Members of Congress return to their State districts for an upcoming break, April 10-21. The next two weeks represent an opportunity to set the tone with our political leaders, and re-frame the immigration issues away from a “national security” concern to one of values and worthwhile investment of tax dollars. Congress has the “power of the purse” to prevent the Administration’s request for an additional $7.5 billion in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 for immigration enforcement:
- further border wall construction and surveillance technology,
- hiring additional border control agents;
- funds for detention and expedited deportation (including for private prison corporations);
- and for hiring more Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
- Congress also can challenge the Administration’s efforts to suspend the refugee resettlement program and preventing refugees coming from Syria and other Muslim countries, particularly given the Administration’s April 6th military strike on Syria.
Please call or write / call your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives
Sample Message: I urge you to OPPOSE the Trump Administration’s request for an additional $7.5 billion in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 for immigration enforcement, including: further border wall construction and surveillance technology; hiring additional border control agents; funds for detention and expedited deportation (including for private prison corporations); and for hiring more Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. It is irresponsible of the Administration to claim that such border and enforcement funding is an issue of “national security.” Tax dollars should be spent alleviating poverty and investing in our future, not rounding up member.
