Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) today issued the following statement in strong opposition to SB 4 passed by the Texas State Legislature:

“NALEO stands in strong opposition to the harmful and anti-immigrant legislation that was passed by Texas State Legislators on Wednesday.

“If Governor Greg Abbott signs SB 4 into law, the stars at night will be a lot less big and bright for millions of Texans.

“This bill not only sends a message of disrespect to millions of hardworking Latinos and immigrants contributing to the state’s economic and civic prosperity, but also to the men and women in law enforcement who already face an up-hill battle each and every day they head into cities and towns throughout the state to do their jobs and protect us all.

“Victims of domestic abuse should never have to face a choice between staying silent or getting deported. A routine traffic stop should not prevent parents from watching their children grow up. College students should not have to fear a late night interaction with campus police that will result in their being sent away to a country that is not their home.

“These are all real-life scenarios for immigrants in a post-SB 4 world that run counter to the values Texans and Americans hold dear.

“The Latino community and Latino legislators who are on the front lines of this battle in the Lone Star State are not alone. NALEO stands in solidarity with the immigrant community and our Texas Latino elected official brothers and sisters at this time, and we call on Latino policymakers from across the country to join us in Dallas for our annual conference from June 22-24 in a show of unity and support.

“During the conference, NALEO will bring the largest gathering of Latino leaders in the nation together as we tackle next steps on how we as a community can best help and protect immigrants in Texas in the wake of this dangerous and draconian legislation.”

More information on the NALEO 34th Annual Conference can be found at http://www.naleo.org/dallas2017.