Current Actions

Defend the Dream: Take Action to Support DREAMers today!

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, an appellate court in Texas upheld a lower court ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is illegal. For now, current DACA holders can continue to renew DACA, but it is uncertain for how long. Moreover, young people who became eligible for the program after 2017, and young people who entered the country after the cut-off date for the program have no protection while this legal and policy nightmare continues. No protection from deportation. No right to work. No way to move forward with their education, their careers, and their lives.

Today, we ask you to join us in taking action. Let us channel our anger, frustration, and sadness into supporting Minnesota’s 5,000 DACA holders and the thousands of Minnesota immigrant youth who have been unable to apply for the program because of the litigation that has ensued since the Trump administration attempted to end the program in 2017.

Congress must act, but it will only act if members know that supporting DREAMers is a top priority for their constituents.

Action Alert - Stop HUD Attack on Immigrants!

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT

As millions of U.S. households struggle to find affordable housing, a newly-proposed HUD regulation would evict more than 100,000 people from public housing. The proposed regulation targets immigrants and would evict families in which even one family member is ineligible for housing assistance.

Immigrants can have legal status and still not be eligible for public housing and Section 8 programs. Under current rules, a family with an ineligible person has their housing subsidy decreased so that the ineligible person does not receive assistance. The new regulation, however, would bar all members of mixed-status families from public housing and Section 8 programs. According to HUD's own numbers, that would mean evicting 108,000 people, including 55,000 children.

For more information on the proposed HUD regulation, click here.

Anyone can submit a public comment on proposed federal regulations. This regulation was proposed on May 10, and the 60-day public comment period ends on July 9. When you submit a public comment, your name and comment become part of the public record.

The number of comments can make a difference. A public comment can be long or short. You can just state your reason for opposing the rule in a single sentence, or give examples from your own experience. It's best to use your own words, as identical comments will be counted only once. You can find some helpful resources at www.Keep-Families-Together.org, a website launched by the National Housing Law Project (NHLP) and National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) to oppose this regulation.

Thank you for your support!

Don't Wait. Submit a Comment on the Proposed Public Charge Rule

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Allies,

The Trump administration published Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds on October 10. This proposed administrative rule change, if enacted, will have a devastating impact on immigrant communities. If successful, the rule will limit who can enter the United States and who can become a legal permanent resident based on their health, age, use of certain public benefits, English language proficiency, and financial resources.

If enacted the rule will force some immigrants to choose between programs that keep them healthy or future green card or visa benefits for themselves or family members. It will hurt children and families, have devastating public health consequences, and reward the rich while hurting poor and moderate- income families.

You do not have to accept this. Before the rule is finalized, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must accept public comments. As of this coming Saturday, November 10, we only have 30 days remaining to submit comments. Help us show the Trump administration that Minnesotans reject this proposed change to long-standing immigration law. Let us show Trump that Minnesotans care about their immigrant neighbors and their communities.

As of November 8, Americans have submitted over 45,000 comments. Before enacting the rule, the Trump administration has to review every unique comment. That means that the more unique comments submitted, the longer the government will take to enact the rule. With other organizations across the country, we are trying to secure 100,000 comments submitted before December 10.

You may submit a comment using Protecting Immigrant Families’ microsite, which will link directly to the Federal eRulemaking portal. You may use these sector-specific templates, but please make sure to individualize your comments by adding your own unique perspective or story (DHS has software that weeds out duplicate comments).

One last step – please reach out to at least two more people and ask them to also submit a comment. ILCM has a lot of background and supportive information on our website HERE. Please share widely.

Minnesota, we can do this! Let’s contribute to 100,000 comments before December 10.

Most Gratefully,

John C. Keller

Executive Director

Take Action to Stop Trump and Sessions Taking Immigrant Children From Parents

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT

From May 6 to May 19, 658 children were taken away from their parents at the border. That’s 47 children every day, almost one child every 30 minutes, and the numbers are going up, not down. Children are incarcerated because Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered them taken away from their immigrant parents at the border, in what he calls a “zero tolerance” policy. Detention centers for children are packed, and the government is talking about setting up “tent cities” on military bases—where child protection laws requiring care by trained child welfare workers do not apply.

The “zero tolerance” policy applies to all border crossers, including those who wish to exercise their legally protected right to seek asylum. Under this policy, border patrol agents charge adults with a criminal misdemeanor for illegal entry. If migrants are traveling with children, border agents separate children and parents, and children are taken away and treated as “unaccompanied minors.”

More than 11,000 children are housed in more than 100 facilities in 17 states, far from their parents and often with no communication. Many are toddlers and very young children. The government acknowledges that more than 100 of those taken during the May 6-19 period were under four years old. Some parents have been deported without ever seeing their children again. One Honduran father killed himself in jail, in despair over separation from his three-year-old son.

In announcing the new policy, Jeff Sessions said, “if you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child will be separated from you as a matter of law. If you don’t like it, then don’t smuggle children over our border.” The reality is that migrants are not “smuggling children,” they are trying to rescue them from inhospitable conditions in their countries of origin. They are trying to save their children’s lives.

Attorney General Sessions has implemented this new policy for the express purpose of deterring potential immigrants and asylum seekers. Separating children from their parents purposefully inflicts trauma on people who simply come to the United States to escape life-threatening conditions in their countries.

Americans, from Catholic bishops to the Southern Baptist Conference, from psychologists to Democrats and even some Republicans in Congress are rising up in protest against this inhumane betrayal of our strong history as an immigrant-welcoming nation. As John Keller told the Star Tribune, “Those seeking asylum are not breaking the law. They are following international standards that this country has agreed to. We need to dispel this doublespeak the administration is using. Under any normal administration, the U.S. would be condemning this practice, not initiating it.”

Please call your elected officials and tell them that Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy at the border is unacceptable and that IT MUST END NOW.

