Right now, the Pennsylvania State Senate Appropriations Committee is considering HB 1885, which encourages local police to report and detain people they believe to be undocumented and punishes local police departments for working to develop trust in the community. This proposal would spread fear, hate, and xenophobia. It will not make communities or cities in Pennsylvania any safer. By reporting and detaining immigrants solely for being undocumented, this bill would reverse years of intentional, community-based policing efforts that are vital to public safety in neighborhoods across Pennsylvania.
HB 1885 would place undue burden on police officers across the state and undermine the trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. When all individuals can report dangerous situations and seek protection from violence without the fear of being deported and separated from their families, safety increases for everyone. This bill sends a message that Pennsylvania cares more about deporting immigrants than about community safety.
Take Action TODAY: Tell Pennsylvania Senators to Oppose HB 1885!
Here’s what you can say: “I’m (name) from (city, county, or congregation) and I’m calling to ask the Senator to oppose HB 1885 and any other anti-immigrant proposals. This bill turns police into immigrant enforcement agents. As a person of faith, I expect the Senator to take a stand against policies that separate immigrant families and make our community less safe. That’s why I’m calling today, to ask you to vote NO on HB 1885!”
Find Your County and Call Your Senator:
- Senator Patrick Browne (R-16) (Lehigh County) – (717) 787-1349
- Senator Kim Ward (R-39) (Westmoreland County) – (717) 787-6063
- Senator Jake Corman (R-34) (Centre, Huntingdon, Juniata, and Mifflin Counties) – (717) 787-1377
- Senator Vincent J. Hughes (D-7) (Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties) –(717) 787-7112
Note: If your county is not represented above, please call Senator Patrick Browne, Appropriations Committee Chair, at (717) 787-1349!
Tell them to vote no on HB 1885, which would separate more families and weaken local community policing efforts. Join us in calling on Pennsylvania Senators to reject anti-immigrant legislation that would cause financial burden to 33 counties in our state.