Friend,

Alexis here from the Young Center’s Policy Team with an alarming update from Texas.

Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed SB4, a law that dangerously targets immigrants, including children and their families. This law permits state law enforcement to arrest and criminally charge immigrants for their manner of entry into Texas, alarmingly including children aged 10 to 17.

What this means is horrifyingly clear: under SB4, children entering Texas between ports of entry can be targeted and arrested by Texas law enforcement. This development is not just concerning; it's a direct attack on the rights and safety of young immigrants.

Here's what you need to understand about the impact of SB4:

Restricted Asylum Access: The Biden Administration has limited the number of ports of entry for asylum seekers. With many children being turned away even at these limited ports, many are left with little or no choice but to seek safety between ports of entry. SB4 criminalizes this very act, allowing for the arrest and jailing of these vulnerable children.
Family Separation: The arrest and deportation of parents and family members under SB4 will inevitably lead to the heartbreaking separation of families. This is an imminent threat we cannot ignore.
R acial Profiling: SB4 will exacerbate racial profiling against Black and brown children and families across Texas. Law enforcement will be more likely to stop and arrest anyone they suspect of entering Texas between ports of entry, based on mere appearance.

The good news is there's still a window to fight back. SB4 doesn’t go into effect until February, and we need to act now to urge the Biden Administration to intervene and legally challenge this bill.