Senator Amy Klobuchar: Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3244; Minneapolis: (612) 727-5220; Moorhead: (218) 287-2219; Rochester: (507) 288-5321; Virginia: (218) 741-9690

Senator Tina Smith: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 224-5641; State Offices: Duluth: (218) 722-2390; Moorhead: (218) 284-8721; Rochester: (507) 228-2003; St. Paul: (651) 221-1016

Representative Keith Ellison: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4755; Minneapolis: (612) 522-1212

Representative Tom Emmer: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2331; Otsego: (763) 241-6848

Representative Jason Lewis: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2271; Burnsville: (651) 846-2120

Representative Betty McCollum: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-6631; St. Paul: (651) 224-9191

Representative Richard Nolan: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-0699; Brainerd: (218) 454-4078; Center City: (218) 491-3131; Chisolm: (218) 491-5700 ; Duluth: (218) 464-5095

Representative Erik Paulsen: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2871; Eden Prairie: (952) 405-8510

Representative Collin Peterson: Washington, D.C. (202) 225-2165; Detroit Lakes: (218) 847-5056; Marshall: (507) 537-2299; Redwood Falls: (507) 637-2270; Thief River Falls: (218) 683-5405; Willmar: (320) 235-1061

Representative Tim Walz: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-2472; Mankato and Rochester: (507) 388-2149

When calling, you can use the following text:

Hello, my name is _______ and I am one of your constituents. Please let President Trump know that the new zero tolerance policy at the border is cruel and inhumane. No child should have to be separated from their parent, particularly if they are trying to flee life-threatening conditions in their native country. This policy will inflict life-long trauma on parents and their children and it must end now. The United States has a long history of being an immigrant-welcoming nation. We are better than this.

Remember that calling is more effective than any other method of contacting your elected officials.

Please like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for regular updates.

Thank you for your continued support and calls.

One step closer--Keep calling!

Sat, 26 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Erik Paulsen signed the discharge petition Wednesday morning! Thanks to your calls, we are one step closer to getting all Minnesota’s representatives on board and to finding a solution for DREAMers, young immigrants brought to the United States by their parents as children. In Minnesota, all House Democrats plus Paulsen have signed. We’re only waiting for Representatives Emmer and Lewis – both of whom have repeatedly said they want to support DREAMers. Now is the time for them to act in a concrete way! DACA holders’ status has been in legal limbo since Attorney General Jeff Sessions terminated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in September 2017.

DREAMers are Minnesotans! On average, DREAMers arrived in the United States at 6 years of age, and our youngest client arrived at age 2 months. They are American in every way except their papers. They are our friends, our students, our neighbors, and they are a valuable asset to build a stronger Minnesota. We need you to double down and continue to call Representatives Emmer and Lewis every day until they sign the discharge petition. There are 212 signatures as of Thursday morning. That means that we are six signatures away from the 218 needed to force a vote on DACA. If all House Democrats sign the petition, we only need four more House Republicans to sign!

In his statement, Rep. Paulsen said, “President Trump and leaders in Congress promised to fix DACA. They haven’t. I took action to solve this problem and there’s bipartisan support to do so.”

Just like your calls to Rep. Paulsen, now your calls to Emmer and Lewis can help make the difference that brings DACA to a vote on the House floor. ACT NOW and call them today.

Tom Emmer: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2331 and District Office: (763) 241-6848

Jason Lewis: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2271 and District Office: (651) 846-2120

Hello, my name is _______ and I am one of your constituents. Please sign the discharge petition filed by Representative Carlos Curbelo to force a House vote on relief for the DREAMers. These young people have been living in the United States for many years and they have become integral parts of our Minnesota communities: they have families, jobs and pay taxes. If there is no solution for them, they could be deported. Please sign the discharge petition now to protect DREAMers and demand a path to citizenship.

Call today. Call tomorrow. Put it in your phone’s daily calendar or tasks! Call every day until something changes. It takes little effort and it can provide DREAMers a path to citizenship.

Lives are at stake: Call now

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT

"I fear for my life right now," one young Minnesotan said last week. "We are in limbo, all the DACA applicants … People’s lives are at stake."

He's right. The Senate is debating immigration and that means deciding what happens to people's lives and sometimes whether they live or die. Time is running out, with DACA's end date set for March 5.

The competing bills before the Senate have some poisonous provisions—creating a fast track to deportation for Dreamers, slashing legal immigration, separating families, ending protection for unaccompanied minors. The list goes on, but that's enough to show why we must demand a CLEAN DREAM ACT NOW, and protection for our family-based immigration system.

Please call your Senators again. No matter how they voted last week or last month, tell them we need their voices and votes right now as the time for DACA runs out. We are now just days away from March 5th. Inaction in the face of this crisis is unacceptable. We need their strong voices and votes now.

URGENT: January DREAM Act call-in

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Friday is the deadline: Congress has to pass some kind of funding bill or shut down the government. That's the opportunity for Democrats to force a vote on a clean DREAM Act.

Last week on Tuesday, the president said he would sign any DREAM Act that Congress sent to him. On Thursday, a bipartisan group of Senators presented him with a proposal they had agreed on. The president's racist comments in rejecting that proposal have made headlines around the world since then.

DO NOT BE SIDETRACKED by what the president said. KEEP ON CALLING. Call the president, call Congress, ask your friends to call.

We need a clean Dream Act – a Dream Act that does not include anti-immigrant provisions. We need it NOW. Once you have called, tell your friends on Facebook. Ask them to call their representatives, too. We need everyone to call every single day this week, flooding the phone lines with support for the DREAM Act. .

And please call and email the three Minnesota Republican representatives. Representatives Paulsen and Emmer have said they support Dreamers, but they need to do more than that – they need to lead on this issue. They need to know that supporting Dreamers means passing a clean Dream Act NOW. Call:

• Representative Jason Lewis (Phone 202-225-2271 in DC office, 651-846-2120 in Burnsville office),

• Representative Tom Emmer (Phone 202- 225-2331 in DC office, 763-241-6848 in Otsego office), and

• Representative Erik Paulsen (Phone 202- 225-2871 in DC office and 952-405-8510 in Eden Prairie.)

We need a clean Dream Act NOW!

