Meeting Public Comments

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HF 2608

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.(Formerly HF 2112.)

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Garrett-CH, Taylor, J., Weiner

Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Time: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Location: Room G15

Comments Submitted:

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The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.

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

03-12-2024

Guadalupe Rodriguez []

This bill solves absolutely nothing and targets the wrong people for all the wrong reasons. It is inhuman and not logical to penalize someone for giving someone a ride home, riding with them in a car, taking them to an appointment.I oppose this bill! Dont not pass this!

03-12-2024

April Hoffman []

This bill is inhumane. It reinforces negative and harmful stereotypes about some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This bill will not solve problems, it will only scare people and breed hatred. Please spend your time and energy on creating solutions, not more problems and divisions.

03-12-2024

Margaret Canero []

We do not need this bill. It is inhumane, racist, and further divides our communities. We need things like infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and an end to the tyrannical permissions given to our law enforcement. Do not pass this bill. Have a heart.

03-12-2024

Regan Wolbers []

03-12-2024

Heidi Janecke [None]

Immigrants are at the heart of America. Check your own family to know how important Immigrants are. Stop persecuting hard workers.instead of linking people out let's make more laws to keep them.

03-12-2024

Heidi Janecke [None]

Immigrants are at the heart of America. Check your own family to know how important Immigrants are. Stop persecuting hard workers.instead of linking people out let's make more laws to keep them.

03-12-2024

Heidi Janecke [None]

Immigrants are at the heart of America. Check your own family to know how important Immigrants are. Stop persecuting hard workers.instead of linking people out let's make more laws to keep them.

03-12-2024

Melisa Fonseca [REALTOR, Licensed to Sell Real Estate in the State of Iowa, Premier Real Estate, Marshalltown, IA]

This bill would affect so many IOWANS in their businesses, everyday life, and work. The repercussions of this being passed will do no good to the Iowan Communities.

03-12-2024

Cristal Garcia []

At this point bills like this one are just showing us that power is everything to everyone higher above. This is inhumane like people have stated. Its quite sad that people are already in survival mode trying to make a living with already so many rules that prevent us from just living. Its something that will be overlooked unless one day a bill actually has an important on YOUR families. Please do better.

03-12-2024

Christina Poss []

Please do not pass this bill. It does not address real issues, instead it encourages racial profiling and the stigma that immigrants are bad. Even illegal immigrants are good for the economy, and take jobs that many Americans are unwilling to take. I oppose bills like this because they fail to see the humanity in all people.

03-12-2024

Dianne Floyd [Premier Real Estate- Licensed to Sell Real Estate in the State of Iowa]

Bill HF 2608 not only seems inhumane but also unconstitutional. Inhumane because it takes us back to a time in Europe or everyone had to carry papers to say who they were at any time they were stopped. Is this really for the United States? Is this really for the heartland? Law enforcement has enough work to do Without trying to check the immigration status of everyone, that is not their job. if both sides of the aisle would cooperate together Im sure they could come up with a much better answer. Please consider carefully what youre doing and do not pass this bill.

03-12-2024

Jose Alvarado [Latinx Immigrants of Iowa]

I am opposed to HF 2608 which will only promote racial profiling. Most of the people that are in this state have been part of the economy and have grown this state through hard work. Don't be swayed by those who only seek political ends and not the welfare of your county.

03-12-2024

Tammy Shull []

Please do not pass this bill. Iowa needs to be seen as a welcoming state. We are increasingly becoming older and the young people are not interested in staying. The growth we have seen in my community has come from young immigrant families and their kids tend to stay in Iowa. Immigrants are our hope of a thriving Iowa in the future. This bill will not solve any problem and threatens churches and organizations that work to support immigrants in our communities. Please vote against this bill.

03-12-2024

Alexa Lara []

I oppose this bill. This is not a solution rather a direct attack on all immigrants who will be subject to more discrimination. Lets be very honest here and acknowledge it is also divisive and too broad. How will you know someone is undocumented? Brown and Black people will be the ones who face persecution because racism is alive and thriving with the support of bills like this.

