More info on the Lieberman-Brownback Amendment

From Jane Rudd, Chair of the Advocacy Committee, Detention Watch Network

Advocates are working hard to help Senate staffers develop the most humane bill possible. One way the process can still be influenced is to encourage Senators to pass the Lieberman-Brownback Amendment, S3253. It is possible that this amendment could get passed as a separate bill, whether an overall immigration bill gets passed or not.

The Lieberman-Brownback Amendment needs to be passed now more than ever because, despite our best efforts, more immigrants and asylum-seekers will be put in detention centers in increasing numbers. This includes immigrants who have green cards and lived in the U.S. for many years. These immigrants will likely be in criminal facilities. The Lieberman-Brownback Amendment would protect against this.

It would also:
> Improve overall conditions that exist in detention centers
> Promote Alternatives to Detention
> Videotape interviews of immigrants coming into the U.S; this ensures that asylum seekers are given a chance to ask for asylum
> Ensures an immigrant has a hearing within 72 hours rather that being held in detention centers for months and even years

Please call your Senators (202-224-3121) and tell them you want to see this Amendment passed.

Please also call Senator Brownback's office (202-224-6521) and thank him for sponsoring the Amendment. He is receiving a lot of criticism from Republicans and needs to hear from supporters of the Amendment.