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT

800,000 young Dreamers, including almost 7,000 in Minnesota, living in every Congressional District, need your support. Their average age when they arrived in the United States was 6 years old. They have lived here an average of 20 years. They are spouses and parents of U.S. citizens, workers and students contributing to the country's human and financial strength. Dreamers are already losing DACA protection: about 122 each day, or a total of about 11,000 by December 5. Every Dreamer who loses DACA protection is subject to deportation, taking them away from their families and homes and sending many back to countries they do not know.

We need a clean Dream Act – a Dream Act that does not include anti-immigrant provisions. We need it NOW – before Congress leaves town for the year, before any more Dreamers lose their protection. Please call and email your representatives to tell them to support a clean Dream Act that will give Dreamers permanent resident status and a path to citizenship.

Once you have called, tell your friends on Facebook. Ask them to call their representatives, too. We need everyone to call every single day in December.

And please call and email the three Minnesota Republican representatives. Representatives Paulsen and Emmer have said they support Dreamers, but they need to do more than that – they need to lead on this issue.They need to know that supporting Dreamers means passing a clean Dream Act NOW. Call:

• Representative Jason Lewis (Phone 202-225-2271 in DC office, 651-846-2120 in Burnsville office),

• Representative Tom Emmer (Phone 202- 225-2331 in DC office, 763-241-6848 in Otsego office), and

• Representative Erik Paulsen (Phone 202- 225-2871 in DC office and 952-405-8510 in Eden Prairie.)

Demand a clean Dream Act now

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT

800,000 young Dreamers need your support. They are spouses and parents of U.S. citizens, workers and students contributing to the country's human and financial strength.

On September 5, the Trump administration rescinded DACA, effective March 5, 2018. In only a few months, Dreamers will begin losing DACA protection and will be subject to deportation, taking them away from their families and homes and sending many back to countries they do not know.

Since September 5, the president and Republican leadership have said they support legislation to give permanent status to Dreamers, then backed away from that legislation, then said their support was conditioned on funding for a border wall or for more Border Patrol and ICE agents or on draconian revisions to immigration law.

We need a clean Dream Act – a Dream Act that does not include anti-immigrant provisions. Please call and email your representatives to tell them to support a clean Dream Act that will give Dreamers permanent resident status and a path to citizenship.

Tell ICE to keep Jacobo at home in Worthington!

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT

October 4, 2017 - Jacobo Gabriel-Tomas has left for Guatemala, after ICE refused to exercise prosecutorial discretion and allow him to stay with his family and community in Worthington.

THANK YOU to everyone who called and emailed ICE on behalf of Jacobo Gabriel Tomas. We know that ICE received more than 200 phone calls on September 25 – a truly amazing outpouring of support that is deeply felt and appreciated. THANK YOU to our elected officials, including Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar and Representative Tim Walz, Mayor Mike Kuhle, and Minnesota State Representative Rod Hamilton, for their continuing support. We especially thank Senator Al Franken for his persistent, direct advocacy with the head of ICE. ICE's director in Washington ultimately refused to overturn St. Paul Field Office Director Scott Baniecke's refusal to exercise his discretion and allow Jacobo to remain here with his family. The director of ICE refused to consider or even acknowledge any of the reasons for exercising discretion in Jacobo's case.

ILCM’s long-term client Jacobo Gabriel Tomas urgently needs your help to keep him together with his family in Worthington! Jacobo has been in the U.S. since 1992 when he fled Guatemala due to violence at the age of 16. He filed and fought for asylum in the U.S. for many years but ultimately was denied. He had years of work authorization and eventually had U.S.-born children he could not abandon, so he stayed and took care of them – for almost 25 years! At 41, Jacobo has lived and worked in the U.S. many more years than he lived in Guatemala.

His four U.S. citizen children depend on him and love him very much. He has paid his state and federal taxes for years; owns a home; is a hard-working, highly-valued, long-term employee on a hog farm, and an important member and leader in his church.

He paid a small fine 12 years ago for non-felony charges based on using work documents to provide for his family, and has complied with everything the court required. In 2014, the immigration agency granted him prosecutorial discretion, finding that he was not a priority for deportation and that he would have been eligible for DAPA had it been allowed to go into effect.

Over the last several months ICE has denied his multiple requests to renew his prosecutorial discretion. Now he is scheduled to leave the U.S. and his children as early as Monday, September 25.

ILCM filed a last-minute stay of deportation that is pending at the local ICE office. We need your calls and emails on MONDAY, September 25 to keep Jacobo in Minnesota with his family.

ICE has the discretion to grant a stay on a case-by-case basis. It should do so here for three important reasons:

1) Jacobo faces possible life and death circumstances in Guatemala, one of the most dangerous countries in the world;

2) Jacobo is an upstanding community member and father, who is an asset, not a threat to the U.S.; and

3) Jacobo is an original DREAMer who will qualify for the DREAM Act that President Trump and leaders of Congress are committed to passing.

Please call and email right now:

1) Please call ICE’s Minnesota Director of Field Operations, Scott Baniecke and ask him to approve Jacobo Gabriel Thomas’ STAY OF DEPORTATION. 612-843-8600, then dial #9 and ask to leave a message for Director Baniecke. (Office opens 7:30 a.m.) If you are asked, please inform ICE that the Stay is pending with ICE and NOT in the court.

2) You can also send an email to StPaul.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov and be sure to include the following:

Jacobo Gabriel Thomas

A# 070-840-715

And your message asking Director Baniecke to grant a STAY OF DEPORTATION. Please use your own words.

If you have 5 more minutes – please make two additional phone calls to support Jacobo and his family:

3) Please contact Senator Al Franken’s office and ask him to help stop this deportation and to keep fighting to keep Jacobo Gabriel Thomas in Worthington with his family. Phone: 651-221-1016

4) Please call Representative Tim Walz and ask him to help stop this deportation and to keep fighting to keep Jacobo Gabriel Thomas with his family in Worthington. Phone: 507-388-2149

Thank you for taking action today and for helping Jacobo and his family.

Please like ILCM on Facebook to get daily updates on this and many other cases and actions. Jacobo, his community, and ILCM have been fighting for him to stay with his family for years.

