FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 9, 2011

Contact: Cristina Parker 915-875-9107

TEXAN LEADERS OF DIVERSE SECTORS STAND AGAINST ANTI-HISPANIC, ANTI-IMMIGRANT AGENDA

After press conference, community delegations from around the state will deliver thousands of letters to lawmakers from Texans who are against SB9

Press Conference
Law Enforcement, Business, Political and Religious Leaders Speak on Anti-Hispanic Agenda in Texas Legislature Monday June 13, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Hallway outside of Texas Senate chamber (second oor)
AUSTIN, Texas. June 10, 2011 In April of 2010, Gov. Rick Perry said that Arizonas extremist antiimmigrant law wouldnt be the right direction for Texas. But by the time the 82nd session was upon us just a few months later, Gov. Perry had reversed. In a nod to the right-wing myth of sanctuary cities, he declared the elimination of these imaginary places an emergency. During the regular session, after intense opposition from law enforcement executives, business owners, faith leaders, workers, families and human rights advocates, this so-called emergency item was rightfully voted down. And Texans celebrated. But as it became obvious that a special session would be coming, Perry revived his threat in the media and earlier this week put not only sanctuary cities, but the failing federal S-Comm program, currently under investigation, and unprecedented drivers license restrictions on the call. It is now obvious to Texas voters that these measures are based on politics, not policy. And on Monday June 13th, a diverse coalition of community leaders will express their disappointment with Governor Perrys decision to push this anti-Hispanic, anti-immigrant agenda and will explain why proposals such as SB9 and HB9 are out of touch with Texas. Law enforcement leaders from Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio, among others, will explain how these antiimmigrant proposals will decimate the capacity of local law enforcement to shape appropriate policies to make their communities safe and how they will impose an unfunded mandate that will only promote racial proling. Business leaders such as the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) will speak to the chilling effect these proposals will have on our state economy. Religious leaders, including evangelical and Methodist pastors and representatives of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops will remind us of the immorality of dividing human beings and pitting them against each other. Lawmakers like State Senators Rodriguez and Watson, among others, will tell their constituents why they cant support bills that attack Texas safety, values and economy. Afterward, delegations of RITA community members from every corner of Texas will deliver thousands of letters from constituents asking lawmakers to show leadership, common-sense and compassion when considering anti-immigrant proposals. They want to remind lawmakers of the shame and cost Arizona lawmakers brought upon their state after passing SB1070.
Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance (RITA) is a multi-sector statewide network dedicated to building support for comprehensive immigration reform. RITAs goal is to present a common, pro-reform Texas voice and educate Texas elected officials about the need to fix Americas broken immigration system with fair, humane and sensible policies that foster Americas strength, security and prosperity. ###

www.reformimmigrationfortexas.org