Team,

I testified twice before the Texas legislature in the last two weeks against HB 4, one of the most extreme, anti-immigrant bills to be proposed by Republicans in the Texas legislature.

We strongly oppose HB 4 for the following reasons:

• HB 4 is Texas’ latest attempt to usurp the power of the federal government by taking immigration matters into its own hands. This bill isn't just bad policy — it is unconstitutional and preempted by federal law. As federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have consistently affirmed, the federal government has exclusive authority to regulate immigration. 
• HB 4 attempts to regulate immigration by making a person’s immigration status an issue to be determined through Texas criminal courts. Only federal immigration judges and officials have the necessary training and legal authority to determine lawful presence. This state-level approach conflicts with federal law and could lead to the unjust removal of individuals with a legal right to be in the United States. 
• The “invasion” rhetoric being used to justify HB 4 is dangerous. Extremist bills like HB 4 stoke fear in our communities and reinforce the idea that immigrants are a “threat” to Texas. Such bills encourage discriminatory targeting based on an officer's interpretation of someone’s immigration status.

Republican lawmakers in Texas are attempting to push this bill through to further their xenophobic agenda and put immigrant communities in Texas at further risk — which is why we must stop this bill before it reaches Governor Abbott’s desk.

It is urgent that we join together to urge state lawmakers to oppose HB 4. So, friend, will you sign on to our petition calling on Texas legislators to vote NO on HB 4? >>>

Every voice makes a difference in critical moments like these. Thank you for standing with us.

Sincerely,

Lisa Graybill
Vice President, Law & Policy
National Immigration Law Center