You can read and watch more at these links:

http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-immigrants-facing-deportation-hope-for-reversal/285907411/

http://www.ksfy.com/content/news/Worthington-father-deported-after-living-in-the-US-for-24-years-446999923.html

http://www.ksfy.com/content/news/Father-of-4-faces-deportation-after-living-in-US-for-24-years-421404233.html

http://www.startribune.com/worthington-a-city-of-immigrants-braces-for-raids-deportations/414925054/#1

https://www.change.org/p/u-s-house-of-representatives-stop-the-deportation-of-jacobo-gabriel-tomas

Don't let DACA die - pass the DREAM Act!

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT

The Trump administration rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program this morning – September 5. They also deferred enforcement until March 5, which gives Congress a chance to keep DACA recipients safe by passing the DREAM Act. We need your voice now to tell our representatives to keep the DREAM alive!

The Dream Act and American Hope Act were recently introduced in the Senate and House as bipartisan efforts to protect immigrant youth who entered the United States as children. These bills would establish a path to permanent legal residence for more than a million young people, including those now protected by DACA. These young people know America as their only home and are in school, working, and pursuing the American Dream. Call Congress and the president TODAY!

Act NOW to save DACA and DREAMers!

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT

President Trump has come under political pressure from immigration extremists to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, with a group of attorneys general threatening a politically motivated lawsuit against the federal government. The White House has refused to comment on Trump's intentions with regards to DACA, leaving young immigrants who know America as their only home in limbo and fear. For all we know, Trump could announce the end of DACA any day. We need your voice now to tell our representatives and the White House to save DACA!

Tell Congress to pass the Dream Act!

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT

The Dream Act and American Hope Act were recently introduced in the Senate and House as bipartisan efforts to protect immigrant youth who entered the United States as children. These bills would establish a path to permanent legal residence for more than a million young people, including those now protected by DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. These young people know America as their only home and are in school, working, and pursuing the American Dream.

President Trump vowed as a candidate to end DACA, and critics of the program aren't waiting for him. Texas and nine other states have threatened to sue if the administration doesn’t start phasing out the program by September 5. We need your help in telling your representatives in the House and Senate to stand up for these amazing youths and pass these bills.

Thank you, Senator Bakk and Government Dayton!

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT

This Monday, the Minnesota State Senate voted NO on a REAL ID bill that would have shut down the fight for giving every Minnesotan an opportunity to drive legally and safely. Please take a moment to tell Senate Minority Leader Thomas Bakk and Governor Mark Dayton thank you for standing up for our immigrant neighbors and their families.

Tell the White House and Congress to STOP the dismantling of refugee resettlement.

Sat, 28 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT

On January 27th, President Trump issued an executive order that halted the resettlement of refugees in a drastic and unprecedented way. In stopping refugee admissions from seven majority-Muslim countries, Trump has made good on his campaign promise to ban Muslims from entering the United States. Within hours of the executive order, we are already seeing the fallout of such careless cruelty; green-card holders are being detained at airports, dual citizens are unable to move freely between their homelands, and refugees who helped the United States military are being walled off from their families and loved ones. Tell Donald Trump and your representatives that this goes against what America stands for and needs to be opposed.

Tell your representatives to oppose Trump's anti-immigrant and anti-refugee agenda.

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Friends, we need your help. Through a series of executive orders, President Trump has made his anti-immigrant and anti-refugee agenda clear to everyone. In his first week in office, Trump has paved the way for a massive, expensive construction of a border wall, expanded the reach and capabilities of ICE, and threatened the safety of cities that protect their residents as equals, regardless of citizenship status. He has slammed the door on families seeking refuge from violence and persecution and ignited fears and misconceptions surrounding our Muslim neighbors.

Tell your representatives in Washington, DC that you oppose Trump's executive orders and that you stand in solidarity with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Support The Dream and Promise Act

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Later today, the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019, a bill that will grant deportation protection and a pathway to citizenship for approximately 2.5 million DREAMers, Temporary Protection Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders.

Since 2012, approximately 800,000 DACA recipients received protection from deportation and work authorization permits for two years. Dreamers, who formerly lived in the shadows, have been able to pursue their education, build careers, start families and continue being valuable members of their communities. One ILCM client said of the program, “DACA has helped my life tremendously. I now have the opportunity to better myself, go to college and accomplish a career. Now I feel like I belong.”

The current administration terminated DACA and only court injunctions have protected current DACA recipients. Approximately one million young people who have become eligible for DACA since the administration action are unable to apply.

In the past two years, the Trump administration has terminated the temporary protected status of 98% percent of the over 350,000 TPS holders from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. The only thing standing between our neighbors and deportation to countries that are still experiencing conflict or the effects of environmental disasters is a precarious court-ordered injunction.

The Dream and Promise Act of 2019 will also provide protections for Liberian DED holders, many of whom live in Minnesota. They cannot go back to Liberia, a country still recovering from years of civil war and the Ebola crisis. This March, just one day before losing their status, the Trump administration granted DED holders one year of reprieve; they continue to live in a state of limbo.

While the H.R. 6 is expected to pass the House, some of our Minnesota legislators are not fully on board. Please call your representative today and ask them to support the Dream and Promise Act of 2019.

When calling, you may use the following script:

Hello, my name is ________ and I am your constituent. The Trump administration has put the lives of millions of Americans in limbo by terminating DACA, much of TPS and DED. Please vote for H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019, which will grant work authorization, protection from deportation and a pathway to citizenship for many of our neighbors, many of whom have made Minnesota home for decades.

Representative Angie Craig: Washington, DC: (202) 225-2271; Burnsville: (651) 846-2120

Representative Tom Emmer: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-2331; Otsego: (763) 241-6848

Representative Jim Hagedorn: Washington, D.C: (202) 225-2472; Mankato (507) 323-6090; Rochester: (507) 323-6090

Representative Betty McCollum: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-6631; St. Paul: (651) 224-9191

Representative Ilhan Omar: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4755; Minneapolis: (612) 333-1272

Representative Dean Phillips: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-2871; Minnetonka: (952) 656-5176

Representative Pete Stauber: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-6211; Brainerd: (218) 355-0862; Cambridge: (763) 552-3359; Chisholm: (218) 355-0726; Hermantown: (218) 481-6396

Thank you for your support!

