SB 11 would make improper entry into Texas a criminal offense, violating migrants’ right to asylum by arresting them rather than allowing federal immigration authorities to process them. This would funnel vulnerable asylum seekers into the corporate-run prison pipeline.
Equally chilling is SB 4, calling for a minimum sentence of 10 years for smuggling immigrants or operating a stash house. Its overbroad language may deter faith ministries, NGOs, and families from providing humanitarian services to migrants for fear of getting charged under this law.
Please call your Texas representative TODAY and urge them to vote NO on SB 4 and SB 11. Click here to see who represents you in the Texas House, and say something like this, or use your own words:
- My name is _____, and my zip code is ____. I urge you to vote against SB4 and SB11.
- As a volunteer with a faith-based organization serving immigrants and asylum seekers, I am concerned that SB 4 could be misused to criminalize the activities I do in answer to my faith’s call to welcome the stranger.
- Every human being has the right to seek asylum. Not only would SB 11 criminalize that human right, but it would funnel millions of taxpayer dollars to private prison investors.
- I want my tax money to provide shelter, not prison. I want my country to provide healing, not punishment. Instead of short-sighted policies that harm vulnerable and traumatized people, I urge you to work for comprehensive, humane, and just immigration reform.
Then email us here with “I Spoke Out Against SB 4 and SB 11” in the subject line. (Please do this so that we can count your action.)
