Sample Letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee Member

Dear Mr. President:

We, the undersigned Filipino American organizations, are making this urgent appeal for your leadership in rebuilding an immigration system that is faithful to American values and consistent with our nation’s priorities.

It has been said once too often that we are the greatest democracy because we are a nation of immigrants. Yet today, we bear the brunt of a dysfunctional immigration system that discriminates against non-citizens, discourages the entry of talented and hardworking immigrants, and leaves us vulnerable to those who wish to harm us.

Genuine immigration reform seems to have been lost in the din of livid anti-immigrant sentiments in the House of Representatives. The unfortunate result is House Bill 4437, The Border Protection, Antiterrrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005,which will criminalize not just undocumented immigrants, but citizens who are relatives, friends, co-employees, counselors or social workers assisting them. H.R. 4437 disregards the policy considerations you announced as essential for immigration reform. Its tough enforcement provisions are harsh and unrealistic.