Vote on Driver's Licenses for All: Call your Representative Today

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Driver’s Licenses for All, HF 1500, will come up for a floor vote in the Minnesota House of Representatives very soon. We need 68 “yes” votes to keep the bill alive. PLEASE CALL NOW! Call your legislator, regardless of their political party, and ask them to vote for Driver's Licenses for All Minnesotans. You can find and contact your Minnesota state legislators by clicking here and entering your address.

An estimated 83,000 undocumented immigrants live in Minnesota. More than half have lived in the United States for more than a decade. Some 10,000 have lived here for more than 20 years. Among adults, 72 percent are working and 33 percent own their own homes. Many are essential workers in health care, agriculture, and other fields.

HF 1500 will allow our Minnesota neighbors to drive their children to school and doctor appointments, and to carry out daily tasks like going to the grocery store without fear. For over a decade, the limitation on access to driver’s licenses that was implemented in 2003 has put immigrants at risk of losing their livelihood or removal from the United States. The resulting fear among immigrants stifles economic growth and keeps individuals from fully participating in their communities.

Minnesota lawmakers have the power to reverse the 2003 decision, remove the ban, and support families and communities. Lawmakers in at least 12 other states have already taken action to end the prohibition on undocumented immigrants obtaining licenses.

Please—call your legislators today and ask them to support Driver's Licenses for All (HF 1500).

If the legislator says that they support Driver's Licenses for All, thank them for their support.

For more information, visit the Freedom to Drive campaign’s website. You can also find more information at Quick Facts: Driver's Licenses for All.

For updates on the progress of Driver's Licenses for All, like ILCM on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @ILCM_MN and sign up to receive updates from the Freedom to Drive Campaign.

Action Alert - Driver's Licenses for All

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT

PLEASE CALL NOW! Call your legislator and ask them to vote for Driver's Licenses for All Minnesotans. You can find and contact your Minnesota state legislators by clicking here and entering your address.

Why now?

This year we have a real chance to reauthorize driver's licenses for all Minnesotans! It is nearly impossible to live in Minnesota without driving—putting Minnesota residents who are undocumented in a grim predicament. The prohibition on licenses—imposed by then-Governor Pawlenty in 2003—means that everyday tasks like giving a neighbor a ride to church or picking up children from after-school activities or driving to the doctor’s office can result in potentially life-altering consequences. For these residents, something as minor as being pulled over for a burned-out headlight can trigger a series of events that results in separation from their families and the loss of their homes and livelihoods. That uncertainty traumatizes children and takes a deep toll on families and communities.

Who does this help?

Minnesota lawmakers have the power to reverse the 2003 decision, remove the ban, and support families and communities. In fact, lawmakers in at least 12 other states have already taken action to end the prohibition on undocumented immigrants obtaining licenses.

Please—call your legislators today and ask them to support Driver's Licenses for All. The bill has been introduced in the Minnesota House as HF 1500.

If the legislator says that they support Driver's Licenses for All, thank them for their support.

For more information, go to the website of the Freedom to Drive MN campaign. You can also find more information at Quick Facts: Driver's Licenses for All.

For updates on the progress of Driver's Licenses for All, like ILCM on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ILCM_MN.

Thank you for your support!

Thank You!

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Allies,

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you for your support in opposing the proposed changes to the public charge rule. As of this morning, the Department of Homeland Security received over 216,000 comments, more than doubling the original national advocacy goal of 100,000. This extraordinary accomplishment would not have been possible without you. Thank you!

I would also like to convey my appreciation to Stinson Leonard Street whose pro bono attorneys, working with a tight deadline, poured a great deal of time and energy into the skillfully written comment submitted on behalf of ILCM and 16 co-signers. Your work was truly impressive and your commitment to advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities is evident.

The broad national wave of comments in opposition came from cities, elected officials, health and social service organizations, and individuals like you. This effort and the act of affirmatively opposing this cruel rule change stands as a clear signal of the importance of proactive, welcoming immigration policy and a rejection of more efforts to put up greater barriers. Your collective action deserves a round of applause. Thank you for adding your voices in opposition of this cruel policy.

THANK YOU all for standing with ILCM, and more importantly, thank you for standing alongside the families and communities who will be devastated if the proposed rule is enacted.

Next, DHS is required to review all of your comments and after that will issue a final rule. We will continue to organize our work and keep you informed of future ways you can engage. The fight is definitely not over – but this first phase of it could not have gone any better – and we are deeply grateful for your solidarity and efforts. Please stay tuned for future mailings and social media updates in the coming weeks and months. Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sincerely,

John C. Keller

Vote on November 6

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Allies,

Minnesotans go to the polls this November to elect our next governor, U.S. Senators and Representatives, Minnesota state legislators, attorney general, judges and other state and local officials. The decisions made by Minnesota voters this midterm will influence state and national politics for many years to come. Click here to learn about the major races in Minnesota.

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota encourages all eligible citizens to vote in the midterms. Our democracy cannot function properly without the active voice of the people, and one of the strongest manners to raise our voice is through our ballots. It is our privilege and responsibility as citizens to go to the polls this November 6.

According to a poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos this summer, immigration was reported as the top issue in this year’s election. Over the last decade, the U.S. has welcomed approximately 700,000 new citizens each year. They have jobs and families, go to school, and are our neighbors. Many are also enthusiastically preparing to vote on November 6.

Nowhere does the importance or excitement about going to vote become clearer than when listening to our clients who will be first time New American voters. On September 11 in St. Paul, Federal District Judge Kate Menendez swore in 875 new citizens from 94 countries. Clients from ILCM’s Moorhead and Worthington offices were among those celebrating. Argenis, who became a citizen that day, said, “I’m very excited because it is my first time to vote here. I’m going to see all the candidates and what they offer for our country. I wish I can be part of the change that will make it better.”

On October 29, in Rochester, Minnesota, Judge Steven Rau administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens and reminded them of a citizen’s responsibility to “participate in the democratic process and to vote.”

