Grand Rapids coalition holds Press Conference against anti-immigration bill in Michigan

Today a coalition of about 15 people gathered today to hold a press conference against the recently introduced legislation in Michigan that seeks to adopt an Arizona-style anti-immigration policy.

Local immigration attorney Rick Kessler began the press conference by saying, “people in West Michigan will not tolerate an Arizona-type anti-immigration law in Michigan.” Kessler was followed by several other people from different walks of life who also spoke out against the recently introduced legislation; legislation that was introduced by local State Rep. Dave Agema.

Kent County Commissioner Dick Bulkowski said that this law was bad for a variety of reasons, but spoke specifically about how it will divert limited resources of local law enforcement to stopping people looking for immigration status instead of focusing on public safety. Commissioner Bulkowski also objected the legislation because of the expected law enforcement and legal costs that would be at the expense of taxpayers.

Bulkowski was followed by Ryan Bates who addressed the economic costs to the State of Michigan if this legislation were to pass. Bates is with the Alliance for Immigrants Rights and Reform Michigan and he stressed how this anti-immigration law might prevent companies from coming to Michigan because it would make the state unwelcoming. Bates also stressed how Latino, Asian and Arab-American businesses have contributed to job creation and tax revenue to the state.

Miriam Aukerman with the Western Michigan branch of the ACLU focused on the legal and constitutional rights aspects of the proposed HB 4305. Here we’ll share her comments via video.

There were also representatives of both the Christian Reformed Church and the Catholic Church who were present who also express concerns about the recently introduced legislation.

The last speaker was Jessica Ennis with Bethany Christian Services. Jessica shared with those present information about the campaign to get Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to veto HB 4305. Ennis said that they are urging people to contact the Governor’s office by calling 866-957-9069 for English speakers and 866-563-5608 for Spanish speakers.