03-12-2024

Ann Elsbecker []

DO NOT pass this bill, it is inhumanepenalizing those who strive to help those on the margins is not right! Racial profiling will escalate, does anyone have a conscience or are you just trying to fit in?

03-12-2024

Rebecca Wiese []

Our nation was founded on principles of freedom to practice our religion. I believe God meant it when we were told to love our brothers and sisters. This bill attempts to prevent me from living my faith, to care for God's children. Allow us to practice our faith, to love our brothers and sisters. The State has no authority to prohibit these actions of love and care.

03-12-2024

Isabela Flores []

This bill is layered with racial profiling, leaving Iowans of color, and ESPECIALLY undocumented folx, in dangerous situations. We have seen time and time again violence (and death) thru a traffic stop from police to people of color, especially Black folx. What will be done to avoid violence and death to people what are simply working to survive?More questions to consider: How do you determine whether or not folx in vehicle are undocumented or not, other than leading in assumption? How does this bill not reinforce bias in police? I am unsurprised at the willingness and ease of government officials to continue to create and enforce bills and laws to ensure the erasure of people of color. Xenophobia is not welcome here. Do not pass this bill.

03-12-2024

JoAnn Miller []

Please do not pass this bill. As Iowans and good people we do not need to treat other people so unkindly or unfairly. All people have a value to our society and welfare including those potentially punished by this bill. There are so many problems with this bill as our legislators you can do better!

03-12-2024

Laura Crossett []

Helping people by providing food, water, and transportation is not a crime, and we should not move to criminalize the very behaviors that we want to encourage in humanity. We have "Good Samaritan laws" for a reasonthey encourage charity and basic human decency toward our fellow people, no matter who they are. Many individuals and organizationsmany of them religiousprovide such aid in accordance with their beliefs. I would hope that our state government is not entering into the business of restricting people from practicing their religion, a liberty that, I believe, we all hold dear.

03-12-2024

Keri Manning []

Please do not pass this legislation. It will serve to reinforce systemic discrimination towards noncitizens, documented and undocumented. It also prohibits people of faith and good will from providing service that acknowledge the dignity of all people.

03-12-2024

Marian Massman [Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration]

Do NOT pass Bill HF 2608. Every person earth has a right to life and a right to be treated with respect, dignity, and freedom. Any organization that supports these rights must be respected and supported.

03-12-2024

Glenn Leach [Retired]

This bill does not provide solutions and cannot, as immigration reform is a federal issue. As a volunteer with a Catholic Charities, some of my activities potentially fall under this legislation. Due to the vague and uneven wording, My fellow workers and I will not know if we are potentially criminals until someone decides we might be. The bill does nothing meaningful for human trafficking or immigration. If passed, it will involve the state in numerous costly lawsuits. The immigration situation we are seeing is a "push" situation, with families fleeing repression, failing states that cannot protect their citizens from vicious crime, climate change wiping out their livelihoods. They are paying thousands of dollars to "guides" to help them over a path of up to 2500, miles if from Venezuela to reach here. Significant numbers of others are fleeing similar circumstances in China, India, and 90 other countries that the Border Patrol has identified at the border. Nor is the US unique in seeing such numbers of migrants. Treating people as human beings does not encourage immigration.

03-12-2024

Peggy Petrzelka []

In this season of Lent, please, consider what Jesus would do to those who are less fortunate. Do not pass this bill, it goes against everything we have been taught about loving our neighbor as ourselves.....Thank you for your consideration.

03-12-2024

Marcos Lester []

The existence of this bill can only be explained by the desire of lawmakers to appear tough on immigration without actually thinking through the consequences to the communities they are supposed to represent. This bill creates unreasonable burdens, fear, and mistrust among neighbors and community members. Do not pass this bill.

03-12-2024

Patricia Bowen []

HF2608 is an antihuman, anticharity, attack on the right of people of love, to live out our beliefs, welcome the stranger, house the homeless, and serve the poor. All people of all faiths who share the journey with our immigrant brothers and sisters are not human traffickers. I am contacting you to ask you to stand up for religious freedom and stop HF2608 now. The Gospel is not illegal and neither are essential immigrant workers! Do NOT PASS THIS BILL.

