1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I urge you to vote NO on S. 5 the “Laken Riley Act.” This bill represents a dangerous and cynical use of legislative power, scapegoating immigrants while doing nothing to enhance public safety. This harmful proposal exploits tragedy to spread false narratives linking immigration to public safety fears. It undermines constitutional protections, disrupts the balance of power between states and the federal government by eroding the doctrine of "standing" in the federal court system, and perpetuates systemic inequities. The bill would subject immigrants to prolonged, indefinite detention without bond based on mere allegations of petty offenses and gives individual states standing to sue the federal government to undermine the executive branch's federal immigration authority. The bill provides discriminatory and anti-immigrant state attorneys general the ability to unleash chaos on the immigration system. While we are hopeful for amendments, such as protections for Dreamers, that may make this bill less damaging, the underlying legislation perpetuates inequities and disproportionately harms Black and brown communities through racial profiling. I’m counting on you to stand against attacks on our immigrant neighbors and urge you to vote NO on the “Laken Riley Act”. Thank you.