Immigration

82nd Legislative Session Review

Texas Impact Presentation

Current National Debate

Immigration is a federal issue in need of reform at the federal level. The issue of immigration in the US has been and will continue to be a major policy debate for years to come. In the past year various states introduces and passed antiimmigration reform policies. Anti-immigration legislation in various states took center stage for media outlets, political debates and public protests. States passing the most controversial bills were Arizona and Alabama. Faith communities and leaders across the US have spoken out and formed policy statements regarding harsh immigration legislation.

United Methodist Church

Our calling as followers of Jesus Christ is to stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors and to advocate for justice on their behalf. The United Methodist Church affirms the inherent dignity, value, and human rights of all immigrants regardless of their legal status. We acknowledge that all nations have the right to secure their borders, but the primary concern for Christians is the welfare of immigrants and communities. The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is committed to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that is humane and effective and that upholds the human and civil rights of immigrants

Immigration in Texas
Texas Mexico Border makes up 1,254 miles of the 1,900 miles of U.S. Mexico border. 2006 Secure Fence Act According to the 2010 census 36.7% of the population in Texas is of hispanic/latino origin

82nd Legislative Session

Session opened with Governor Rick Perry stating a number of emergency items, one being the immigration related issue of sanctuary cities. Over the session antiimmigration bills lead to a number of protests and public testimony.

Major Provisions
E Verify Secure Communities Sanctuary Cities Bills contained : Arizona-Style measures, extensive reporting requirements, repealing the Dream Act and more.

Sanctuary Cities
Placed mandates prohibiting
cities/counties/special districts from establishing policies that restrict the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Required all jails in TX to participate in

Secure Communities program.

Required DPS to verify immigration

status of license applications.

The Texas Faith Community Responds

Interfaith Leaders Statement on Immigration in the 82nd Legislative Session

Faith leaders provided powerful public testimony

Immigration Testimony

Economic Impact

Community Distrust

Legislators personal stories

What bills passed?

Voter ID Bill SB 1 amendment calls for applicants seeking to obtain a drivers license or other state-issued identification cards to prove that they're in the country legally.

Next Session
The Legislature can strengthen immigration policies by: Protecting in-state tuition for undocumented students. Ensuring wage and employment safety laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status. Ensuring humane and nondiscriminatory enforcement of US immigration law.

Immigration Resources
Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON): http://new.gbgmumc.org/umcor/work/immigration/jfon/ Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform: www.faithandimmigration.org Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance: http://reformimmigrationfortexas.org/1/

Thank you, any questions?

Texas Impact Presentation