03-12-2024

Nathalia Pizarro []

I oppose this bill. Not only is this inhumane, it will also cause additional stereotypes to harm my community and more trauma. You are not only putting the undocumented at harm but a whole demographic that appears the same. You are only creating more distance between each community if you choose to pass this bill.

03-12-2024

Cecilia Roudabush []

You do a very difficult job of balancing the wants and needs of all Iowans. However, I must strongly object to the idea of prosecuting my Catholic friends for caring for our Brothers and Sisters fleeing violence, hunger and/or poverty in their home country. Perhaps if we worked as a country to help their governments end these problems, immigration would end! As Christians, we are CALLED to care for those in need with no judgement as to why they are in need. These people are not the Other, they are children of God! Unless we are Native Americans, we are all the descendants of immigrants. Please fix the system NOT prosecute those who are serving until it's fixed!

03-12-2024

Tracy Lees []

HF2608 is an antichurch, anticharity, attack on the Gospel right of people of faith to live out our faith, welcome the stranger, house the homeless, and serve the poor. Christians and Good Samaritans who share the journey with our immigrant brothers and sisters are not human traffickers. I am contacting you to ask you to stand up for religious freedom and stop HF2608 now. The Gospel is not illegal and neither are essential immigrant workers

03-12-2024

Barbara Swanson [ ]

Please do NOT pass this bill. It is inhumane and exacerbates racial profiling. Our country and our state are made up of a beautiful mix of immigrants from centuries ago to right now. Our state should be focusing on Inclusion not Exclusion.

03-12-2024

Anne Betts []

03-12-2024

Loren Lopez []

This proposal is absolutely disgusting and it's a shame that it's even being considered. It baffles me how people claim this is the land of "Opportunities" when we do things to demonstrate the exact opposite. What would make a difference in the economy and country would be an immigration reform/amnesty. This is not the answer. After 86 my mother was able to fix her residency and along with many others became a contributing member to society. I can tell you first hand that amnesty helped so many. Stop being scared of races if Iowa can be open enough to accept gays, then they can be all inclusive too.

03-12-2024

Mayra Moriel de Banuelos [Diocese of Des Moines]

My name is Mayra Moriel de Banuelos. I work at the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines as Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry. I would like to express my concerns about the HF 2608. This bill will limit our ability to do ministry. We are called to serve the pastoral needs of the people in our faith communities. We are talking about a great variety of needs that sometimes include transportation to Mass or other worship events, taking them to places that provide social and health assistance. We are called to Feed the hungry, Give drink to the thirsty, Clothe the naked, Shelter the homeless, Visit the sick, Visit the imprisoned, Bury the dead. We cant ask those that that we serve about their immigration status. We would be violating the dignity of the person when we do that. This goes against our principles. This is a free country where we execute our right of freedom of worship, this bill is limiting our religious freedom to perform the corporal acts of mercy I described. Please vote against.

03-12-2024

Loren Lopez []

03-12-2024

luis gomez []

This bill is inhumane, it is nothing but political posturing to draw a line in the sand in favor of white supremacy. The content of the proposed bill does nothing to keep anyone safe, all it does is make life difficult for working class folks who have been displaced by the same capitalist, imperialist powers that have all of you bought and paid for. Enforcing this bill would force law enforcement to unconstitutionally discriminate and racially profile folks. There are better ways of showing your support for a racist white supremacist candidate and agenda than using your position as an elected official for political posturing. You all should be ashamed to be even discussing this proposed bill.

03-12-2024

Sophie Banegas []

I strongly oppose this bill. This bill allows for racial profiling and will be detrimental to the businesses and infrastructure of Iowa. This is a racist and discriminatory bill that will only lead to more problems for our state.

