October 9, 2003

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) has been actively working with a broad range of organizations on opposing the Criminal Law Enforcement Alien Removal (CLEAR) Act, H.R. 2671, introduced by Representative Charles Norwood (R-GA). Included in the coalition are the California Police Chiefs Association and the California State Legislature, not to mention various law enforcement and public officials across the country. Contact your representative to express your opposition!

After looking beyond its misleading title, MPAC found this bill to be another attempt of the Federal government at expanding its powers and encroaching on civil liberties. By mandating that local and state law enforcement act as federal immigration officers by enforcing civil immigration laws, this act will harm local and state law enforcement two-fold: 1) by diverting them from enforcing criminal laws and 2) by turning the police into immigration agents and disrupting the partnership they have with the community, which so many police departments have worked hard to build over the years. Local and state law enforcement will be given the authority to detain and deport individuals based on their immigration status alone, rather than their criminal or lack of criminal records. This bill would also expand the scope of the National Crime Information Center database, which is accessed in routine situations by police to identify wanted criminals, to include individuals solely based upon their immigration status.

After drafting a statement of opposition to the act, MPAC has joined with organizations such as the California Police Chiefs Association in lobbying against this legislation. Joined by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), and the South Asian Network (SAN), MPAC has met with the offices of Senator Diane Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer, Sheriff Lee Baca, and Lieutenant Booker from the LAPD. After training the American Muslim community on Sunday, October 5th, MPAC plans to work with them on meeting with additional Congressional offices, in addition to executive offices.

According to the Hate Crimes Prevention Coordinator, Sireen Sawaf, "Legislation such as the CLEAR Act and the PATRIOT Act, although masked by the facade of patriotism and national security fail to protect either. Rather, they cast suspicion on minority communities and send the message to society that these communities cannot be trusted. This translates into dislike and hatred, and when acted upon, subtle hate incidents and even hate crimes. We can no longer afford to stay silent." MPAC encourages everyone, irrespective of immigration status, to contact their representative and encourage a vote of opposition on the CLEAR Act. More information and supporting documents can be found on www.mpac.org

Also, use the documents and letter format below to contact your representative today!