Key Points to Consider Myth Vs Fact Sb4 Backlash Stop
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STOP SB4 KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER SB4 VOTE AT HOUSTON CITY HALL - The Texas “Show Me Your Papers” law known as SB4, encourages police officers to act as federal immigration agents, questioning and detaining residents based on immigration status - SB4 threatens jail time and removal from office for city officials, sheriffs, and police chiefs that require police officers to prioritize local law enforcement priorities over federal immigration policy - Mayor Sylvester Turner has announced he will ask Houston City Council to consider and vote to join the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of SB4 MYTH VS FACT MYTH: SB4 will make Texas communities safer FACT: Houston has seen a 42% decrease in reports of rape, and a 13% decrease in reports of violent crimes in Hispanic communities, amid increased fears of deportation and harsh rhetoric surrounding immigration – Houston Police Department MYTH: If you have not committed a crime and you are not subject to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer, you have nothing to fear FACT: SB4 permits police officers to request proof of citizenship during “detainment”, this includes routine stops, without proof of a crime being committed SB4 BACKLASH The Texas Association of Business labeled SB4 a “high profile state law that will do nothing to make us safer but will surely undermine goodwill,” calling it “neither friendly nor good for business.” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez warns SB4 could create “a climate of fear and suspicion that could damage our efforts to reinforce trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve.” Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dr. Laura Murillo described the law as “chilling,” adding it “discouraged” the development of Texas’ future work force. Share the facts on social media: jamesleetexas.com/housb4vote STOP SB4 MESSAGING SB4 VOTE AT HOUSTON CITY HALL SB4 Makes Houston Less Safe - Houston’s Hispanic community and law enforcement have come a long way in building a relationship of trust and coordination with immigrant communities. SB4 will work against that trust, driving witnesses and victims into the shadows, making Houston less safe. - Harsh rhetoric on immigration has already influenced crime reporting in Houston’s Hispanic communities. The Houston Police Department has reported a 42% decrease in reports of rape, and a 13% decrease in reports of violent crimes in Hispanic communities. SB4 Undermines Local Control - SB4 works against law enforcement priorities in Houston by taking public safety decisions out of the hands of local leaders and forcing police officers to enforce a politically motivated agenda. - There is no one-size-fits-all approach to public safety in a state as big as Texas. Houston’s local leaders should have the right to form policy based on their experience working on the ground in our communities. SB4 Is Bad for Business - SB4 creates a negative perception that Texas is anti-immigrant, and could cause some companies to reconsider relocating to the state, hindering job growth and recruitment. - SB4 is harmful to Texas businesses and the state economy. According to the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce immigrants contribute more than $70 billion in yearly economic output, and their businesses contribute more than $5 billion in yearly earnings to the state’s economy. SB4 Is Not a Solution - SB4 will not fix federal immigration policy at the root of the problem. Only federal immigration reform passed by Congress can address growing concerns regarding immigration. The Right Thing to Do - SB4 has been called a racist, anti-immigrant law that separates families and harms local communities. Joining the statewide lawsuit against the law is the right thing to. Share the facts on social media: jamesleetexas.com/housb4vote .