03-12-2024

Theresa Mitchell []

Do not pass this Bill HF 2608. It is anticharity, antichurch, antiimmigrant. These people coming to our state do jobs others will NOT DO. They also are coming because their situations in their homelands are deplorable, inhumane, and threaten their families, safety and wellbeing. Please do the right thing and reconsider this HF 2608.Sincerely,Theresa Mitchell

03-12-2024

Pastor Nick Detweiler-Stoddard [Washington Mennonite Church]

From a faith perspective both Division I (Residency Req. for Public Assistance) & Division II ("smuggling of persons") of this bill are problematic in their limitations on aid to noncitizens and the felony classification of some such aid. Please decline to submit this bill to the Senate. Division II in particular has sections that may prove legally problematic for church ministry and personal faith practice. Many churches & individual Christians provide "transport," "assistance," "guidance" and even "shielding or harboring" from harm as part of our Faith mandate to care for and "love the alien as yourself...for the alien who resides among you shall be to you as the citizen among you" (Leviticus 19:34 & Dueteronomy 10:19). While the HF 2608 Section II language appears targeted toward criminal intent in smuggling, we believe it is likely that it may also be used to restrict or prosecute noncriminal aid to aliens. It is currently the case that in Texasfrom which some of the language of this bill was modeledthe Texas State OAG Paxton is directly using the TX form of this bill to prosecute Catholic ministries providing humanitarian faith aid to aliens. In the State of Iowa we have many Christian citizens and ministries who do similar works of mercy and we oppose enforcementfocused bills that may criminalize as felonies our acts of faithbased compassion. While this particular bill may appear to seek to clarify definitions/requirements for public assistance eligibility and define punishable "smuggling" offenses, our Christian faith calls us to oppose legislation that makes it even more unnecessarily difficult to access vital public aid, e.g. Food Assistance, Medicaid, etc. (Section I) and that threatens private acts of mercy as potential felonies (Section II). We do want to protect trafficked individuals, but do not believe this bill is the way to do so. As a leader of Christian faith communities in rural Iowa, I urge you in the Judiciary subcommittee to reconsider/decline submission of this bill to the Senate. Further, our congregations URGE you to seek to simplifynot make harderthe legal & documentation steps to becoming "qualified aliens" and "Lawful Permanent Residents." Migrants and their children are NOT a threat to public safety or culture and are NOT a net drain on public resources. All communities stand to benefit from broader humanitarian access and aid, not further restrictions, paperwork and penalization. Thank you for your compassionate diligence.

03-12-2024

David Wilkening [St Joseph Catholic Church]

Jesus tells us that we are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked , to shelter the homeless, etc. irregardless of rather they are legal or not. Please dont criminalize doing the work of Christ. DWilkening

03-12-2024

Edward Fitzpatrick []

When a person is born, they become an 'immigrant' on the earth. How we treat our immigrants is a sign of our values. This bill promotes the opposite of our values. It should not be passed as it would prevent people and organizations from treating others as we would want to be treated.

03-12-2024

Gabriela Vargas []

Please do not pass this bill. It will definitely encourage discrimination and will have a great impact to the state's economy as it has happened to other states that have already implemented this law.

03-12-2024

Anna Holland []

This bill will impossible to enforce without harming families, using racial profiling, and punishing volunteers who assist immigrants out of a religious commitment. "'When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your nativeborn. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19: 3334

03-12-2024

Claudia Thrane [Que Pasa Iowa]

Do not pass HF2608! Because of the Presidential elections, as a political strategy, you are going to hurt thousands of people, human beings that work hard to feed their families, and contribute to the economy of the state and the country. Ask yourselves if this is the Christian way to treat people! I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. The righteous then ask, When did we see you, a stranger, and welcome you?Jul

03-12-2024

Vanessa Marcano-Kelly []

This bill would be criminalizing people simply for being a friend or being a good neighbor and giving someone a ride to church, a doctor's appointment, or simply for picking up a friend or family member to spend time together. Unless you're actively asking your friends and neighbors what their immigration status is, and based on that, refusing or accepting to give them a ride, you could be liable. This would destroy the social fabric of our state and create a climate of surveillance and suspicion. Not to mention, anyone who is doing ride share such as Uber, Lyft or driving a carpool, unless they are actively asking their riders for their immigration status and refusing or accepting to provide a ride based on that, they could also be liable. This is unacceptable in an open, democratic society and I wholeheartedly oppose this bill.

