In 1996, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) was enacted, stripping away vital due process protections and widening the path for the swift and often harsh deportations that occur today in the United States. It's time we recognize and address the human cost and injustice that this law perpetuates.

Repealing IIRIRA would not mean stopping deportations entirely. However, it would dismantle the rigid legal apparatus that currently fosters mass, automatic, and rapid deportations. This significant legislative change, while not equivalent to abolishing ICE or entirely overhauling immigration policies, amounts to a formidable step towards restoring humanity, discretion, and due process in immigration enforcement.

The current framework mandates aggressive enforcement measures, which drastically increase the risk of perilous and sometimes fatal encounters with law enforcement officers. Such outcomes have been tragically borne by individuals like Renee Goode and Marimar Martinez. Their stories, among countless others, underscore the pressing need for changes that prioritize fairness and dignity in immigration proceedings.

Prior to IIRIRA, immigration judges and officers had greater discretion to consider individual circumstances, allowing a focus on justice rather than expulsion. This change undermined what was once a more balanced system aimed at safeguarding human rights. Restoring discretion in immigration cases can reduce unnecessary risks and prevent violence.

Congress and policymakers must indeed revisit the severe and punitive measures cemented by the IIRIRA. Repealing this act is a matter of urgency to achieve a just and empathetic immigration system that aligns more closely with the values we aspire to uphold.

I implore you to join in this vital effort; the repeal of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 is just a signature away. Let's act now for the change that safeguards our communities and reflects true justice. Please sign this petition today to bring due process back to our immigration system.