Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act relating to unlawful activities, including those related to state residency and citizenship requirements in determining eligibility for public assistance, and the smuggling of persons, and providing penalties.(See HF 2608.)

Subcommittee members: Holt-CH, Olson, Wheeler

Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Location: RM 102, Sup. Ct. Consult

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

Download Comments

01-28-2024

Shona Roeder []

Think about the consequences of this bill. Even if you don't care about the undocumented person, and we should, there are a variety of problems with this.Should I check my friends immigration statuses before giving them a lift? Iowa has a complicated relationship with undocumented workers. If you think we have a labor shortage now, add legislation like this to make it worse.Children have the right to a public education, regardless of their immigration status. How will this affect getting them to school safely?

01-29-2024

Carolina Diaz []

I oppose this bill. This will enforce immigrant families to flee Iowa. This is not an appropriate economical decision as the state greatly benefits from immigrants. Many immigrants pay their taxes without getting any returns. If Iowa passes this bill, they will be negatively impacted in the long run.

01-29-2024

Carolina Diaz []

01-29-2024

Sophie Banegas []

I strongly oppose this bill. As a future physician in Iowa, it is imperative that we protect the right to healthcare and livelihoods of all people in Iowa, regardless of immigration status. In Iowa, undocumented people are unable to receive Driver's licenses. If they cannot get a ride to their doctor's appointments, how will they receive medical care? Undocumented people are overrepresented in ER visits because they cannot receive preventative care due to their ineligibility for medicaid. Undocumented individuals are unable to obtain work permits and it is extremely difficult for them to get a job in Iowa. They are ineligible for most public assistance already, despite the fact that they are taxpaying individuals who contribute to the local economy. They are overrepresented in service jobs and essential infrastructure that keep our roads clean, our buildings safe, and our city clean. If we continue to prevent their access to public services, and criminalize the individuals who help them, there will be a devastating negative impact on state healthcare costs, as well as the Iowa local economy.

01-29-2024

Diana Echeverria []

I am writing to strongly oppose the house File 2112.Undocumented individuals play a crucial role in our community, providing direct services that sustain our state. Implementing such requirements would dismantle this support system, negatively impacting both our economy and community sustainability. This move also seems to contradict the Iowa constitution by mandating citizens ID themselves. The Iowa constitution Article 1, Section 8, safeguards individuals against unreasonable seizures and searches. By passing a bill that allows officers to unreasonably further their investigations after a traffic stop, you are proposing a violation to the precedent set by the Iowa Supreme Court in State v Colemen. It is crucial to avoid overstepping constitutional rights, including those of the people you represent. I urge you to reconsider this bill, taking into account the positive contributions of undocumented individuals and ensuring the protection of constitutional rights.

01-29-2024

Goizane Mullin []

I oppose this bill. I think is cruel and it does not take into consideration the damage this bill can do immigrant families who are already living, studying and working in this state. This is not going to improve immigration in Iowa, it's just going to create fear while wasting money on racist efforts.

01-29-2024

Laura Castro []

Dear subcommittee members, I am strongly against HF 2112. I am a US citizen and feel that this is a dehumanizing bill to pass against residents of Iowa that contribute to the economy and have not broken any law. It is unconstitutional to allow racial profiling of people based off of assumptions. How is giving a ride to someone who has no legal paperwork to be here illegal when there is no way that is considered smuggling. It doesn't make sense. That means not even taxis, dart or any public transportation would be able to give them a ride and again makes it unlawful to be racially profiling. I urge you to oppose HF 2112 and any further bill similar to this. Thank you for your time.Sincerely, Laura Castro

01-29-2024

Kevin Quinteros []

As a former resident of Iowa, I am deeply concerned about this bill. I still have family in Iowa, so its a sad to see the direction the state is going. This bill will just lead to the restriction of freedoms. How will undocumented people be identified? As a Latino man will I have to carry a passport to prove my citizenship every time I visit family. This just seems like a cruel overreach by the government to restrict the freedoms of Iowans.

