Update on Immigration Crackdown Bills from the Advocates

This just in from the New Sanctuary Movement – one of UUPLAN’s partners as we try to make positive changes in Pennsylvania. Three of our UUPLAN members did join immigrations rights supporters at a June 20th rally.

“It has been a continuous fight to ensure that none of the 21 anti-immigrant bills proposed in the state legislature become law. The bills threaten to compromise the welfare of the entire state by granting more power to police to enforce immigration law, withholding state funding to cities that provide services to undocumented immigrants, stripping the business license of those who employ undocumented workers, and mandating that businesses verify the immigration status of all employees. 

  Our work against these bills has made a significant impact on the legislature which ended its spring session June 30th.  We have made a tremendous stride by charging our legislators to oppose these bills that risk hurting our already fragile economy and terrorizing so many families. 

  We commend the hard work of our community leaders, our supporters, and allies.  We have met with Senators in their districts, hosted public education events, visited a radio station, mobilized in Harrisburg for a rally, trained leaders and members for lobby visits and finally organized Lobby Day where 70 people from across the state met with 32 Representatives and 18 Senators urging them to vote no on any anti-immigrant bill. 

  Thanks to the collective organizing of New Sanctuary Movement, PICC, ACLU Pennsylvania and JUNTOS we were able to bring our voices together against these bills and claim victory at the end of this Spring/Summer session.

  However the fight is not over, the Senate and House did pass SB 637, which not sits on the governor’s desk, waiting to be signed.  This bill mandates public contractors to use E-Verify, a federal immigration database that is riddled with errors, can lead to discrimination by employers, and aims to exclude immigrant workers rather than finding ways to include them in our economy. 

  On September 24th, 2012, the General Assembly will reconvene. New Sanctuary Movement will continue to welcome and advocate for immigrant rights in PA. We urge you to stay involved in our efforts to fight these bills and continue to create a Philadelphia and Pennsylvania that reflects our values of hospitality, justice and dignity."

The New Sanctuary Movement Team