03-12-2024

Linda Bennett []

This bill not only raises concerns about discrimination but also detracts from efforts to address the challenges immigrants face in accessing legal pathways to citizenship. Rather than fostering inclusivity and opportunity, it introduces barriers that could hinder the contributions of immigrants to our economy and communities. By prioritizing resources towards facilitating legal immigration and providing support for immigrant integration, we can harness the positive impacts immigrants have on our society while upholding principles of fairness and equality. It's crucial to consider the broader implications of this bill, which may exacerbate fear and uncertainty among immigrant populations, regardless of their legal status.

03-12-2024

Enya Cid []

AntiImmigrant laws like these do nothing to solve immigration issues. The goal is to instill fear in the immigrant community in Iowa, but it will not be successful. Immigrants have been revitalizing aging, rural towns for the last 20y years, and they will continue to do so because this is our home and we are here to stay. Antiimmigrant legislation in other states has led to reductions in the workforce and state revenue. Arizonas SB 1070 led to a 46.6% reduction in construction employment. Texas SB4 led to $5mil in losses and 10% reduction in the workforce. Alabama HB 56 led to $40million in losses and 4.2% reduction in the workforce. Floridas SB1718 is estimated to reduce 10% of Floridas workforce and up to $12.6 billion in state revenue. This is not what Iowa wants, and it is not what the rural economies need. Iowa needs immigrants, and if their humanity isnt enough to convince the legislature, then I hope their significant economic contributions are.

03-12-2024

Gio Romero []

This should not be passed, it not only unfair but inhumane. There not beneficial to this but only making it harder for others. Passing this bill will only lead to adding more issues than what we have already. if there isnt a problem, dont fix it.

03-12-2024

Joan Cook []

03-12-2024

Thomas Persoon []

This bill is poorly written. For example, if I choose to give a person a ride in my vehicle, which has tinted windows in the rear seats, is that concealing the individual from a peace officer? If I choose to give someone a ride, do I have to ascertain if they are a noncitizen? The bill uses the term noncitizen individual but does not define or equate the term. Taking the words at their plain meaning, if I were a limousine driver hired to transport Volodimyr Zaleski (a noncitizen) from the Des Moines airport to the statehouse in my limousine with darkened windows (to intentionally conceal his presence in Iowa from everyone) I would be in violation of the law.This law also appears to target some religious groups who, in concert with their faith and beliefs, provide humanitarian assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. This puts the state in the position of criminalizing religious practices. There is a parallel here with Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that Colorado disparaged Phillips (Cakeshop owner) faith as despicable and thus violated Phillips first amendment rights. This bill appears to have the State of Iowa treat religious organizations humanitarian care for noncitizens as similarly despicable by criminalizing their actions. It is probably unconstitutional.I urge you not to pass this bill.

03-12-2024

Mary Forney []

Please do NOT pass this inhumane bill. It offers nothing to address the systemic problem, nor does it offer a compassionate response to our immigrant sisters and brothers who work so hard in Iowa. A majority of Iowans are deeply opposed to this type of political gaming.

03-12-2024

Tar Macias [Hola Iowa]

I oppose this bill. Immigration Law is a Federal Law. The issue of immigration is too complex for most state legislators to grasp. What about mixed families where one person in the family might still be waiting on their immigration status? The only message this bill is sending is that we are an intolerant state. Furthermore, 'IT IS BAD FOR BUSINESS.' Big companies that depend on a diverse workforce will think twice before investing in a state like Iowa. If you don't want to listen to us, then ask the biggest companies/industries in your districts: Manufacturing, Hospitality, Food Packaging, and Construction.

03-12-2024

Lauri Riss []

Our community needs immigrant workers and they are our friends, neighbors and family members. HF2608 is an antichurch, anticharity, attack on the Gospel right of people of faith to live out our faith, welcome the stranger, house the homeless, and serve the poor. Christians and Good Samaritans who share the journey with our immigrant brothers and sisters are not human traffickers.

03-12-2024

Michelle Macias []

I strongly oppose this bill. Please dont pass this bill as it will be extremely harmful to many communities. Not only is there the concern of racial profiling, but Im concerned for families of mixed statuses and how this will impact them. To add to that this bill is going to hurt many businesses everywhere. The harm that will be done because of this bill is not worth it. This bill is not going to solve the immigration crisis in America it is only going to push more harmful racist beliefs. Anti immigrant bills dont do any good in this country it only reinforces racial discrimination and profiling. Please thoughtfully consider everyones comments and vote against this bill. I thank you for your time.

