Legislative Actions Continue Downward Spiral and Same Old Policies
For More Information, Contact: Esther Nieves, Director of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, (215) 241- 7131, (215) 939-0676 (cell)
Philadelphia [August 7, 2007] - The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) expresses its strong opposition to the recently introduced Immigration Enforcement and Border Security Act of 2007. This latest attempt is not a sound or constructive legislative remedy to the nation's immigration problem. In fact, it is a proposal that rehashes failed immigration policies, continues a troubling trend to include additional penalties that harm undocumented immigrant families, and the steady drumbeat of punitive enforcement measures while doing little - if anything- to repair and rebuild the current immigration system. This legislative proposal offers little hope of producing workable, realistic or constructive solutions.
U.S. Senators Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and John Cornyn (R-TX) are the lead sponsors of this bill, which contains already failed provisions. These include the ongoing militarization of the southern border and the construction of 700 miles of border fencing by the Department of Homeland Security; enforcement of Federal immigration laws by state and local law enforcement bodies; increased worksite enforcement and the establishment of a national electronic employment verification system; increased border personnel (14,000 new Border Patrol Agents), augmented technology and vehicle barriers; and new detention space to hold border crossers.
"Why are legislators repeating the mistakes of the past? There is nothing new or creative about this bill. It follows the same punitive path of enforcement and border militarization. The proposal lacks substantive solutions and does not propose any solution for the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently in the United States," remarked Esther Nieves, director of immigrant and refugee rights for the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker social justice organization.
AFSC's immigrant rights work historically has been grounded in its successful partnerships with local and national allies including faith, labor and community organizations. The enforcement-only approach presented in this latest legislative plan is not what immigrant communities need or want. Nor does this proposal reflect the consistent support the nation's citizenry has expressed for bringing undocumented immigrants and workers into the full light of our society.
The Service Committee is troubled that these measures will lead to the violation of basic due legal process, and the civil and human rights of non-status immigrants. This severe approach to the presence of undocumented immigrants and laborers will do nothing to integrate those who are already here; nor will new walls, fences, technology or increased personnel patrolling the southern border alter the reality of global economic, political and social forces. Moreover, succumbing to disturbing nativist and restrictionist tendencies does not promote sound and workable national public policies.
"Increased militarization has already created a human rights nightmare along the US-Mexico Border. Increased fencing and beefed up security at the border, without taking clear steps towards accountability and oversight, will have deadly consequences for our communities," said Pedro Rios, director of AFSC's San Diego area offices.
Since 1994, thousands of men, women and children have lost their lives attempting to enter the United States. More people have died on the U.S.-Mexico border in the past 12 years than during the entire history of the Berlin Wall. AFSC, therefore, strongly urges congressional leaders to soundly reject the Immigration Enforcement and Border Security Act of 2007. AFSC urges the public to contact their congressional legislators and to press them to continue a bipartisan dialogue that leads to solution-based, and achievable immigration legislation. These solutions include a path to lawful permanent residency, fair labor laws for immigrants and non-immigrants, and policies that keep families intact so they are able to contribute to the growth and future vibrancy of our nation.
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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.