To: Immigration Advocates
From: Krista Zimmerman, Legislative Associate
Date: September 5, 2007
Re: Stop Immigration Enforcement-Only Policies

Announcing American Friends Service Committee National Call-in Days -- Thursday September 6 & Friday September 7, 2007

The recently introduced Immigration Enforcement and Border Security Act of 2007 (S. 1984) focuses on punishing immigrant families, adding border fences, walls, and patrol agents, and increasing detention centers and deportations. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released a new rule requiring employers who receive Social Security Administration (SSA) “no-match” letters to follow steps to prove that employees are authorized to work or risk liability. The policy misuses the letters, which are not intended for immigration enforcement, and could result in employment discrimination.

Congress has received thousands of calls supporting enforcement-only measures that will harm immigrants and refugees. We must let Senate leaders know that this flawed legislation and DHS policy will not fix the out-of-date immigration system.

On September 6th and 7th, use this toll free number* 1-888-732-9404. Ask to be connected to your Senator’s office and tell your Senator:

1. Please say NO to S. 1984! - I urge you to oppose the Immigration Enforcement and Border Security Act of 2007 (S. 1984). More fences, walls, detention centers, agents and rounding up immigrants at their homes and workplaces are not the answer.
2. Please SUPPORT Congressional oversight of DHS’s SSA “no match” letter policy including employer liability for employment discrimination and the complaint process.
3. Please say YES to constructive immigration reform that includes a path to permanent residency and citizenship, restores due process rights, stops the militarization of the southern border, and ensures humane policies that keep families together.

Please spread the word! For more information about MCC’s immigration work, faith reflections and immigration policy principles, visit the MCC Washington Office Immigration Page.

AFSC call-in days partners: Center for Community Change; Chicago Workers Collaborative; Church World Service; Coalición de Derechos Humanos (AZ); Coloradans for Immigrant Rights; Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition; Denver Justice and Peace Committee; Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society; Irish Apostolate USA; Mennonite Central Committee, Washington Office; National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights; New Mexico Colonias Development Council; Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society; Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, The Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring.

*AFSC welcomes groups to circulate and use the toll-free number in support of non-partisan goals and without linking the alert to a website soliciting donations or actions which may be used to support partisan lobbying or work.

As always, please let the MCC Washington office know about your contacts with lawmakers as well. You can e-mail me at .