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Immigration Platform

Ensure that all law enforcement entities respect human rights and civil liberties.
Protect the rights and dignity of workers.
No cumbersome identification verification systems that would deter employment of minorities/immigrants.
No criminalization of immigrants.
A path to citizenship for the estimated 12million undocumented persons currently residing in the U.S.

BACKGROUND

There are an estimated 12 million undocumented persons currently residing in the U.S. An estimated 225,000 to 275,000 undocumented immigrants live in Colorado. Immigration adds about $10 billion to the U.S. economy annually. Under most scenarios, immigrants pay more in taxes to all levels of government than they consume in services. However, there tends to be a net surplus at the federal level and a net cost to states and localities.

POLICY-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS

SB 023: FAIR & LEGAL EMPLOYMENT FOR COLORADANS ACT

Sponsors Sen. Schultheis & Rep. Lambert

Repeals the current requirements imposed on employers to examine the legal work status of new employees and instead creates the "Fair and Legal Employment for Coloradans Act" which requires all nongovernmental employers in the state to participate in the federal electronic verification program (e-verify program) for purposes of verifying the work eligibility status of all new employees hired by an employer.

Status Postponed Indefinitely by the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee

Position Oppose

The Latina/o Advocacy Day Platform states that employment verification systems that deter the employment of people of color should not be required. The federal e-verify program is flawed and does not contain accurate information. This bill could harm workers by requiring employers to verify work eligibility with a system that has been demonstrated to be inaccurate and ineffective.

SENATE JOINT MEASURE 009

While symbolic in nature, SJM 009 uses language from the Governor's Task Force on Immigration convened last fall which, sadly, did much to criminalize immigrants. The resolution, hence, offers support from the Colorado General Assembly to expand 287(g) programs that deputize local police officers as ICE agents along with other programs that will further criminalize undocumented immigrants.

Status Laid Over on Senate Third Reading

Position Oppose

SB 266 - NONCITIZEN ELIGIBILITY OLD AGE PENSION

Sponsors Sen. Tapia & Rep. Pommer

SB 266 would have removed elderly lawful permanent residents from the state's Old Age Pension (OAP) program and accompanying Medical Benefits, keeping them from needed financial and medical assistance.

Status Postponed Indefinitely in the Senate Committee on Appropriations

Position Oppose