Michael Khaw Gei, an ILCM client, talked to the Rochester Post-Bulletin about voting:

“‘For the first time in my life, I will vote,’ said Michael Khaw Gei, who said he wasn’t allowed to vote when he lived in Burma. Eight years after arriving in St. Paul as a refugee, the Austin resident said he’s looking forward to having a say in who represents him.”

The right to vote is sacred and has been hard earned for so many groups within the U.S., and coveted by so many New Americans. We hope you will join ILCM and our newest citizens in voting this November 6. Please be sure to check in with everyone that you can to spread the message of the importance of voting next Tuesday.

Thank you for being a voter and helping to shape Minnesota and our immigrant and refugee families’ futures.

Immigration To The United States Is For Everybody, Not Only The Rich

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Allies,

The proposed “public charge” regulation, officially announced in late September and published in the Federal Register today, will restrict legal immigration and particularly family-based immigration. It sets a high bar for demonstrating that applicants for green cards (legal permanent residence) and family-based visas abroad are not now and never will be dependent on public assistance. The regulation will also give wide discretion to officials to decide against prospective immigrants, based on current or anticipated income, health, and age.

You do not have to accept this latest cruel move from the Trump administration. You can tell the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that you oppose the new rule change. If you believe that immigration to the United States should be for everybody, not only for the rich, if you believe that immigrants should be able to meet their basic needs, and if you believe that families belong together, you can fight back in two ways.

You already know the first way: call Congress! While Congress does not have a direct role in rule-making, it can pass legislation to override or repeal the proposed regulation. You know the drill, phone numbers are listed below. Please call both of your US senators and your representative.

The second way: Public comment! Ready to learn a new skill? See below for complete directions on how to make a public comment on the regulation, along with sample comments you can use or modify. It is very important that those who oppose this rule change add their formal comments in opposition. Please be sure to submit your comment before December 10, 2018. A strong, diverse showing of opposition is critical to building a record of opposition – and all comments must be reviewed by DHS.

The publicly released regulation has already changed from earlier, even worse, versions. Pressure and public outcry get credit for these changes. Your voice matters. Please call and comment today.

Call:

Senator Amy Klobuchar: Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3244; Minneapolis: (612) 727-5220; Moorhead: (218) 287-2219; Rochester: (507) 288-5321; Virginia: (218) 741-9690

Senator Tina Smith: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 224-5641; State Offices: Duluth: (218) 722-2390; Moorhead: (218) 284-8721; Rochester: (507) 228-2003; St. Paul: (651) 221-1016

Representative Keith Ellison: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4755; Minneapolis: (612) 522-1212

Representative Tom Emmer: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2331; Otsego: (763) 241-6848

Representative Jason Lewis: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2271; Burnsville: (651) 846-2120

Representative Betty McCollum: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-6631; St. Paul: (651) 224-9191

Representative Richard Nolan: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-6211; Brainerd: (218) 454-4078; Center City: (218) 491-3131; Chisolm: (218) 491-5700; Duluth: (218) 464-5095

Representative Erik Paulsen: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2871; Eden Prairie: (952) 405-8510

Representative Tim Walz: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-2472; Mankato and Rochester: (507) 388-2149

You may use the following script:

Hello, my name is _____ and I am one of your constituents. I oppose the proposed rule on public charge “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds”. The proposed rule will penalize immigrants for being poor and will only serve to harm immigrant families and their children. This rule will force families to have to choose between vital programs that support their well-being like Medicaid and SNAP, and becoming legal permanent residents. Please stop this harmful proposed regulation by overriding or repealing it. Thank you.

Submit a Comment:

The regulation is now in the public comment stage, which lasts 60 days. You may submit comments using the following methods before the comment deadline, December 10, 2018.

The Federal eRulemaking Portal (preferred by DHS).

By mail (must be postmarked by the comment submission deadline):

Samantha Deshommes,

Chief Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Department of Homeland Security

20 Massachusetts Avenue NW,

Washington, DC 20529-2140.

Remember to include DHS Docket No. USCIS-2010-0012 in all of your correspondence and to submit your comments by December 10, 2018.

You may use the following sample comments:

SAMPLE 1: I oppose the proposed rule on public charge “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds”. The proposed rule will penalize immigrants for being poor and will only serve to harm immigrant families and their children. This rule will force families to choose between vital programs that support their well-being, like SNAP (food stamps), and becoming legal permanent residents. This will also affect the U.S. citizen children of immigrants. The receipt of non-cash benefits should not be considered in a public charge determination.

Provide your own example of the importance of public benefit programs for immigrants and their families…

SAMPLE 2: I oppose the proposed rule on public charge “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds”. The rule would penalize low-income immigrant families who depend on public programs for regular medical checkups; screenings for tuberculosis, HIV and diabetes; pre-natal care; and vaccines. This rule poses a dangerous threat not only to immigrants and their families, but to the public at large.

Provide your own example of the importance of preserving access to affordable healthcare…

Read more about the “public charge” proposal here.

Please be sure to stay connected to ILCM as the days and weeks progress on this issue. Your actions are an important, direct way to stand together will all immigrant families. Also, please reach out to share this message with your networks to join you and ILCM as we fight for policies of welcome and inclusion. You can connect to ILCM through these important links:

Thank you for your continued support!

ACT NOW to Protect Dreamers

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT

One year ago, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. Since then, more than 20,000 young people have lost their status and a million who would have been eligible to apply for the program have been unable to do so and risk detention or deportation.

Last week, U.S. District Court Judge for Texas’ Southern District, Andrew Hanen, allowed DACA to live. This means that young people who arrived in the United States as children maintain their protected status… for now. It means that DACA recipients can apply for renewals, but those who were too young or otherwise were ineligible this time last year live in fear. It means that the next Judge can decide the other way and that Dreamers could lose everything.

Since 2012, approximately 800,000 DACA recipients have been able to defer deportation and receive work authorization permits for two years. Dreamers, who formerly lived in the shadows, have been able to pursue their education, build careers, start families and continue being valuable members of their communities. One ILCM client said of the program, “DACA has helped my life tremendously. I now have the opportunity to better myself, go to college and accomplish a career. Now I feel like I belong.”

