Congratulations Texas—you defeated anti-immigrant legislation twice this year!

On Tuesday June 28, the Texas legislature adjourned without approving their anti-immigrant anti-Latino “sanctuary cities” bills (HB 9 and SB 9), signaling the rejection of Arizona’s failed approach to immigration.  As you know, at the start of the 2011 legislative session, Governor Rick Perry pushed for this anti-immigrant package as one of his “emergency items.”  The failure of HB 9 and SB 9 in the special session marks the second time in two months that this legislation was rejected by the Republican-controlled state legislature.

Don’t let the defeat of these harmful bills go unnoticed!  

This was no small feat.  Unfortunately, the debate on immigration brought out the worst in Texas politicians—some chastised Hispanics for speaking in Spanish at a legislative hearing and others even complained about the number of Hispanics serving in the state Legislature!  Thankfully, despite this antagonistic environment, law enforcement officials,  religious groups, and advocates like you worked tirelessly with representatives to defeat this anti-Latino, anti-immigrant agenda in Texas.  

Write to the members of the House State Affairs Committee and thank them for keeping Texas from following Arizona’s misguided, intolerant path.

Thank them for not sacrificing public safety in the name of being tough on immigration.