01-29-2024

Holly Rozenboom []

I oppose this bill! Immigrants are an important part of our countrys history and provide so much for our country. Lets not make it any harder for them to move forward and contribute to our country.

01-29-2024

Araceli Angel []

Iowa is supposed to be a welcoming state, iowa is a supposed to be a SAFE state. The only thing that is going to be accomplished with this bill is create terror, fear and ZERO trust in the state. Whos going to work in your already struggling businesses without FEAR that someone undocumented is hitching a ride with the group? Why do we want to succum to the low levels of other radical republican threats!? Iowa has GOT to be BETTER.

01-29-2024

Michelle Macias []

Dear subcommittee members, I am very against HF 2112. Im a U.S citizen who has lived in Iowa my whole life and this proposal has extremely harmful implications. There are innocent, hardworking families that have created a life here in Iowa. Families that might be undocumented also have children that are United States citizens. Passing this bill will only endanger the lives of undocumented people and their families. Iowa is home to many families of mixed status and this bill is very harmful. Undocumented families also heavily contribute to the states economy so passing this bill will only cause them to flee negatively hurting the states economy. Its important to also take into account how U.S citizen children of undocumented families will suffer as a result of this bill. Their families will either flee or fear leaving their house which causes difficulties in how these children will get to school. Im also concerned on how this bill will impact certain fields of work such as transportation, hospitals, etc. How are everyday working class citizens and service providers supposed to know the legal status of the people they attend. This bill will do more harm than good for the state and I strongly urge you to reconsider and not move forward with this proposal. Thank you for your time and I hope you listen to my concerns.

01-29-2024

Heidi Janecke []

Do not punish immigrants and undocumented humans or those helping them. Iowa is a better place when there is diversity in its population. We need hard workers looking to make a better life.Heidi janecke

01-29-2024

Heidi Janecke []

01-29-2024

Paola Nieto []

As a lawfully present individual who has lived in Iowa for over 25 years I oppose this bill. This is an attack on families not just undocumented individuals. An attack on Iowans rights to drive whoever they want on their car which is private property. Families are a mix of US Citizens, Residents, Lawfully present, and undocumented individuals. You will create such a heart ache, and many hardships for our community as a whole. Its such a mean spirited bill that will essentially break families, and our community. I believe Iowa can do better than that dont pass this nonsense. I oppose this bill!

01-30-2024

Kendra L []

Opposition to the proposed bill could focus on concerns such as potential negative impacts on local economies, increased burdens on small businesses, and the possibility of discriminatory hiring practices. Additionally, arguments may emphasize the importance of comprehensive immigration reform over singular measures, aiming for a more nuanced and effective approach to address the complex issue.

01-30-2024

Phouthasack Keopraseuth []

This proposed legislation currently in subcommittee is confusing. I feel that this legislation if passed on to a vote in the House and possibly being signed into a law will create more chaos and a stronger police state which would create more mistrust between law enforcement, residents, and local government. How would this apply to those who drive UBER, Lyft or taxi drivers? As far as I understand, a person does not need to identify if they have citizenship in order to sign up for an account on UBER and LYFT. Will law enforcement pull over those UBER and Lyft drivers and create more legal problems for those trying to earn income as drivers? How does this apply for those who are riding pubic buses or school buses? I feel this legislation creates more problems than it does fixes. Can the legislature focus more attention on issues concerning funding for schools, food insecurity, gun shootings in schools, and better working conditions for Iowans rather than this? Can the legislators introducing this in subcommittee be more open to have an open path to citizenship to those wishing to be citizens rather than wasting tax dollars on law enforcement tracking down undocumented residents?

01-30-2024

Betsy Fickel []

A "YES" vote on this bill. There is a big difference between immigrant and illegal alien. Immigrants come legally. Illegal aliens have broken the law by avoiding the proper channels to get green cards, become citizens, etc. In the comments, I couldn't help but notice the wrongful use of the term immigrants. No one is denying the people who follow the proper course of law to legally work in the U.S. When people get used to breaking the law, finally enforcing the law then seems like a burden and unfair.

