Anti-immigrant Activists Unveil Initiative for Oregon’s 2008 Ballot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2007

Contact:
Erik Sorensen, Communications, CAUSA (503) 789-8213
Aeryca Steinbauer, Coordinator, CAUSA (503) 984-6816

Anti-immigrant Activists Unveil Initiative for Oregon’s 2008 Ballot

Broad coalition set to educate voters on the harmful consequences the initiative will have on public safety, civil rights and Oregon’s economy
Salem, OR--Yesterday, during a press conference at the Oregon State Capitol, anti-immigrant activists from Oregonians for Immigration Reform (OFIR) unveiled their omnibus anti-immigrant proposal. Their proposed Initiative Petition #112 titled, “Respect for Law Act”, would require state employees to cooperate with immigration enforcement, would place limitations on voter registration and restrict driving privileges to individuals.

The press conference comes in response to recent approval of IP 112’s ballot title by the Oregon Supreme Court. Proponents now must await certification on the explanation page from the Secretary of State's office before they can begin circulation. In an action alert sent out on Monday, OFIR announced that they hope to begin gathering signatures next week and will mail sheets to their supporters as soon as they get approval. They will need to gather 82,769 valid signatures by July 3, 2008 in order to qualify the measure for the ballot.

IP 112 would not only revoke driver's license access for undocumented immigrants, but require proof of citizenship in order for individuals to register to vote, and force state workers, police, and teachers to enforce immigration laws. In addition to scapegoating immigrants, the measure would disenfranchise and intimidate the elderly, minorities, and low income people-groups that commonly do not have access to documentation. IP 112 is an affront to public safety and would result in an increase in unlicensed, uninsured drivers on the road.

CAUSA and its allies are set to fight the ill-conceived measure by educating Oregonians about its true costs and urging them to decline to sign IP112. CAUSA will also work in broad bi-partisan coalition of organizations and individuals to defeat this measure should it qualify for the ballot. "We are launching a public education campaign to educate Oregonians about the harmful consequences of this measure. Oregonians everywhere should be concerned about its damaging effects on public safety and it’s potential to increase insurance rates.", said Aeryca Steinbauer, Coordinator for CAUSA.

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Posted in: Anti-immigrant Initiatives,CAUSA,CAUSA:blog,Election 2008,Oregon Ballot