While Judge Hanen granted DACA recipients temporary reprieve, the decision only applies to those who had DACA status when the Trump administration rescinded the program on September 5, 2017. DACA recipients may renew their status every two years at a cost of $495 and hours spent to collect and submit documentation for onerous background checks.

The child who turned 15 on September 6, 2017, or on September 5, 2018 is out of luck. No matter that she came here, carried in her mother’s arms at the age of nine months or two years. No matter that she grew up in this state and has never known another home. Trump and Sessions deny her any protection. If they find her, they will deport her.

More than 80 percent of Americans want protection for Dreamers. Congress could make DACA law at any time, beyond the reach of the Trump administration, but Congress has refused to act. For now, only the courts prevent the end of DACA and the deportation of 800,000 young people who have grown up as Americans. The 800,000, and a million more who do not have DACA’s protection and now cannot apply for it, are called Dreamers, because they share the American dream.

One year after Trump and Sessions’ effort to destroy DACA, you can still do something. Call your Senators and Representative. Send a message to those running for Congress. Say that we need these young people and we need a Dream Act to protect them. Call and tell your Senators and Representative that this is a priority for you and for the nation.

Senator Amy Klobuchar: Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3244; Minneapolis: (612) 727-5220; Moorhead: (218) 287-2219; Rochester: (507) 288-5321; Virginia: (218) 741-9690

Senator Tina Smith: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 224-5641; State Offices: Duluth: (218) 722-2390; Moorhead: (218) 284-8721; Rochester: (507) 228-2003; St. Paul: (651) 221-1016

Representative Keith Ellison: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4755; Minneapolis: (612) 522-1212

Representative Tom Emmer: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2331; Otsego: (763) 241-6848

Representative Jason Lewis: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2271; Burnsville: (651) 846-2120

Representative Betty McCollum: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-6631; St. Paul: (651) 224-9191

Representative Richard Nolan: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-0699; Brainerd: (218) 454-4078; Center City: (218) 491-3131; Chisolm: (218) 491-5700; Duluth: (218) 464-5095

Representative Erik Paulsen: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2871; Eden Prairie: (952) 405-8510

Representative Tim Walz: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-2472; Mankato and Rochester: (507) 388-2149

When calling, you can use the following script:

Hello, my name is _______ and I am one of your constituents. The Trump administration rescinded the DACA program one year ago. Since then, tens of thousands have lost their DACA status and a million more have not been able to apply for protections, leaving them vulnerable to deportation. Many Dreamers only know the United States as home. They have pursued higher education, started families and built careers. They are our neighbors and valuable community members and they need your protection now. Please pass a Dream Act and keep Trump and Sessions from destroying DACA.

Remember that calling is more effective than any other method of contacting your elected officials.

Please like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for regular updates.

Thank you for your continued support and calls.

Call Today: Oppose Phony Republican Immigration Bill

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Allies -

Families belong together, and children do not belong in jail. As soon as today, Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives may vote on a cruel immigration bill that will cause more harm to children and families separated at the Border, and further dismantle protections for all immigrants. Even worse, Republican leaders in the House are claiming that this bill protects Dreamers and children. That is a lie.

Tell our Representatives: Vote against HR 6136! Do not use children as a bargaining chip to pass cruel anti-immigrant legislation.

Your response has been amazing. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR CALLS AND SUPPORT over the past difficult weeks and months.

Yesterday we saw a narrowly divided 5-4 Supreme Court give a green light to Trump’s third iteration of his anti-Muslim, anti-refugee travel ban with extremely strong dissenting opinions. But yesterday we also saw a California court order the Trump administration to immediately begin reuniting parents and children, with strict instructions and time limits. The first decision is a defeat and the second a victory—taken together, they show again the urgency of sustained unity and a commitment to keep taking action to support U.S. values of inclusion and protection of families.. We must not give up hope. We must keep fighting for justice for immigrants and refugees.

Please call your representative today and tell them to vote against HR 6136. Make no mistake – this is not a compromise bill. HR 6136 would create a convoluted path to citizenship that only a small percentage of Dreamers could ever use—and that path would be conditioned on massive funding for an unnecessary border wall. The bill would also make it easier to deport children, would remove current child welfare protections and limits on the amount of time children can be held in detention. The bill would abolish many family visas and all diversity visas. It would also severely restrict asylum and due process for asylum applicants.

More opportunities to Act: Please join ILCM and many other great partners JUNE 30 RALLY: Please join people across the nation this Saturday, June 30 in a Families Belong Together rally. In the Twin Cities, the event is at 2 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Click here and enter your zip code for information on other locations in Minnesota and across the country.

Dreamers who know no other home, Muslims escaping violence and seeking to reunite families, and Central American and all families fleeing untenable violence deserve compassion, not lies and staggering trauma caused by forced separation or indefinite family detention. Please call your representative and tell them to oppose HR 6136 and that you want them to join in supporting a genuine path to citizenship for Dreamers, and justice and safety for all immigrant and refugee families and children.

Representative Keith Ellison: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4755; Minneapolis: (612) 522-1212

Representative Tom Emmer: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2331; Otsego: (763) 241-6848

Representative Jason Lewis: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2271; Burnsville: (651) 846-2120

Representative Betty McCollum: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-6631; St. Paul: (651) 224-9191

Representative Richard Nolan: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-0699; Brainerd: (218) 454-4078; Center City: (218) 491-3131; Chisolm: (218) 491-5700 ; Duluth: (218) 464-5095

Representative Erik Paulsen: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2871; Eden Prairie: (952) 405-8510

Representative Tim Walz: Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-2472; Mankato and Rochester: (507) 388-2149

When calling, you can use the following text:

Hello, my name is _______ and I am one of your constituents. Vote NO on HR 6136. This bill is cruel and will only cause further harm to children separated from their parents at the border. Further, it limits many visa programs and provides a narrow path to citizenship for Dreamers, which it uses as a bargaining chip for Trump’s border wall. Please support a genuine path to citizenship for Dreamers, and justice and safety for all immigrant and refugee families and children.

