Supporters of immigrant rights work to defeat SB 6

Over 100 people from around Kentucky gathered in Louisville yesterday afternoon to plan active opposition to Senate Bill 6, Sen. David Williams' anti-immigrant bill.

Faith-based, labor, immigrant, social service, social justice, legal, human rights and many other organizations were represented, including representatives from the Jefferson, Central Kentucky, northern Kentucky, and Scott County KFTC Chapters. They were all united in their determination to defeat the legislation, which was rushed through the Kentucky Senate this week.

The large turnout "speaks to the breadth of opposition to this legislation," said immigration lawyer Ron Russell. "This room is a powerful room," added Carla Wallace.

SB 6 is modeled after parts of Arizona's anti-immigrant law that has sparked a national controversy, widespread condemnation and a boycott of Arizona by many groups. Parts of that law were found unconstitutional.

The economic impact such a law would have for Kentucky tourism and other business, increased prison and law enforcement costs, and defending the law in court were among the reasons many said the law would be bad for Kentucky. But it was mostly for anti-racist and human rights reasons that folks want to see the legislation defeated.

SB 6 will go to the Kentucky House, which reconvenes on February 1. Rep. Reginald Meeks said he expected the bill to be assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.

He also noted the political motivations behind the Senate passage of the bill: "All of these bills that people find offensive have a political backdrop," said Rep. Meeks. "With David Williams running for governor, he is going to support all of these bills because they draw out his base."

Those gathered Saturday wanted to do more than just defeat SB 6. Scott County KFTC member Homer White said he hoped people would "use this moment to help create a different climate in the state – to make Kentuckians more welcoming and support comprehensive immigration reform."

But the short-term goal is the defeat of SB 6. So folks spent some time in smaller groups to talk about reaching out to more allies, and developing education materials. Plans were made for soliciting the support of mayors and police chiefs in various cities and towns because of their understanding of the impacts such a law would have.

Background Information

This Courier-Journal article includes senators' votes on the bill in committee and on Senate floor, and this earlier Courier-Journal article describes SB 6, most succinctly in the right-hand box. The content below is a very slightly edited version of the Courier's description of the bill:

• Requires police to attempt to determine a person's immigration status if a "reasonable suspicion" exists that they are an undocumented immigrant.
• Allows someone to be arrested without a warrant if an officer has probable cause to believe he or she has committed an offense that would lead to deportation.
• Bans local communities from enacting laws that would limit enforcement of federal immigration laws.
• Permits government agencies, such as those that those that provide public benefits or issue licenses, to exchange information related to an individual's immigration status.
• Makes smuggling undocumented immigrants into the state for money a felony.
• Applies trespassing law to undocumented immigrants on public or private land.
• Creates misdemeanor offense of "assisting an illegal alien" for anyone who helps transport such individuals into the state, disregards their presence, conceals or harbors them or encourages them to come to the state.
• Requires an arresting officer to seize any vehicle used to transport undocumented immigrants.

Action and Next Steps

Please take a moment to call the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 and leave a message for "House Leadership" and the "House Judiciary Committee."  If your state representative happens to be on the House Judiciary Committee, it would be very useful for you to contact them more directly too. 

- January 14th at 9 a.m. There will be a meeting in Lexington at Common Grounds to plan the Fayette/Lexington strategy to meet with local legislators, city officials, etc.

- January 22nd at 2 p.m. Another large coalition meeting at the Americana Community Center for further planning.

- January 29th at 3 p.m. Led by Tony Aha this will be an information meeting for the Latino community. Held at the Beechmont Presbyterian church in Louisville.

- February 8th. Lobby Day in Frankfort starting at 9 a.m. with a possible rally at 12:45 p.m. More information to come.