Last week, many of you took action to oppose the Illegal Immigrant Deterrence and Public Safety Act of 2006 (HR 6089,) which would deter victims of violence who are undocumented immigrants from calling for help out of fear of deportation. Guess what--your calls and emails worked. That measure was removed from the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill and will not appear again this Congressional session.

However, the fight is not over. Congress will recess THIS FRIDAY, September 30 and House leaders are now eyeing other legislative vehicles to pass harmful anti-immigration legislation. Immigration advocates who have their fingers on the pulse of the nation's capitol have reason to believe that similar provisions to HR 6089 may be attached to the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

We urgently ask you to call or write Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez to let them know that you are opposed to last-minute additions to unrelated bills.  Immigration reform deserves to be fully and publicly debated, and not slipped into larger, unrelated legislation at the last minute.

With just one click you can email both of your Senators and your Representative pre-scripted letters from Contact Congress – you'll contact all three at the same time. All you need to do is enter your zip code, hit send, and your voice will be heard in Congress.

You can also call:
SENATOR NELSON'S DC OFFICE: 202-224-5274; FLORIDA OFFICE: (888) 671-4091

SENATOR MARTINEZ' DC OFFICE: (202) 224-3041; MIAMI OFFICE: (305) 444-8332