Remind Congress that Refugees are Not Criminals!
The US Congress is in the process of finalizing legislation that could turn refugees and asylum seekers into criminals. Urge your Congressmen to keep innocent refugees safe while keeping our borders safe.
Refugees are real people who have not committed any crimes. They were on the wrong side of a civil war, practiced the "wrong" faith, were part of a minority, or expressed their political opinions. They left behind everything they knew; now they need a place where they will be safe.
Many of these men, women, and children have survived rape, police harassment, torture, and horrible fear. In many cases, they did not have time to go through the standard visa process.
Immigration reform could incarcerate these refugees, even though they pose no threat to the United States. Proposed reforms could also punish well-meaning Americans and humanitarian groups seeking to help refugees.
Our great nation was founded by people fleeing religious persecution in their home country. Tell the Conference Committee on Immigration Reform to support humane immigration reform, not criminalize innocent people who are in real danger!
To the Conference Committee on Immigration Reform, US Congress:
We call on you as members of the Conference Committee to protect refugees and asylum seekers.
Immigration reform must not contain any measure that criminalizes refugees because they were forced to flee with false documents or sends them to prison for seeking safety. This legislation must not make refugees ineligible for immigration relief on the basis of visa irregularities. Refugees must not fear that they might be returned to certain danger in the hands of their persecutors.
[Your comment]
Any final legislation must:
- Provide enforcement that keeps Americans safe without jeopardizing our tradition of offering refuge for people fleeing persecution
- Preserve mechanisms for refugees to reunite with their families
- Prevent humanitarian workers from being punished for helping those in need
- Provide a path to legal residency for so many people living in the shadows
Please preserve and defend America's proud history and longstanding commitment to providing safe haven for people fleeing persecution.
All of us who have signed this petition believe that refugees face real danger and deserve sanctuary.
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
