Unfortunately, the debate is being poisoned by the introduction of hateful, punitive amendments that won't do anything to solve the real problems in our broken immigration system. We are depending on positive amendments to make the legislation workable and humane, but some senators have decided to use the bill as a vehicle for attacks not just on immigrants, but on our core American values.
Some of the most egregious examples:
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) has offered an amendment that would deny immigrants the path to earned legalization and erode critical due process protections that are the hallmark of our legal system. Cornyn would deny lawful permanent residents the opportunity to become U.S. citizens based on secret evidence, would unreasonably expand the definition of "aggravated felony" for undocumented immigrants and make any such crimes punishable RETROACTIVELY.
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) offered an amendment that would outlaw state and local policies that prevent their employees -- including police and health and safety workers -- from inquiring about the immigration status of those they serve if there is "probable cause" to believe the individual being questioned is undocumented. In simple terms, this means that for undocumented immigrants, coming forward for help in any way could mean deportation -- the chilling effect would mean victims of harassment would continue to be terrorized, battered spouses would continue to be battered and these immigrants' legal recourse for wrongs committed against them would be severely limited. This cruel amendment failed (barely), but it would have established undocumented immigrants as not worthy of even basic health and safety protections.
Nobody wants porous borders. Nobody wants illegal immigration. But this debate is about who we are as a country. Will we fix the problems, while protecting the basic rights of immigrants, or will we choose the path that scapegoats our newcomers and dishonors our foundation and heritage as a nation of immigrants?
HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE
When Congress comes back from recess, we expect it won't be long until the Senate holds a Vote of No Confidence on Attorney General Gonzales. Many Republican Senators have publicly expressed grave concerns over Attorney General Gonzales or explicitly called for his resignation. Tell them: "Put your money where your mouth is!"
Don't let Senators get away with what Representatives are doing in putting partisanship and loyalty to the president over the facts and doing what's right for the country. We've extended our Gonzales Must Go petition drive until the week of the no-confidence vote. Please sign it, pass it on and spread the word!
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