Actions | Immigration

Help immigrants and undocumented workers safely report crimes

To: The U.S. House, The U.S. Senate and The President of the United States

Many crimes are committed against Hispanic immigrants in US cities. Unfortunately, due to the often justified distrust that Hispanics have regarding law enforcement, many victims choose not to report these crimes. Undocumented workers are especially easy targets.

According to an article in the June 2009 issue of Urbanite, these day-workers are usually paid under the table and in cash. These laborers decidedly choose not to use local banks for fear of raising a red flag which may later be used to prove their illegal status as well as used as for evidence for their deportation.

Despite the fact that some undocumented workers are eligible for temporary visas, the government has been slow to issue what are called “U visas”, and of course, very little has been done to educate people about this government program.

Urge your elected officials to navigate these turbulent waters and to try and find a way to help fight crimes being committed against innocent hard working people. No one in the United States, citizen or non-citizen, should ever be afraid to report a crime to the authorities. We cannot stand idly by and accept or tolerate crimes committed in our cities or neighborhoods for to do so not only makes our living situation less safe, it also seriously compromises our humanity.

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Sign the Letter

RE: Help immigrants and undocumented workers safely report crimes

Dear Representative,

Many crimes are committed against Hispanic immigrants in US cities. Unfortunately, due to the often justified distrust that Hispanics have regarding law enforcement, many victims choose not to report these crimes. Undocumented workers are especially easy targets. According to an article in the June 2009 issue of Urbanite, these day-workers are usually paid under the table and in cash. These laborers decidedly choose not to use local banks for fear of raising a red flag which may later be used to prove their illegal status as well as used as for evidence for their deportation. Despite the fact that some undocumented workers are eligible for temporary visas, the government has been slow to issue what are called “U visas”, and of course, very little has been done to educate people about this government program. I urge you to navigate these turbulent waters and to try and find a way to help fight crimes being committed against innocent hard working people. No one in the United States, citizen or non-citizen, should ever be afraid to report a crime to the authorities. We cannot stand idly by and accept or tolerate crimes committed in our cities or neighborhoods for to do so not only makes our living situation less safe, it also seriously compromises our humanity. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Yours sincerely,

[Your name here]

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Beth Johnson West Peoria, IL

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