ACLU Urges Senate to Vote 'Yes' on Cloture on Immigration Reform Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 212-549-2666, media@aclu.org

WASHINGTON — Below is a statement from Laura W. Murphy, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington Legislative Office, on the Senate’s vote to move forward with immigration reform.

“While far from perfect, the Senate immigration reform bill includes historic advances in civil liberties and a plan to provide millions of aspiring citizens the legal status they deserve to live, work, and raise their families free of fear. A path to citizenship for millions living in the shadows is a major civil liberties advance. For that reason, we encourage senators to vote yes on this game-changing bill.

“However, the border enforcement provisions are abhorrent and extreme and will lead to civil liberties and human rights violations for citizens and non-citizens alike along the Southwest border. These abuses will include racial profiling, use of excessive force, more surveillance, and increased incarceration rates. No bill comes without flaws, and this bill has plenty of them, but the ACLU will work with Congress to address these and other offensive provisions while continuing to support comprehensive immigration reform legislation that America can be proud of.”