FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michele Garnett McKenzie
Advocacy Director
(w) 612-341-3302, ext. 117
mmckenzie@advrights.org

Robin Phillips
Executive Director
(w) 612-341-3302, ext. 109
rphillips@advrights.org

Minneapolis (May 6, 2010) – The Advocates for Human Rights expresses grave concerns about legislation introduced today in the Minnesota Legislature. The legislation, HF 3830, copies
Arizona’s recently passed immigration law, which among other provisions places requirements on public officials to ask for proof of immigration status where there is “reasonable suspicion” that the person is undocumented. The Advocates warns that these efforts threaten human rights principles, opening wide the door to racial profiling and discrimination. The proposed legislation also undermines the public safety of our communities by creating a drastic chilling effect on the ability of crime victims from Minnesota’s refugee and immigrant communities to seek the protection of the police.

“Refugee and immigrant crime victims already face serious barriers to Minnesota’s legal system,” says Robin Phillips, executive director of The Advocates for Human Rights. “The Advocates has documented that refugee and immigrant victims of domestic violence fear that reporting crimes may result in their being deported, regardless of their actual immigration status. Requiring the police to question anyone suspected of being undocumented will only exacerbate this problem.”

The legislation threatens the right to safety of every person in Minnesota, promising to divert law enforcement resources away from investigating real threats to public safety. The law would
direct law enforcement to spend time investigating, prosecuting, and punishing trespassing cases. Law enforcement agencies could face civil penalties for policies which limit their enforcement of the federal immigration laws.

The introduction of the floor amendment by Representative Steve Drazkowski (R-Wabasha) highlights the need for congressional action to reform federal immigration laws. The proposal
underscores the frustration felt by states as Congress continues to avoid the politically charged immigration issue.

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The Advocates for Human Rights is a volunteer-based non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights. The Advocates investigates and exposes human rights violations; provides representation to immigrants and refugees who have suffered human rights abuses; trains and assists groups that protect human rights; and works through education and advocacy to engage the public, policymakers, and children about human rights issues. The Advocates for Human Rights holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.