Remember that calling is more effective than any other method of contacting your elected officials.

Please like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for regular updates.

Thank you for your continued support and calls.

Hold Congress accountable today -- demand that our Representatives reject Anti-immigrant Legislation!

Only One More Day! Keep Calling!

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Allies,

Republican leadership has until June 7^th to keep the House from forcing a vote on a relief for DREAMers, young immigrants whose status has been in legal limbo since the Trump administration terminated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program last September.

Last month, Representative Erik Paulsen signed the discharge petition thanks to your calls. We currently have 213 signatures of the 218 needed to force a vote. On Tuesday afternoon, two more Democratic holdouts, Representatives Filemon Vela and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, who said that they would never support the petition, pledged to sign later this week, which would bring the total signatures to 215.

We are so close to finding a solution for the DREAMers. Your calls matter and they may have made the difference to convince Representative Paulsen to sign. In Minnesota, only Representatives Emmer and Lewis, both of whom have pledged their support for DREAMers have yet to sign. Please continue to call their offices and tell them that their signatures are needed.

DREAMers are Minnesotans! They are American in every way except their papers. They are our friends, our students, our neighbors, and they are a valuable asset to build a stronger Minnesota. We need you to double down and continue to call Representatives Emmer and Lewis every day until they sign the discharge petition. We are only three signatures away! We are only one day away from the deadline! Keep calling!

After changing his mind on the Discharge Petition, Representative Gonzalez said, “By signing this discharge petition, I do so with the intent of giving 800,000 people—young Americans—peace of mind and the ability to remain in the only country they call home.”

Help Representatives Emmer and Lewis change their minds on the discharge petition. Your call can be the difference that brings DACA to a vote on the House floor. ACT NOW and call Representatives Emmer and Lewis today!

Tom Emmer: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2331 and District Office: (763) 241-6848

Jason Lewis: Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2271 and District Office: (651) 846-2120

When calling, you can use the following text:

Please like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for regular updates.

Thank you for your continued support and calls.

One more chance for DACA: Act before March 23

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Congress basically gave up on the Dream Act after February’s Senate failure, but there is one more chance in March. The government funding bill for the rest of Fiscal Year 2018 is due on March 23. That is likely the last chance in 2018 for Democrats to demand that the Dream Act be included in must-pass legislation.

Congressional Democrats need to step up and force action before March 23. They need to demand:

A clean Dream Act to protect DACA recipients and other Dreamers who are not now protected in any way;
Protection for TPS/DED recipients;
No new restrictions on legal immigration;
No new funding for abusive immigration enforcement.

Here’s the short story on each of these issues:

DREAM Act:

While federal courts have ordered the administration to continue accepting DACA renewals, this still leaves more than a million Dreamers unprotected. Some were unable to apply before the deadline, for a variety of reasons: too old (over 31), too young (under 15), too poor ($495 filing fee), etc. More Dreamers lose their protection from deportation and expiring work permits every day. They need a clean Dream Act with a path to citizenship.

TPS/DED:

The administration already has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians (7/22/19), Salvadorans (9/9/19), and others. Deferred Extended Departure (DED) for Liberians is set to expire on March 31. All TPS/DED statuses are temporary, with other country statuses expiring later this year.

Many people with TPS/DED status have lived in the United States for decades, raised families here, built homes and careers here. They need Congress to give them a path to permanence and citizenship.

No new restrictions:

The administration keeps trying to strike a devil’s bargain, trading some DACA extension for the lives and futures of Dreamer parents, siblings, and future immigrants. They want to “limit chain migration,” which actually means ending most family visas. Family migration has been the basis of U.S migration for centuries. Family visas go to people who, on average, have higher educational achievement than U.S. citizens. Ending family migration is just plain wrong.

No new funding:

The Trump/Republican budget proposal calls for $21.5 billion dollars to ramp up deportation, while doing nothing to check abuses or increase oversight. That is more than the United States spends on all other federal law enforcement agencies combined. The disproportionately high immigration enforcement budget supports the administration’s push for indiscriminate arrests and deportations, which have increased arrests of persons with no criminal records and even vulnerable people like the ten-year-old girl arrested on her way to the hospital for emergency surgery.

Fiscal mismanagement includes illegal contracts enriching private, for-profit prison organizations. Somali nationals report horrendous conditions in immigration prisons in Florida, including physical abuse and racial insults.

Abuses of power by immigration authorities include recent warrantless and violent home invasions in Utah by immigration agents. Conditions in immigration detention facilities, from frigid holding cells for women and children near the border to the contaminated drinking water and spoiled or undercooked food at a private, for-profit prison in New Jersey, violate basic human dignity. Some 40 Congress members recently sent a letter to ICE, asking for investigation of charges of sexual abuse of women held in immigration prisons. In the Customs and Border Patrol, more than 95% of all cases of alleged misconduct by Border Patrol agents resulted in “no action taken,” including very serious allegations of physical abuse and sexual assault.

It is not too late for Congress to act. Before agreeing to any budget deal, Congressional Democrats need to demand:

A clean Dream Act to protect DACA recipients and other Dreamers who are not now protected in any way;
Protection for TPS/DED recipients;
No new restrictions on legal immigration;
No new funding for abusive immigration enforcement.

Call Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith now. Tell them we need them to stand up now and refuse to vote for any budget resolution until Dreamers and other immigrants are protected.

And please call and email the three Minnesota Republican representatives and ask them to support the Dream Act and permanent protection for TPS and DED. Representatives Paulsen and Emmer have said they support Dreamers, but they need to do more than that – they need to lead on this issue. They need to know that supporting Dreamers means passing a clean Dream Act. Call:

• Representative Jason Lewis (Phone 202-225-2271 in DC office, 651-846-2120 in Burnsville office),

• Representative Tom Emmer (Phone 202- 225-2331 in DC office, 763-241-6848 in Otsego office), and

• Representative Erik Paulsen (Phone 202- 225-2871 in DC office and 952-405-8510 in Eden Prairie.)