Immigration
Posted September 19th, 2011 by Konni
Patriots, remember the “Open Letter to Governor Rick Perry” that we put out several times for groups, leaders, and individuals to sign regarding sanctuary city legislation? It has over 3,000 signatures on it, with over 100 leaders signing for their organizations. The tea party caucus advisory committee and other grassroots leaders initiated this open letter. They also met with Governor Perry at the end of the legislative session and urged him to call a second special session to force the state legislature to deal with this issue that is so important to Texans. Governor Perry did not call a second special session. This morning at 11:00a.m., a press conference is being held in Austin with various grassroots leaders to present this open letter and once again ask Governor Perry to do the right thing in regard to illegal immigration. The press release is below:
MEDIA ADVISORY – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2011
Contact: JoAnn Fleming, 903-360-2858, Chair of the Texas Legislature’s TEA Party Caucus Advisory Committee and volunteer Executive Director, Grassroots America – We the People
What: News Conference – Texas Grassroots Leaders Deliver “Open Letter to Governor Rick Perry”
Subject: Governor Perry and the Unfinished Business of the Texas Legislature: Interior Enforcement of Illegal Immigration Laws and Ending Sanctuary Cities
Where: Texas State Capitol, Speaker’s Press Room
When: Monday, September 19th, 11:00 am
Details:
At the close of the 2011 regular and special legislative sessions, a broad coalition of local grassroots organizations in Texas signed an open letter calling on Texas Governor Rick Perry to address the urgent unfinished business of emergency legislation personally identified by Governor Perry at the beginning of the 82nd legislative session – namely, a ban on “sanctuary city” policies in Texas. Since the letter was posted, over 3,000 local activists have signed on to the letter, including representatives of over 100 local tea party, 9-12 and related grassroots groups. Some of the signers will be present to address media questions before personally delivering the letters to Governor Perry’s office. A copy of the letter will also be forwarded to his campaign for President.
Two of the leaders who will speak at the news conference:
“My father migrated from Mexico, legally, and became a U.S. citizen. He came to the US because he knew the great opportunities America offered. Today, things are very wrong in Texas! Our elected officials have failed to serve and protect citizens and legal residents of Texas. They have failed to remove sanctuary city policies throughout Texas. They have failed to enforce the law. They should protect our Texas families and those who protect us – law enforcement officers. Sanctuary city policies have cost the lives of five Houston police officers and left another officer seriously impaired. It is time our state officials took care of this unfinished business.” Maria Espinoza, Co-Founder of The Remembrance Project
“As legal immigrants in the late 1960’s, my family and I fled communism. We came here with the mission to become “Americans,” and we did so to become part of all that makes this country great. We cannot sit by and have our laws ignored by politicians who take an oath to uphold the rule of law and then proceed to choose the laws they want to ignore. We cannot afford the burden of paying the tax liabilities for those who cross the border, remain “under the radar” and use this country for their purposes without any responsibility whatsoever. I am here today to say that our Texas elected officials need to do their job and quit playing games with our security and financial future.” Roberto Gonzalez, Clear Lake TEA Party
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Also, here is an article from this morning’s The Texas Tribune regarding today’s press conference in Austin and what all is at stake for the state and the Governor.
Posted July 11th, 2011 by Konni
Fellow Grassroots Texans:
All around us, states are taking action to deal with the high financial and security costs of illegal aliens. Texas is sitting in the shadow of states like South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, and now Louisiana!
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed two pieces of legislation into law on Thursday, July 7th that will require and encourage businesses to use E-Verify. HB342 requires all state and local contractors to use E-Verify, while HB646 requires all private businesses to verify the legal status of their new hires by providing employers that use it a safe harbor against sanctions. Louisiana becomes the sixth state to pass E-Verify since the Supreme Court ruled in favor of state enforcement of E-Verify earlier this year. Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Indiana have also passed E-Verify bills. Plus, Virginia passed legislation earlier this year.
