NCLR: Appalling H.R. 3009 Punishes Sanctuary Cities and Harms Immigrant Families

(Washington, DC, July 23, 2015)—Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, a bill that would withhold federal money from sanctuary cities that promote public safety by making it safe for undocumented persons to report crimes to local police without fear of being deported.

Statement from National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Policy Director Julie Gonen:

"We join with the wide array of those opposing this dangerous measure, including law enforcement officials, human rights advocates, and people of faith.  Instead of acting on meaningful immigration reform, some members of Congress are seeking to prevent local jurisdictions from pursuing humane and rational policies toward our nation's immigrants. "

NCLR Immigration Project Director Noemi Calonje added:

"It is tragic that the senseless death of Kathryn Steinle is being politicized to discriminate against an entire group of people who have come to U.S. to be free from violence, persecution, and poverty.  This bill would punish thousands of individuals and families who are in this country seeking safety, shelter and a better life, while doing nothing to make communities safer. "      

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The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRights.org