Vela Releases Statement on “Show Me Your Papers” Law

Vela Releases Statement on “Show Me Your Papers” Law

Washington, D.C.—Today Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) released the following statement on Texas Senate Bill 4:

“Last night Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 4, also known as the “Show Me Your Papers” bill, into law. The racist bill is an attack on human decency that preys on some of our most vulnerable by driving a wedge between law enforcement, universities, immigrant communities, and people of color. Local police and campus police aim to protect and build trust with local residents, but the "Show Me Your Papers" bill shifts the focus away from keeping communities safe. Instead of turning to local law enforcement in times of peril, mixed status families and noncitizens may now withhold important information when reporting crimes, or stop reporting crimes at all, out of fear of deportation. Under the guise of creating a law to uphold the Constitution and treating all people equally, the Texas legislature has schemed to continue the demonization of immigrant communities. SB4 is a disgrace, and I strongly oppose it.” 

###