Here we sit in Texas not only without E-Verify to cut off the magnet of jobs to illegal aliens, but the TX legislature’s regular and special sessions ended with a failure to pass a simple anti-sanctuary cities law! House and Senate leadership played games and ran out the clock on this important issue because they were under pressure from business special interests who want cheap labor. This is unacceptable!
Help us move Governor Perry to take action by doing two things starting today:
1) Call and/or fax his office today. Tell Governor Perry’s staff that you want Texas to end sanctuary cities and mandate the use of the E-Verify system to ensure Texas jobs go to citizens and legal immigrants. Tell them we cannot afford illegal immigrants accessing social services like Medicaid!
Phone: (512) 463-1782 or (512) 463-2000 Fax:(512) 463-1849
2) Will you help us reach 2,000 signatures to send a message to Governor Perry? This letter is going out across the State of Texas.
If you share our frustration with Texas’ inaction on illegal immigration, please consider SPREADING THE WORD and endorsing the letter below:
AN OPEN LETTER TO TEXAS GOVERNOR RICK PERRY
(CLICK HERE TO SIGN)
June 30, 2011
The Honorable James Richard ‘Rick’ Perry
Governor of the State of Texas
State Insurance Building
1100 San Jacinto
Austin, Texas 78701
Governor Perry:
We write to express, in the strongest possible terms, our disappointment over the outcome of the regular and special sessions of the 82nd Legislature, in which every single one of the dozens of common-sense immigration reform bills died.
As you are most likely aware, the overwhelming body of polling data shows that Texans are extremely concerned about the effects of unchecked illegal immigration on our state. A recent University of Texas / Texas Tribune poll of 800 registered voters in Texas found the following:
Texas voters consider illegal immigration to be the most important problem facing the State of Texas, with the lack of border security ranking a close second.[1]
Fully 87% of Texas voters, including 71% of Hispanic voters, support the passage of a law requiring employers to verify immigration status for their employees, with 70% of Texas voters ‘strongly supporting’ such a law.[2]
Roughly 69% of Texas voters oppose ‘sanctuary city’ policies which prevent the enforcement of immigration laws.[3]
Despite an overwhelming consensus among voters on the need for urgent action on illegal immigration, the Texas State Legislature blocked all bills filed in the regular and special sessions relating to employment verification,[4] sanctuary cities, [5] cost reporting[6] state licensing,[7] or any other common-sense immigration reform policies. The vast majority of immigration-related bills filed in the State Legislature were prevented from even receiving a committee hearing, much less a floor vote.[8]
Although we do not necessarily hold you completely responsible for the inexcusable actions of the House and Senate members during the regular and special sessions, the ball is now squarely in your court. It is solely within your power as Governor to call the legislature into session and demand that they complete the important work that they promised their constituents they would do.
Further, you have the inherent power, as the Chief Executive of the State of Texas, to issue one or more executive orders[9] to address illegal immigration, if you only choose to do so. You have the inherent executive power, for example, to issue an executive order requiring the use of E-Verify for all state employees and by all state contractors, following the examples set by the governors of Florida,[10] Virginia,[11] Idaho,[12] Rhode Island[13] and Minnesota.[14]
It is a point of pride for many Texans that our Governor is receiving a great deal of attention as a potential contender for President of the United States. Your bold conservative message has clearly struck a chord within the hearts of many Americans. That said, the American people are hungry for a statesman whose bold words are followed up with bold action.
All eyes are on you, Governor. Please don’t let Texas down.
Sincerely,
- THE UNDERSIGNED (CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE LETTER)
Posted July 10th, 2011 by Konni
Want to know THE TRUTH about how and why the Texas Legislature killed every immigration reform bill this session?
On Wednesday, July 13th, you will have the opportunity to get the straight scoop from the people who watched it happen.
