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December 16, 2005
Oppose Mandatory Minimums in new Immigration Bill
Act now to oppose mandatory minimums in the new immigration bill
The U.S. House of Representatives is currently debating H.R. 4437, the "Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005." (Click here to watch it live if you have RealPlayer or Windows Media Player.) The debate remains contentious, with numerous Democrats decrying the absence of any provision for the 11 million illegal immigrants now in the country. The Republicans are badly split on the issue as well, and opposition is mounting from groups ranging from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the Catholic Conference of Bishops. The debate could end later today, leading to a vote on the bill. Now is the time to raise your voice in opposition to the mandatory minimum penalties in H.R. 4437.
While immigration laws in this country may need to be reformed, they do not need mandatory minimums. But this bill is filled with them. Mandatory minimums cast too wide a net, harshly punishing individuals who Congress never intended to punish. Furthermore, they prevent judges from considering the circumstances of the case, the person's role in the offense or the likelihood of rehabilitation. The result is what the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist called "the law of unintended consequences." We have seen this effect time and again with drug offense mandatory minimums where low-level offenders serve harsh sentences designed to punish drug lords. This bill will have a similar effect on immigration violators.
For these reasons, FAMM needs you to act now! Tell your Member of Congress that you oppose the mandatory minimum penalties in H.R. 4437.
Posted by lois at December 16, 2005 05:52 PM