03-12-2024

Linda Myers []

I am against HF 2608, do not pass this bill. Faith based groups and churches will be punished for welcoming the stranger: Mathew 25: 3140, "I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me". The Gospel is not illegal, and neither are essential immigrant workers. Stop punishing Iowans for doing the right thing and following their faith.

03-12-2024

Lizzy O’Neel []

03-12-2024

Fabiola Schirrmeister []

Would you penalize a doctor to save a life? Arent you prolife? Lives of immigrants matters. This bill only spreads hate and is xenophobic. The government should help the community not denigrate the human race. Is unconstitutional to target the iowa people for political interests. It won help anyone and wont solve absolutely nothing and targets the wrong people for all the wrong reasons. It is inhuman and not logical to penalize someone for giving someone a ride home, riding with them in a car, taking them to an appointment.I oppose this bill! Don't not pass this!

03-12-2024

Tania Covarrubias []

Please do not pass this bill. It will affect many individuals as well as our economy. As we know immigrants are great for our economy.This law will also affect how people view law enforcement and won't seek help when needed due to fear.

03-12-2024

Robert Wagner []

Why is it that Republicans are ready to jump on the religious freedom bandwagon when its antiLGBTQ, but its okay if the proposed bill is antichurch, antifaith, and antiChristian when its antiimmigrant?Theres plenty that can be done to fairly address our immigration situation. This isnt one of them.Stop being hypocriticalvote against this bill.

03-12-2024

Glenn Leach [Retired]

The Iowa Department of Education estimates that the 2027 enrollment, all districts, will be down 10,000 students from what enrollment is today. This bill will help increse that student deficit. That means that we will have decreasing numbers of people entering the workforce, and job openings already exceed the number of unemployed. This bill is antiIowa. While many towns in rural Iowa are struggling, the areas around the meatpacking plants are thriving. It is not hard to figure out why, but this bill is intended to eliminate even these economic bright spots.

03-12-2024

LaDonna Manternach []

HF2608 is an antichurch, anticharity, attack on the Gospel right of people of faith to live out their faith. Christians and Good Samaritans who share the journey with our immigrant brothers and sisters are not human traffickers. The Gospel calls us to welcome the stranger, house the homeless, and serve the poor. Immigrant workers are our neighbors and essential to the economy of Iowa. I oppose this bill as it can perpetuate discriminatory practices and harm the community by creating a culture of fear and distrust, and I ask you to stop HF2608 now.

03-12-2024

Alondra Covarrubias []

Please do not pass Bill HF 2608. This Bill is allowing racial profiling, which will only affect the system further. Immigrants have helped the economy, not only by paying their taxes but also by stimulating job growth. I believe this Bill will not only affect our economy, but also families due to separation. Which will then affect their financial stability, and health (mental, emotional, psychological)

03-12-2024

Marlan Logan []

Please DO NOT pass this bill. Are we forgetting our roots and our ancesters? Just spent time at the Border and it is NOT what we hear. Iowa needs people to work and contribute, Strengh is in diversity. Look what our State of Iowa is made up of. We are to be Great Christians, and how can we we forget the teaching of Jesus . Just ask yourself before you vote , WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? That would be great for this State.

03-12-2024

Luke Hertzler []

03-12-2024

Luke Hertzler []

03-12-2024

Xandra Escalada []

I strongly urge this committee to not advance HF2608 to the general senate floor: By what specific means will state/local law enforcement determine whether an individual accused of smuggling has intentionally concealed a person by using a vehicle or other means of transportation? Similarly, how will the acts of concealing, harboring, or shielding actually be determined by state/local law enforcement in indicating that the accused has encouraged or induced a person to remain or enter into the US unlawfully? In other wordsin its incredibly vague explanation and definition of the acts that constitute the smuggling of persons, this bill invites arbitrary implementation on the part of state/local law enforcement agencies asked to enforce it. As a result, many routine, daytoday actions involving undocumented individuals and their families, friends, coworkers, employers, and religious community, among others, face the risk of being construed as smuggling in contexts where these persons may be exposed to law enforcement agents. Immigrant communities in Iowaparticularly those of Black, Indigenous, and/or Queer identitiesdo not deserve the heightened targeting, intimidation, or fear that this xenophobic bill would bring upon them, especially with the rampant antiimmigrant fervor in this country. Again, I urge you to not advance this bill

