions which treat immigrants fairly and keep families together.”
*Call the number twice to reach both of your U.S. Senators.
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Alert prepared by Tammy Alexander, Senior Legislative Associate for Domestic Affairs, July 5, 2016. Adapted from an alert sent by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition.