Guest Column
Racist Project: HR 4437
- By Juan J Miret
- National Society for Hispanic Professionals (NSHP)
This is the right time to be together, otherwise we’ll stop being victims and we’ll become criminals. The bill project HR 4437, named: The Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act, drafted by Congressman James Sensenbrenner, if approved by the Senate, will be the most sweeping dramatic change in immigration law since the now infamous Illegal Immigration Reform and Individual Responsibility Act (IIRIRA).
Nothing in the bill provides a comprehensive and realistic plan for our immigration system to enhance border security, support economic growth and provide a legal means for lawful permanent residency for the millions of hardworking undocumented immigrants and their families already in the USA.
Under current law, presence in the USA without a valid
status is a civil violation, NOT A CRIMINAL ACT. The HR 4437 converts
illegal presence into a felony federal CRIME and would define immigration
violation so broadly as to effectively include any violation, however minor,
technical or unintentional for example, overstay visitor’s visa even by a
few hours, as a federal CRIME.
In addition to permanently barring the entire undocumented population
(including 1.6 million children) from the USA, this would also lead to the
tragic separation of families.
Also, HR 4437 expands the definition of “alien smuggling.” So, assisting a person in the USA, when the OFFENDER (as defined in HR 4437) knows the person is in the USA unlawfully will be charged as a CRIMINAL. Then, social services organizations, churches, refugees centers, charitable workers and even FAMILY MEMBER, could face federal PRISON TIME for assisting, for helping, for just giving a hand to undocumented immigrants or any good Samaritan for giving water to a dying person in the desert.
The bill also grants law enforcement agencies the
authority to investigate, identify, apprehend, arrest, detain and transfer
to Federal Custody undocumented immigrants.
When Police act as immigrant enforcement agents, instead of as POLICE
officers, it undermines their ability to keep communities safe because
immigrants and their family members will be frightened to report crimes,
fires and suspicious activity out of fear of exposing themselves, families
or neighbors to police. Inevitably, crimes will be left unsolved and the
safety of entire communities will be compromised.
We have enough voices, so let’s make noise. According to the Census Bureau, the Hispanic population represents 13.5% of the total population of the country. We are talking about 42 millions (without including about 11 millions of undocumented immigrants!). Even more, in 2050 ONE out FOUR American citizens will be Hispanic.
- It’s time to act and act fast. We have 26 STRONG voices in Congress
(23 in the House of Representatives and 3 in the Senate).
We cannot stay still and watch our future being smashed by the hands of Sensenbrenner. - _____________________________________________
- To discuss about immigration and this proposal, or to leave your comments about this law, visit our forum about this topic
- Article at: http://www.nshp.org/?q=node/1485
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