Last week, people concerned about immigrant rights won a big victory when Governor Patrick said No to Secure Communities, a program which has unfairly deported large numbers of immigrants. But hostile Senators have attached anti-immigrant, anti-worker, and anti-family amendments to the Senate version of the state budget. The budget is now in conference and we must let the chairs of that committee know that these outrageous amendments are unacceptable.

These amendments would:

- Mandate the use of E-verify for almost all agencies doing business with the state

- Require beneficiaries of all state medical benefits including emergency Medicaid, to prove their lawful residency

- Increase penalties for driving without a license

- Require proof of legal residency for all family members residing in public housing

We won't stand for this! Immigrants are a vital part of our state's economy and society. Rather than criminalizing immigrants and creating barriers to access, we need the state to create jobs and increase resources for all its residents. We are starting our 24/7 vigil on the steps of the statehouse this MONDAY JUNE 20th at 8AM until these amendments are removed from the budget.