Immigration
Immigrant communities across the Commonwealth are at risk - and the Legislature hasn't taken action.
Massachusetts has failed to protect vulnerable immigrants.
Years of Inaction
For the last few years, we heard horror stories about families ripped apart1, toddlers dying of dehydration in ICE custody2, and the federal government setting up a Muslim registry3. Massachusetts could have acted during the Trump administration to stand up against federal abuse, but our state government dropped the ball.
Drivers Licenses
A far too common occurence over recent years has been families torn apart because an undocumented person was pulled over for a routine traffic stop. A drivers' license would allow these routine traffic stops to just be routine traffic stops, and contribute to road safety to boot. That's why many states including most recently Virginia, have passed laws allowing immigrants to get licenses regardless of immigration status. Not Massachusetts.
bills to support Immigration Reform
Safe Communities Act
Prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE
Prohibits police from asking questions about immigration status
Protects people of color from racial profiling by police
Work & Family Mobility Act
Allows undocumented immigrants to receive drivers’ licenses, so everyone can get where they need to go without fear
Information collected about the applicant in applying for a license will not be disclosed to the public
The type of driver’s license an individual has will not be public information
common questions:
Will dangerous criminals be released without punishment because of SCA?
No. The Act merely provides some due process protections for all residents. Those who are deemed a threat to public safety will not be released, just like under current law. Law enforcement will still be able to work with ICE to make arrests and detain people, as long as a judge issues a warrant. The Act was carefully crafted to allow law enforcement to go after criminals, while still respecting the civil rights of everyone.
Will SCA cause an increase in crime?
Absolutely not! There are already plenty of sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation, and studies have found that sanctuary jurisdictions are actually safer than comparable non-sanctuary jurisdictions.
learn more:
References:
- 1. Cramer, Maria, “ICE arrested 7 people as they sought permanent status in Mass., R.I.,” Boston Globe, February 21, 2018.
- 2. Miroff, Nick, “Hours before her collapse in U.S. custody, a dying migrant child’s condition went unnoticed,” Washington Post, December 14, 2018
- 3. Phillip, Abby, Hauslohner, Abigail “Trump on the future of proposed Muslim ban, registry: ‘You know my plans’,” Washington Post, December 22, 2016
- 4. Reiss, Jaclyn, “Trump’s approval rating in Massachusetts is second-lowest in the US,” Boston Globe, July 24, 2017
- 5. Bill SD.926/HD.1520 An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents
- 6. Engelbrecht, Cora, “Fewer Immigrants Are Reporting Domestic Abuse. Police Blame Fear of Deportation,” New York Times, June 3, 2018
- 7. Parker, Claire, “Officials, residents pack State House hearing to debate immigration bill,” Boston Globe, JUNE 10, 2017
- 8. Cheng, Alice, Guillaume, Kristine, “Thousands Protest Immigration Order in Boston” Harvard Crimson, January 30, 2017
- 9. Young, Colin, “After Tense Debate, Mass. Senate Adopts Safe Communities Amendment,” WBUR, May 24, 2018