You are hereby invited to join us for
‘Stolen Lives and Unfinished Business’
What Every Texan Needs to Know About Illegal Immigration
July 13th, 7:00 p.m.
Four Seasons Dallas at Las Colinas
4150 North MacArthur, Irving, Texas, 75038
Featuring:
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 |
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Maria Espinoza-Lyng
Director
The Remembrance Project |
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Maria Martinez
Executive Director
Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas
(IRCOT) |
Maria Espinoza-Lyng is the Director of The Remembrance Project (http://TheRemembranceProject.org/), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to raise awareness of the immense human cost of unchecked illegal immigration. In support of that mission, Ms. Espinoza-Lyng has created the Stolen Lives Quilt, a tangible manifestation of those human costs. Ms. Espinoza-Lyng will be speaking on the tragic consequences of continued inaction on borders and immigration.
Maria Martinez is the Executive Director of the Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas (“IRCOT” http://IRCOT.com ), a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization formed to provide a means for Texans to speak with one voice regarding vital immigration reform issues affecting both Texas and our nation. Ms. Martinez will be explaining why immigration reform failed this session, and what Texans can do about it.
Please make plans to attend!
Posted July 7th, 2011 by Konni
Summary of this week's report:
Once again conservative Texans have been betrayed and stabbed in
the back by the Republican leadership in Austin. Governor Rick
Perry ordered a special legislative session. Two critical pieces
of legislation were on the agenda - one would ban sanctuary cities,
and the other would make it a crime for TSA agents to touch the
private parts of citizens during security screenings. Well, the
special session has just ended, and neither one of these bills
passed. Rick Perry needs to quit worrying about running for
President and order legislators back to Austin for another special
session. This time he and the GOP members need to show some
backbone and leadership and get these bills passed.
Send a fax to Governor Perry:
http://www.morrisonreport.com/fax_test/index.php?faxID=100
Full report:
Posted June 24th, 2011 by Konni
Texas House Republican leadership – Speaker Straus, State Affairs Committee Chair Byron Cook, and some Republican House members are playing games. The House is having trouble conducting special session business because there is not a quorum of House members present on the floor to vote! Also, other key Committee Chairs are playing hooky – one even spent the week in the Bahamas instead of being present to do his job!
Today’s two actions needed:
1) Call Chairman Byron Cook and members of the State Affairs Committee to tell them you want the Sanctuary Cities bill voted out of committee. We need an up or down vote on this bill now! The special session ends Wednesday. Politely, but firmly, tell these guys to get to work!
2) Call Governor Perry’s Office or fax him as soon as possible! Ask him to stand up for Texas citizens. Get a strong anti-sanctuary cities bill signed into law!
Main switchboard (512) 463-2000 or (512) 463-1782; Perry’s fax: (512) 463-1849
House Committee on State Affairs
Chair: Rep. Byron Cook 512-463-0730
Vice Chair:Rep. Jose Menendez 512-463-0634
Committee Members:
Rep. Tom Craddick 512-463-0500
Rep. John Frullo 512-463-0676
Rep. Pete Gallego 512-463-0566
Rep. Charlie Geren 512-463-0610
Rep. Patricia Harless 512-463-0496
Rep. Harvey Hilderbran 512-463-0536
Rep. Dan Huberty 512-463-0520
Rep. Rene Oliveira 512-463-0640
Rep. John T. Smithee 512-463-0702
Rep. Burt R. Solomons 512-463-0478
Rep. Sylvester Turner 512-463-0554
Posted June 23rd, 2011 by Konni
Mr. Ray Sullivan, Governor Perry’s Chief of Staff
Mr. Ken Armbrister, Governor Perry’s Director of Legislative Affairs
Thursday evening, June 23, 2011
Gentlemen:
We respectfully ask that you deliver the following message to Governor Perry from the Advisory Committee to the TEA Party Caucus of the TX Legislature:
We are alarmed and angry to hear about and witness the games being played in the People’s State House regarding the Sanctuary Cities Bill — legislation so important to Governor Rick Perry that he called it an emergency item for the regular session and subsequently placed it on the call for the special session when the legislature failed to act.
