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URGENT: Take Action to Protect Our Immigrant Neighbors and All Iowans

Background: Right now, the Iowa state legislature is considering a litany of state bills that would directly impact our immigrant and newcomer community members across Iowa. If passed, these bills would reduce access to affordable groceries for women and children, make it harder for Iowans to identify themselves for local providers with community IDs, erect barriers for all Iowans to obtain driver’s licenses and commercial driver’s licenses, and harm Iowa’s businesses by jeopardizing their workforce in hard-to-fill positions. Together, these bills send a message that Iowa cares more about excluding our immigrant neighbors than about community safety, local economic success, or Iowa’s family values. More information about each of the bills is copied below the sample script.

Call Your Iowa State Lawmakers and Tell Them to Reject Anti-Immigrant Legislation
On the right-hand side, connect to your state senators and representatives

Sample Script: “I’m (name) from (city or county) and I’m calling to ask my state officials to oppose the following bills: (1) SF 2422/HF 2716, (2) HF 2296, (3) SF 2412/HF 2608, (4) SF 2187, (5) HF 2102, and (6) SF 2426/HF 2700. These bills would reduce access to affordable groceries for women and children, make it harder for Iowans to identify themselves for local providers with community IDs, erect barriers for all Iowans to obtain driver’s licenses and commercial driver’s licenses, and harm Iowa’s businesses by jeopardizing their workforce in hard-to-fill positions. Together, these bills send a message that Iowa cares more about excluding our immigrant neighbors than about community safety, local economic success, or Iowa’s family values. I expect my (Senator/Representative) to stand with my community and against politicians who want to spread fear using our tax dollars.”

Bill Summaries:

  • Removing Vulnerable Communities from WIC Benefits (SF 2422/HF 2716): The House (HF) version of the bill would remove many newcomer Iowans, such as humanitarian communities with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), from receiving WIC benefits, decreasing access to nutrition for thousands of Iowa women and children. The Senate (SF) version does NOT have the same harmful WIC restrictions, however we are concerned that if the House bill passes, the Senate bill will be amended to include the same restriction. Now that the Senate passed its version, the House is holding a Health and Human Services subcommittee hearing on Tuesday (March 10) on SF 2422 – it is imperative that we urge our representatives to lift up the importance of WIC and access to healthy foods for ALL Iowans and ensure any final bill does not include the harmful WIC restriction. 
  • Community Identification (HF 2296): This bill would restrict counties and cities from issuing a local form of identification (ID). Communities offer identification cards to their residents for various reasons (e.g. recreational purposes, etc.). Some communities offer IDs to help people identify themselves to medical providers, law enforcement, and local public services if they lack another form of ID. The IDs do not replace a driver’s license and cannot be used to access government benefits or for any federal purposes. The IDs are often used for immigrants, older Iowans who don’t have a driver’s license, and others. This bill passed the House last week and is now headed to the Senate, where it is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Local Government subcommittee on Tuesday (March 10). 
  • E-Verify Citizenship (SF 2412/HF 2608): These bills change employment professional licensing requirements based on citizenship status and would have a major, harmful impact on sectors, such as healthcare, food production, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation (already have hard-to-fill positions). The House (HF) version would require a presumption of “no bail” for individuals with issues surrounding documentation, creating an unequal system of justice. The Senate (SF) version passed last week. The House is gearing up these bills for debate. 
  • Driver’s License SAVE Verification (SF 2187): The bill would require driver’s license and State ID applicants to verify their citizenship and immigration status. This bill targets Iowa’s immigrant community; however, it can also impact all Iowans’ ability to exercise their right to vote. The federal SAVE system is often inaccurate or outdated. This bill passed the Senate and in the House, it passed out of subcommittee last week. Now it awaits action in the House Transportation Committee.
  • Driver’s License Exam English Proficiency (HF 2102): This bill would prohibit the use of a language other than English for driver’s license examinations. A person who is seeking a driver’s license may speak English – but may not be proficient enough to take the test. Sometimes they may prefer to take the test in their native language to be successful – a common practice that does not threaten public safety. This bill already passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.
  • Commercial Drivers Language Proficiency (SF 2426/HF 2700): These bills would require commercial drivers to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to receive or renew a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The Senate (SF) version passed the Senate last week and is eligible for debate in the House.

Join us in calling on the Iowa State Legislature to reject anti-immigrant legislation that would harm immigrant – and all – Iowans! Please share this action alert with your networks.