Immigration Advocacy Groups Unite in Policy Push in Detroit
Catholic-led immigration advocacy groups converged in Detroit on Monday to establish a set of policy objectives aimed at influencing both state and national candidates. These proposals are focused on easing restrictions for immigrants, particularly in the realm of driver’s licenses.
Call for Driver’s Licenses Without Federal Approval
Guadalupe Enriquez, a Sterling Heights resident and active member of the Strangers No Longer initiative, made a heartfelt plea to over 200 religious and community leaders. Accompanied by her daughter, she urged them to advocate for the issuance of driver’s licenses to Michiganders, regardless of their immigration status. This follows a ban imposed on illegal immigrants in Michigan in 2007.
Voices of the Community
“It would be very helpful if you had a driver’s license,” Enriquez expressed in Spanish. “We would be able to live without so much worry and fear. Our children could concentrate on their studies rather than being preoccupied with whether they’ll make it home safely.”
Background and Goals of Strangers No Longer
Founded in response to President Trump’s stringent immigration policies that took effect in 2017, Strangers No Longer initially focused solely on the defense of driver’s licenses. Despite a setback last year in their attempt to expand this issue to individuals lacking permanent legal status, the group has continued to mobilize.
Community Engagement and Policy Development
Over the past year, Strangers No Longer has organized meetings to gather input from immigrant circles throughout Michigan. This outreach has been instrumental in shaping their policy platform. The group adopted five key proposals, including increased oversight for immigration detention centers and enhanced due process safeguards for detainees.
Legal Implications of Local Cooperation with Federal Agencies
During the meeting, State Attorney General Dana Nessel highlighted the risks associated with local law enforcement cooperating with federal immigration entities such as ICE and CBP. She emphasized that such collaborations may facilitate unlawful detentions of U.S. citizens, posing significant liability for local governments.
Political Strategy Moving Forward
Nessel cautioned that local authorities could face substantial financial repercussions if they assist in what she described as “illegal activities” conducted by federal immigration agencies. While her office is currently not pursuing cases against local departments, they have alerted police agencies across Michigan about the associated risks.
Coalescing for Change
The event concluded with representatives from various denominations, described by Strangers No Longer’s executive director Bill O’Brien as being “from the bishops on one side to a fledgling group in Port Huron,” officially endorsing the policy platform in a manner reminiscent of a political convention. O’Brien clarified, “We’re not proposing total equality in policy; rather, we’re suggesting actionable steps that governors, local police chiefs, and county commissions can undertake.”
Assessing Candidates’ Positions on Immigration Policy
While Strangers No Longer is not aligned with any political candidates, the group is committed to assessing where public office candidates stand on their proposed policies. By doing so, they aim to align their advocacy efforts with leaders who support their initiatives.
