Friend,

I am deeply grateful to share my story with you today. For the protection of my identity, you can call me Mary Doe. I am proud to stand with the National Immigration Law Center, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and my community as a plaintiff in a legal challenge against Texas’ anti-immigrant law, S.B. 4. 
 
This law would give state police the power to arrest and detain immigrants, just based on if they suspect us of something. Under S.B. 4, Texas judges could deport people like me to Mexico, even if we have status and permission from the government to be here. I recently received my green card but could still be prosecuted because I entered the U.S. without permission years ago. 
 
I came to the U.S. from El Salvador over 30 years ago and have called Texas home for most of my life. Here, I’ve raised my children, cared for my aging parents, and built a life I’m proud of. 
  
When I first heard about S.B. 4, I was filled with fear for my family and community. I was especially worried for some of my family members who don’t have legal status. We’re all very close and rely on each other in times of need. The thought that this law could enable the police to arrest me or my family is terrifying. Family is everything. 
 
That’s why I joined this case. I will do anything I can to help my family and community. Even if it’s a small part, I want to do it. Right now, S.B. 4 is blocked, but I’m still afraid of the unknown and what’s going to happen. If I were forced from my home and sent away to Mexico, a country I have no ties to, it would be devastating. 
  
Sadly, my story is not unique. If S.B. 4 goes into effect, it will tear apart hundreds of thousands of families and decimate the state’s economy. What lawmakers have done is wrong. They should focus on strengthening Texas’ communities, not ripping them apart. This is about people’s lives, not politics. 
  
I am a Texan and the United States is my home. Immigrants come here to work hard, contribute, and raise their children to do the same. All we want is an opportunity. That’s why I’m in this fight. 

Thank you for standing with me,

Mary Doe
Plaintiff
National Immigration Law Center