April 2, 2008

Action Alert on the Governor’s Executive Order
**Please take action & forward widely**

The Governor of Rhode Island has committed the worst attack on immigrant’s rights in at least a decade by issuing an executive order that targets undocumented immigrants but will adversely affect every Rhode Islander.  This executive order can be overturned by legislative action if you call TODAY. 

On Thursday, April 3rd the House Finance Committee is going to vote on the 2008 supplemental budget.  If you call NOW, we may be able to ensure that some of the worst parts of this order are not funded.

Contact your state representatives and leadership and urge them to take legislative action to overturn this executive order.  This action should include, but should not be limited to the following:

• Not funding any part of the Executive Order
• Removing the stipulation that state contractors use E-Verify
• The passage of H7706/S2230: Comprehensive Anti-Racial Profiling bill
• The passage of H7967/S2237: Two bills which restrict local law enforcement from enforcing immigration law
• The passage of H8031: A resolution against the use of E-Verify

Call Speaker Murphy at (401) 222-2466 and Senate President Montalbano (401) 222-6655 and say:

“I support the rights of all immigrants in Rhode Island.  Please show your support for a Rhode Island free from fear and persecution by doing all you can to overturn the Governor’s egregious Executive Order.  I hope that your action will include, but not be limited to, not funding the mandates in the order and passing H7706/S2230, H7967/S2237 and H8031.”

If you have questions, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Ellen Gallagher at 401.784.8644 or egallagher@iiri.org.