We understand that the business lobby, including those supported by Mr. Bob Perry, are doing all they can to derail or gut this bill. Apparently, these special interests are eager to put their own interests above the safety, security, and financial well-being of Texas citizens and legal immigrants.
We also understand that the House is having difficulty conducting the People’s business because House leadership cannot muster a quorum. This is outrageous. Texans deserve better.
This is the first legislative session in which thousands of everyday Texans have taken such an active interest in their state government. At this point, we are extremely disappointed with what we’ve witnessed. The Constitutional Conservative movement – known as the TEA Party or Grassroots – is rapidly growing and plans to continue to stay engaged in government at all levels. In other words, this session was only the beginning.
Please understand that the Sanctuary Cities bill is a “foundational rule of law” matter and a key issue for us. We will not accept the gutting of this bill nor will we accept failure to pass it. Texas taxpayers cannot continue to fund a social safety net for all who would break the rule of law. Social services and jobs should go to American citizens and to legal immigrants, period. Citizens and legal immigrants should also have their safety and security protected as much as possible by our state leaders. The Sanctuary Cities bill represents a limited step forward in addressing this issue as the federal government fails to secure our border.
If the legislature fails on this issue by running out the special session clock or gutting the bill, we will expect Governor Perry to stand strong for the citizens and legal immigrants in our great state. We will expect him to call the legislature back into another special session to hammer out a bill he can sign into law, or we will expect him to sign an executive order to protect us.
Our very thorough research demonstrates that thirty-one other states are in the process of legislation, have passed legislation, or have Governors who have signed executive orders to deal with the illegal immigration issue. Texas is now standing in the shadow of Alabama, the most recent state with new, tough illegal immigration laws. As a native Texan, I am incensed by that. Everywhere I go, grassroots Texans don’t like the fact that Texas is not leading on this issue. Our escalating Medicaid costs alone should be enough evidence to show this course is unsustainable.
Please let Governor Perry know that this is a “make or break” issue for us. Failure is not an option.
We are asking Governor Perry to stand up and lead for us, because we are “Fed UP!”
Respectfully communicated with a sense of urgency,
JoAnn Fleming, Chair – TX Legislature’s TEA Party Caucus Advisory Committee
Posted June 15th, 2011 by Konni
Attend an Important Meeting on Illegal Immigration and the Texas Legislature!
Constitutional Conservative Activists give Texas Legislature’s Regular Session a Failing Grade on Illegal Immigration! Will They Recover in the Special Session? Will Governor Perry Stand with us?
Dates/times: Thursday, June 16: 6 PM to 8 PM (doors open at 5:15 PM) and Friday, June 17: 11:30 AM – 1 PM (doors open at 11 AM)
Location for both meetings: Lakeview Church of the Nazarene, 10818 University Boulevard, Spur 248, two miles from the Loop 323 intersection, Tyler, Texas 75707
Cost to attend: We ask attendees for a donation of their choice to help us cover expenses. For the
Friday lunch meeting, box lunches will be available for purchase @ $6.50. (sub sandwich, water, chips, cookie)
RSVP’s are requested to hold a box lunch for out of town guests. RSVP your name, organization, and number in your party reserving a lunch to becky@gawtp.com
Speakers/Topics:
Roberto F. Gonzalez, Clear Lake Tea Party and Member of the Advisory Committee to the TX Legislature’s TEA Party Caucus: Illegal immigration - A Personal Perspective from a Family of Legal Immigrants
Rebecca Forest, co-founder/President of Women on the Wall and co-founder/board member of the Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas (no amnesty)
Maria Martinez, Executive Director of Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas
Rebecca and Maria are the leading legislative citizen lobbyists for no-amnesty immigration reform efforts in Texas. They will give the cold, hard facts about how most state elected officials are miserably failing citizens in favor of the business lobby and “no borders” activists.
