1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned constituent from Baton Rouge to express my firm opposition to the anti-immigrant bills currently under consideration in the Louisiana Senate: SB388, SB208 and SB279. These legislative proposals represent a grave threat to the values of justice, compassion and inclusivity that should define our state.  At a time when unity and understanding are needed more than ever, these bills seek to undermine the hard-earned progress in the fight against injustice and racism. 1) Criminalizing Refuge and Undermining Sanctuary Cities SB388's attempt to criminalize the act of seeking refuge forces local police and state judges into roles they are not equipped to handle. This is a direct contradiction of our principles of fairness and justice. Similarly, SB208's attack on "sanctuary city" policies in New Orleans and elsewhere threatens the safety and well-being of immigrant communities. 2) Discriminatory Driving Prohibitions SB279's discriminatory driving prohibitions have already been recognized as unconstitutional, yet they persist in stigmatizing undocumented individuals and eroding the very foundations of compassion and inclusivity that should define us as Louisianians. 3) Preying on Vulnerable Populations These legislative efforts prey on vulnerable populations who have significantly contributed to the cultural richness and economic strength of our cities and state. They sow division and fear, undermining the principles of unity and human dignity that should guide our actions. I implore you, as my elected representative, to reconsider these harmful bills and instead focus your efforts on policies that foster unity, support vulnerable populations and contribute to the prosperity of all Louisianians. Together, we can overcome division and build a more inclusive, just and compassionate Louisiana.  I urge you to stand on the right side of history and reject these divisive measures.