· Border Crossing Law Firm · By Shahid Haque · From the Border Crossing Law Firm media archive.
Shahid announces that every immigration-enforcement bill introduced during Montana's 2009 session had ultimately been rejected. He credits advocates from the Montana Human Rights Network, ACLU of Montana, the domestic-violence community, immigration lawyers, affected residents, and Montana Highway Patrol leadership for explaining the bills' human and practical consequences.
This closing account makes clear that the result was a coalition victory rather than the work of one lawyer or organization. It also foreshadows the partnerships that would shape immigrant-rights advocacy in Montana over the following decade.
While Republican lawmakers Gary Perry, Jim Shockley, and David Howard attempted to pass over 10 anti-immigrant bills this legislative session , all of them were ultimately rejected by the Montana legislature. While many of these bills were defeated by only a narrow margin, I am proud of our legislature as a whole for killing these prejudiced and reactionary bills. This was not an easy battle to win, and I would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to make sure that Montana remains a welcoming place for immigrants.
Kim Abbott and Jamee Greer at the Montana Human Rights Network spent hours and hours of their time testifying and getting the word out about these bills, despite being spread thin with the countless other human rights issues up for debate this session. Scott Crichton and Niki Zupanic at the ACLU also testified at every single hearing, and their clear, articulate testimony surely played a large role in defeating these bills.
Debbie Smith, my mentor and colleague, fought this year -- like every year -- to protect the rights of immigrants in this State. Kelsen Young with the Montana Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence provided important testimony on the effect many of these bills would have on victims of domestic violence. Jorge Quintana and many other individuals provided difficult testimony on how these bills would affect them personally.
I would also like to thank Colonel Mike Tooley, Chief Administrator of the Montana Highway Patrol, for taking a strong interest in ensuring that racial profiling does not occur on his watch. His dedication is very admirable, and much appreciated. Thanks again to everyone who lobbied with us, and to the legislators who worked with us to ensure that these harmful bills were not passed. I'll see everyone again next session.