They will contrast what a majority of legislators and state officials have been unwilling to do to address the high cost of illegal aliens with what other states have accomplished. The most recent example is Alabama’s setting of a new national standard for get-tough immigration policy. On Thursday of this week, Alabama Governor Robert J. Bentley signed a law that surpasses Arizona’s SB 1070, with provisions affecting law enforcement, transportation, apartment rentals, employment and education.
The great state of Texas, known for its independence and love of Liberty, should NOT sit in the shadow of Alabama or any other state! Texas should be leading!
Join us as we work to get the truth out about this important issue! You have two opportunities to attend. Don’t miss it!
RSVP your name, organization, and number in your party reserving a Friday lunch to
becky@gawtp.comJoAnn Fleming, Executive Director (volunteer)
Grassroots America – We the People www.gawtp.com
Posted June 2nd, 2011 by Konni
The below message was sent out via email to members on 5/31/11. Please see the update at the end of this message and start calling!
Patriots,
On Sunday evening, Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) filibustered Senate Bill 1811 (school finance bill), which would have provided the needed financing for balancing the state’s budget. This filibuster killed that bill and the session ended without a balanced budget. As required by the state constitution, Governor Perry has called a special session to address this fiscal issue. Lt. Gov. Dewhurst told reporters Monday that the Senate won’t put a “blocker bill” in place during the special session, erasing the normal requirement that two-thirds of the Senate agree to something before it can be debated. That should make bills easier to pass, should Perry agree to add them to the call. And this is where WE come in! There are several bills that need to be added to “the call” and only Perry can designate what goes on that. Please contact Governor Perry’s office and ask that these bills get added to the special session agenda:
Posted March 23rd, 2011 by Julie
The NE Tarrant Tea Party has submitted a questionnaire to all municipal and school board candidates in our area of coverage. One response we got back today should please most conservatives…
Question:
What are your thoughts on the recent controversy over Mansfield ISD requiring 100 minutes of Arabic culture studies per week? Should American sovereignty, constitutional government or private enterprise be included in classroom curriculum?
Response from Keith Houser, candidate for Carroll ISD:
Keith Houser, candidate for CISD Board
Today’s students know little about American sovereignty, the US and Texas constitutions and private enterprise. I would support 100 minutes per SEMESTER (not per week) on Arabic culture, so long as it is balanced and tells the truth. That truth would include how many women annually are stoned to death for adultery, how many women are “honor killed” by family members, how many women are sexually mutilated by their husbands, how many Christians and Jews are killed as “infidels” and how many people die each month from peaceful homicide bombers, ethnic cleanings and Islamic tribal disputes worldwide.
As a 501(c)3 organization, NE Tarrant Tea Party does not endorse any candidate, but we do ask questions that will help our members make up their own minds about a candidate. And this is one answer we think our members will appreciate!
The complete packet of questions and responses will be made available to our members via email, will be posted on this website, and will be available via email to anyone who requests it. Candidates have until April 8 to submit their answers. Our candidate fair is April 11 from 6-6:45 at 1060 E Highland Meadow, Southlake, followed by our guest speaker, Michael Badnarik, who will speak on the Federal Reserve and fiat money. We’ll also be hearing from Lela Pittenger briefly on her candidacy for US Senate.
Posted January 10th, 2011 by Julie
Mar 21, 6:30-8:00pm — NOTE THE DATE CHANGE FROM MARCH 14 DUE TO SPRING BREAK
1060 E Highland, Southlake, in the gym of Highland Meadow Montessori Academy (bldg 1020)
Topic: Immigration
Our guest speaker is Rebecca Forest, founder of the Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas (IRCOT) and the Texas Alliance for America Legal Defense and Education Fund (TAALDEF). Her presentation will center around immigration issues as they pertain to Texas, and what is currently happen in the the Texas legislature.
