Keep Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Agenda Out of Oregon!
Stop IP 22!
A coalition of right-wing extremists with an anti-immigrant agenda have stationed paid signature gatherers at places such as the Medford DMV, with the aim of repealing Oregon’s 30-year-old sanctuary law, and thereby add further distress to already terrified immigrant communities. The backers will need to gather some 88,000 valid signatures by early July to get Initiative Petition 22 (IP 22) on the November 2018 ballot.
Worse, the backers of the anti-sanctuary measure are reportedly misleading people on what the initiative actually states (if you think you may have signed a petition in error, please see Action 1 below!).
We must not stand by and let the anti-immigrant fear-mongering of IP 22 succeed.
Here’s what’s at stake:
Public Safety –– Oregon’s common-sense sanctuary law, like similar laws in 39 cities and 364 counties across the US, separates local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement, ensuring that our local officers won’t be used to actively search for and arrest people whose only violation is that they are undocumented. It does not prevent local authorities from arresting anyone suspected of criminal activity.
Public safety experts say such sanctuary laws keeps our communities safer. The Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) has opposed local officers enforcing federal immigration law because it “undermines the trust and cooperation with immigrant communities which are essential elements of community oriented policing.”
Our Children’s Mental Health –– Measures such as IP 22 have the effect of tearing families apart. Since Donald Trump’s election, we have already seen a growing level of anxiety among immigrant school children, many of whom were born in America, fearful that upon returning home from school or the library, one or both of their parents will be gone.
Oregon Values –– Oregonians believe in neighbors helping neighbors. We believe in communities of trust and friendship, where everyone is welcome, and everyone is free to build a better life for their families.
Defend Oregon Values!
Reject IP 22
Before It Makes the Ballot!
**ACTION 1: Decline to Sign**
Paid signature gatherers have been placed in Jackson County, and you may see them at the DMV in Medford. When they ask you to sign, say no. Feel free to ask them polite questions, as long as you have the time. Some collectors may have no idea what the petition is really about! Then make a report to Defend Oregon.
For good advice on how to handle a request to sign a petition, read the Think Before You Ink pamphlet from the League of Women Voters.
Were you tricked into signing?
If you believe you were misled into signing the petition for IP 22, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office here.
**ACTION 2: Take the Pledge**
Take One Oregon’s pledge to stand with communities of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized communities in the face of fear and hate. Take Action.
**ACTION 3: Find Out How Else You Can Help**
These progressive organizations are among those fighting IP 22:
Unite Oregon – Rogue Valley
One Oregon – Facebook
Oregon Strong Voice Southern Oregon – Facebook
Visit their sites to find out what is happening near you.
**ACTION 4: Learn More About the Issue**
Read the June 25, 2017 Guest Opinion in The Oregonian by Doug Moore, Executive Director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Erica Stock, Director of the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Anti-immigrant ballot measures have no place in Oregon
Read the Mar 30, 2017 Mail Tribune Editorial
Our View: ‘Sanctuary’ law less than it appears
Read the text of the petition on Oregon Secretary of State’s website.
(Type “22” in the keyword search field)
http://egov.sos.state.or.us/elec/web_irr_search.search_form