Trends in legislation and their impact on immigrants and

coalitions

Presented by: Ruth Burgos-Sasscer

Montgomery County, MD

Why go there?

• Impacts the lives of the immigrants

• Impacts the future of Literacy Coalitions

• Important to be informed

What are some of the concerns?

• Federal laws inadequate and outdated• State/local ordinances filling the vacuum• Some laws/ordinances unconstitutional• Some laws/ordinances negatively impact legal and

illegal immigrants• Much information is confusing and contradictory• Prejudices and hate crimes lifting their ugly heads

What issues need to be addressed?

• Immigration legislation a federal responsibility• Realistic, beneficial and enforceable immigration

policy needed• Distinguish between myths and facts• Contribution of immigrants to economic success

of US• Increasing need in the US for additional workers• Importance of English instruction• Immigrants need benefits/services to integrate into

American society

Anti-immigration trends

• Restrict access to public benefits and services• Mandate verification of employment eligibility• Restrict congregations of day laborers• Establish “English-only” policies• Impose restrictive housing policies• Require state/local police to serve as

immigration agents• Restrict access to driver's licenses

Pro-immigrant trends• Use state funds for migrant daycare, ESL and

other programs• Extend public benefits to migrant workers• Appropriate funds for migrant health and legal

centers• Subsidize housing facilities for low-income

migrant workers• Provide benefits to immigrants excluded from

federal benefits• Supplement income of immigrants not eligible

for TANF• Mandate bilingual staff at some state agencies

Immigrant response to anti-immigrant trends

• Fear of being deported

• Won't use services that are available

• Ignore health problems

• Won't enroll in ESL classes

• May drive without license

• Keep a low profile

• May seek sanctuary

Consequences for Coalitions

• Decrease in grants/donations

• Cannot provide needed services to some immigrants

• Cannot prepare some immigrants for workforce or citizenship

What can be done?• Keep abreast of legislation• Inform immigrants of rights and benefits they

do have• Continue to offer programs and services that

benefit immigrants• Collect data to demonstrate Coalition impact

on community• Share immigrant success stories with elected

officials• Support candidates that advocate realistic and

enforceable laws