1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I strongly oppose the proposed SB 72 that criminalizes the mere presence of undocumented immigrants in Missouri. This draconian measure is rooted in xenophobia and promotes harmful stereotypes against an already vulnerable population. Undocumented immigrants are human beings seeking a better life, not criminals deserving of felony charges and being hunted down by bounty hunters. This bill dehumanizes people and breeds an atmosphere of fear and hate incompatible with American values of human rights and dignity. The proposal to deputize bounty hunters to detain immigrants without due process is a gross violation of constitutional protections and will undoubtedly lead to racial profiling and civil rights abuses. No one should live under the threat of being interrogated, detained or deported simply for how they look or where they were born. This un-American overreach sets a dangerous precedent of discrimination that could be expanded to target other minority groups. Rather than wasting taxpayer money on an expensive, unethical bounty program, Missouri should invest in creating lawful pathways for immigrants to obtain legal status and citizenship. Our nation was built by generations of immigrants and continuing to welcome those seeking opportunity will only strengthen our diverse society and economy. I urge you to reject this misguided, hateful bill and instead pursue compassionate, common-sense immigration reforms that uphold our national principles of human rights and equal justice under the law.