01-30-2024

Elizabeth DeLaTorre []

I a U.S citizen, this is an incriminating and discriminating bill. It will cause separation of families and hinder those who wish to start or continue their process to become a citizen here. It will affect not only the one who is trying to make a life here but also those turn to for help. For one will simply not be able to give their coworker, their peer, or their friend a lift to work. The life of the undocumented is between the government and them . Their own paths that others do not know and they already have little to no resources. It is disheartening to hear of this bill.

01-30-2024

Brandon Roman []

BIG NO. I am appalled by this bill trying to pass in my own home state. HF 2112 is nothing short of racial profiling and discriminatory to minorities. Your goal is to have officers pull people over just for the color of their skin? There is no other way around that. Please stop the racism and vote NO on this bill or we will be voting as NO for you in the future.

01-30-2024

Elizabeth Lemuz []

I am strongly opposing this bill and honestly cant believe these bills are still being brought up. As an American born citizen with a Mexican heritage, this is extremely frustrating. A bill like this will not only affect citizens of color but their families. It will lead to racial profiling, which many people of color already experience on the daily. This bill is more likely to cause more harm than good.

01-30-2024

Edenilson Lopez []

this attitude may lead to the racially biased behavior of an officer stopping Hispanics more frequently but not only officer but other people that have hate and have bad intentions to harm our community. The Hispanics community will be afraid to talk to the police and report crimes. This will have a big negative impact in the whole state of Iowa.

01-30-2024

Edenilson Lopez []

01-30-2024

Alberto Arellano Jr []

Hello, I would like to the opportunity to say thank you to the committee members if this is being read at any point of the legislative process. As a first generation American and Iowan, I am in opposition of this legislation. Keeping it short and sweet, this is not a bill for the first in the nation Iowa. This bill is that of an Iowa that wants to follow the leader. Rather this is a piece of political propaganda than a bill that is a based on Iowas needs. I am disappointed in the legislature that this bill is being considered but I understand there are Iowans who believe this is the solution for a larger national problem. Ask yourself how will this affect your district, if it will change nothing than youre just feeding an ideology than upholding the oath taken at the beginning of your legislative term. Thank you for your time.

01-30-2024

Lindsay Mack []

I oppose this bill! Criminalizing the transportation of undocumented individuals unfairly targets vulnerable families and could lead to increased fear and distrust within immigrant communities.This bill does not address the root causes of immigration issues and instead focuses on punitive measures that may have unintended consequences for families seeking better opportunities.

01-30-2024

Selene Gaytan []

I oppose this bill. It will terrorize families and only make our community grow smaller. We do not need this bill where it will make people question other peoples citizenship. It will not only affect families but also the economy.

01-30-2024

Sam Reis []

I know people who get pulled over for no reason. They get no ticket, no warnings. Just a bogus reason as to why they are pulled over. The only thing that they all have in common is the color of their skin. They are not white. This happens all the time in rural Iowa. Passing laws like this proposed one is racist in nature. Because, how will you ever insure fair treatment? If the police stops you for a routine traffic, will they ask everyone to hand over their IDs? Always? Or will this be reserved only for people who dont look white?

01-30-2024

Jennifer Chavez []

Its so unfortunate that Iowa lawmakers are using their time and energy on antiimmigrant policies when there are actual legitimate concerns for Iowa residents that need to be addressed. Im concerned this bill would lead to racial profiling and open the door to much more discrimination in our state.

01-30-2024

Michael Tupper []

I oppose this bill.Iowans value common sense approaches to real problems, this bill is a solution in search of a problem. Instead of introducing bills that are mirrorimages of current laws, we should work on real solutions to the problems facing our communities. This bill if passed into law will diminish public safety in our communities. The job of law enforcement requires public trust and full cooperation from the community. This bill will push immigrants and refugees further into the shadows of our communities, making it harder to police the community and making it near impossible to keep our communities safe. We fail lowincome and struggling families when we make the process of applying for public benefits for which they are eligible even more cumbersome. Doing so will also be detrimental to public safety.This bill will also codify legal profiling for government and organizations based on race and ethnicity.

