Faith leaders oppose undocumented immigrant bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — Kentucky faith leaders held a news conference at the State Capitol Thursday asking lawmakers to stop what they call an attack on immigrants.

They’re talking about Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 51, which would prohibit sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants.

Faith leaders say SB1 would ruin the trust between the immigrant community and law enforcement and they say the bill would not make Kentucky communities any safer.

Faith communities are rallying together and calling on lawmakers to stop any anti-immigration legislation.

SB1 would also not allow undocumented immigrants to enroll in state colleges and universities.

“It’s kind of hard to see how this bill would not lead inevitably to racial profiling and discrimination if it’s put into law,” says Reverend Ryan Eller, executive director of Define American.

Advocates are delivering a letter to each member of the General Assembly, with more than 300 signatures from faith leaders across the state, asking legislators to reject what they call fear-based immigration policies and to vote down these bills.

They say this legislation will turn neighbor against neighbor, place immigrants at a higher risk of being deported, lead to family separation, and will discourage victims of abuse and exploitation from seeking help leaving everyone less safe.

The letter states “As people of faith we look first to our common values rooted in our sacred texts that reminds us to love our neighbor.”

“The fundamental question when legislation like this is proposed and when a Senate sets it as its number one priority is what does that do to define ourselves as Kentuckians? Who gets to count? Who gets to feel like they belong and matter and are welcome?” says Rev. Eller.

Speakers say this letter received more faith leader signatures than almost any other state in the nation considering similar legislation.