03-12-2024

Erika Martinez []

I oppose to this new law! unfair & inhumane what this law does, this country was built out of immigrants mostly illegals whom left their whole life behind to make a living. This just shows what humanity has become to, families not being able to be together. Whats going to happen to all those babies, kids,elders, moms, dads?

03-12-2024

Jay Gilchrist []

Who are we afraid of? Innocent people who only want a better life for their families; who work very, very hard, and send most of what they make to their impoverished families. Are we afraid of generous people who volunteer to drive people to appointments? Are we afraid of people who have faced grave danger to seek survival? Are we afraid of church ladies who live the call to care for the least of these? Lets get our priorities straight. The vast majority of immigrants are law abiding. Lets work for peace in our hemisphere and world. Lets work for just economies in all of North America, and for the rights to safety and quality of life for everyone on earth.

03-12-2024

Diana Echeverria []

I strongly oppose HF2608. This bill would allow Iowa law enforcement to act as federal immigrant agents. As a tax payer, I do not agree to enforce these bills into law as it would target our essential needs workers and immigrant families that hold and contribute to the foundation of our community. These bill would strip away the foundation of community and Iowa enconomy negatively. In respect of our police officers their focus should enforce our Iowan residents saftey and Iowa laws, not as federal immigrant agents. 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. Additionally, I believe the 2320 bill could have detrimental effects on the accessibility of education. It may disproportionately impact individuals, including undocumented students, who have been residing in our communities and contributing positively to society.Overall, it is crucial to avoid overstepping constitutional rights, including those of the people you represent. I urge you to reconsider these bills, taking into account the positive contributions of undocumented individuals and ensuring the protection of constitutional rights.

03-12-2024

Karla Gere []

This bill has no right to pass as a law. As an immigrant with DACA, It so frustrating to see how inhumane this state and the rest of this country is towards immigrants. I do completely understand that you want to provide a "safer" and "better" living environment for your people. However, your people are not the only human beings that deserve a better and safer place to live. Yes, I'm aware that certain immigrants have come to this country with the intend of doing bad things. However, that doesn't mean that the rest of us carry that cross too. We all have the right to live with respect. "It frequently becomes clear that, in practice, human rights are not equal for all. Respect for those rights is the preliminary condition for a countrys social and economic development. When the dignity of the human person is respected, and his or her rights recognized and guaranteed, creativity and interdependence thrive, and the creativity of the human personality is released through actions that further the common good." (Fratelli Tutti, sec. 22).

03-12-2024

Cameron Smith []

Please do not pass this bill. As a citizen of Iowa, I do not support this bill along many other Iowans. It is unnecessary and wrong to pass. Again, please do not pass as I, and many others, do not support this bill.

03-12-2024

Cameron Smith []

03-12-2024

Lindsey Lee []

The number of illegal immigrants crossing our border is not sustainable. As a Christian I cannot support this bill. I am not going to ask people their legal status here. I dont see a way this bill can be rewritten that would be helpful. Does something need to be done, yes but this bill is not it.

03-12-2024

Nayeli Marquez Mayorga []

I do not support the bill HF 2608. If this bill being inhumane is not enough reason not to support it just look at the damage bills similar to this have had on Florida. This country was created on the back of immigrants. This bill will not only impact undocumented immigrants but their family members, friends and our overall community. Iowa is made up of a vast variety of undocumented immigrants who contribute to our society and economy just as much as any other individuals. Bills like this help further hurtful and inaccurate rhetoric. I do not believe it is Iowas place to implement bills that should pertain to Federal Immigration Law. How about we draft and pass bills to help stop racial profiling or improve our public education system bills that DO pertain to IOWA and its constituents.