1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned Iowan and your constituent to strongly urge you to VOTE NO on HF 572, which is scheduled to be debated in the Senate today. This bill, which seeks to establish the criminal offense of "smuggling of persons," is deeply troubling. It is not only unnecessary, but it also poses serious risks to Iowans across the state. HF 572 would criminalize everyday, compassionate actions—such as driving someone to a medical appointment or providing a ride to church—simply based on another person’s immigration status. This is a dangerous precedent. Laws like this do nothing to improve public safety. Instead, they foster fear, confusion, and distrust, particularly within immigrant communities who are already facing significant challenges. It could even lead to the wrongful criminalization of Iowans who are unable to immediately prove their immigration status. Similar laws in other states have already shown that such policies harm the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, undermining public safety and community trust. HF 572 is a step in the wrong direction for Iowa. Our state should be a place of compassion, inclusion, and common sense. I urge you to stand on the side of justice and dignity and vote NO on HF 572. Thank you for your time and your service to our state.