01-30-2024

Ariele Andalon []

I'm not sure that there is a point appealing to a sense of justice or morality, since many of you probably feel that that is "woo woo" language that belongs only in the realm of idealistic snowflakes. But from a practical standpoint, if you want undocumented teenagers to be able to work on farms and Tyson factories, it makes no sense to me to criminalize the transportation of said individuals. What if their supervisor had to give them a ride to or from work one day due to weather conditions making exposure unsafe? The further you penalize undocumented families who provide the necessary agricultural, factory and retail labor that this state requires, the more likely it seems to me that they would want to just move to Illinois or some other state where the risk of deportation for simply existing decreases. I believe that this bill not only serves to dehumanize immigrants, but it actively harms every other citizen in the state of Iowa, too.

01-30-2024

Tommy Medina []

I strongly oppose this bill. This is allowing and condoning racial profiling. This will stir up an even bigger social stigma towards Latinos because that is who makes up the undocumented personal here in Iowa. This puts both US Citizens and noncitizens at risk of total government intrusion.

01-30-2024

Diana Alvarado []

I do not agree with that immigrants cant drive or go to school. There is no need for that and it is not logical in this country to do so. I do not support that and it is untrue to America if you leave out immigrants who are the base of our country. These laws are getting out of hand and seems like you are just getting bored of your jobs. Do something useful to Iowa and the kids here. Maybe even gun restrictions ? Yeah you never thought of that did you.

01-30-2024

Lesly De La Cruz - Luevano []

To the legislators considering the passage of HF 2112,Imagine for a moment the fear that grips an immigrant's heart as they hear of yet another bill that threatens to tear apart their sense of safety and belonging in Iowa. For many of us, this state is not just a place on a map; it's our home, where we've built dreams, forged friendships, and found solace in the embrace of community.But HF 2112 strikes at the very core of our existence here. It's not just a piece of legislation; it's a dagger aimed at the heart of our aspirations, our hopes for a better future. It threatens to strip away the opportunities we've worked tirelessly to secure, to deny us the chance to contribute fully to the tapestry of this state.Do you know the sleepless nights we endure, wondering if tomorrow will bring news of yet another hurdle placed in our path? Can you fathom the anguish of parents who fear being torn away from their children, their families torn asunder by the stroke of a pen?Passing HF 2112 is not just an act of governance; it's a betrayal of the values that make Iowa great. It sends a chilling message to immigrants: you are not welcome here, your dreams do not matter, your pain is inconsequential.I urge you, as fellow human beings, to pause and consider the consequences of passing this bill. Stand with us, not against us. Reject HF 2112 and choose instead to uphold the dignity and humanity of every individual who calls Iowa home. Our lives, our futures, hang in the balance.

01-30-2024

Jesus Montelongo []

Instead of trying to portray innocent people as human traffickers lets focus on the real human trafficking going on every day please. Every day the chances of finding these people get less and less so lets please direct our attention to preventing the real issues instead of making up new ones.

01-30-2024

Wilma Vizcaino []

I oppose this bill. It's a shame to even think about passing a bill like this. Many of these immigrants that end up caught by these ridiculous bills are at time parents or guardians of citizen children who are the future of this country. Now we want to penalize them even for taking them to a job, school, appt., etc. We focus on this ridiculous things when there are true Grimaldi out there we

02-06-2024

Nate Holdren []

This bill is an attack on immigrants and the friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors of immigrants. All of those people are Iowans. It is a terrible thing for Iowa politicians to be attacking Iowans. It would harm the people attacked and also encourage people to leave the state, worsening the economy and culture of Iowa.

02-07-2024

Karina Cruz []

I oppose this bill.United States of America is built by immigrants. Why should anyone have to share their immigration status in order to receive a ride to work, doctors office or school. Its not right. Focus on mental health or gun rights would be going in a better direction.

02-07-2024

Karina Cruz []