Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs Stands Against Texas Discriminatory Law and Declares "Not In My State"

BOSTON, Aug. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During the 2017 BHCC Legislative Leadership Summit, members of the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs (BHCC) discussed the discriminatory legislation, Texas Senate Bill 4, which is set to go into effect on September 1, 2017. Among SB 4 harmful provisions, it requires law enforcement and college campus police departments to inquire about immigration status in traffic stops and other interactions, it allows police officers to question children about their immigration status, makes federal immigration detainers mandatory, and mandates fines and jail time for elected officials and law enforcement who fail to comply with the discriminatory law, even though it may make them complicit in violating constitutional safeguards. SB 4 will curb free speech protections by allowing for the removal or prosecution of elected officials who oppose SB 4.

The following is the resolution the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs unanimously voted on August 7th, 2017.

At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs (BHCC) in Boston, MA on August 6, 2017 the members present engaged in a discussion relative to Immigration Policy and focused on State and Local Solutions to Building Inclusive Communities and considered the detrimental effects brought by passage of Texas State legislation known as SB 4.

Whereas, we believe SB 4 threatens the safety of all Texans – immigrants and residents alike especially of those born in the United States and others irrespective of their status;

Whereas, BHCC members stand with those in opposition to SB 4, including but not limited to the whole of the Texas community, including business, labor, law enforcement, students, families, tourists, visitors and fellow members of the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs;

Whereas, the membership of the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs do not intend to host any meetings, conferences, or gatherings that require travel to the State of Texas;

Whereas, the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs members encourage other fellow Latino state legislators to speak out against Texas SB 4 and take similar action;

Whereas, the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs members stand firmly in the belief that any legislation like SB 4 in any form should be challenged by members of BHCC in the following 20 member states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah) and U.S. territories represented by BHCC members.;

Whereas, we recognize our duty to represent our constituents and speak out when any legislation threatens the safety of all peoples irrespective of their immigration status;

Whereas, we encourage the business community and our members to challenge any similar law in court;

Whereas, we will continue to support legislation that protects our law enforcement and police chiefs and sheriffs and foster favorable relationships within our communities in every State and Territory.

BHCC Chariman, Republican Senator of the State of Florida, Rene Garcia stated, "When SB 4 goes into effect on Sept. 1, this law will create a negative and punitive impact not just for Texans but the entire country." he added, "Let me be clear, SB 4 copycat legislations, will not be supported neither in Florida nor other states in the Union. We the members of the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs stand with those in opposition of this discriminatory legislation.

Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs is a national non-partisan, 501 (c)3 non-profit organization comprised of the elected Latino officials serving as the chairs and vice chairs of their respective state Hispanic Legislative Caucuses from across the country as well as other Latino members serving in leadership positions.

CONTACT: Gabriel Sepulveda | [email protected]  | (512) 484-8568

SOURCE Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs