DEARBORN — Community members met Monday to discuss provisions on newly proposed Michigan HB 4305, also known as “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act.”  The bill is similar to the Arizona-style immigration law.

Community members gathered at the LAHC on Monday, Mar. 7 to discuss a plan to combat the proposed Arizona-style immigration law. PHOTO: Nafeh AbuNab/American Elite Studios

Ryan Bates, director of the Alliance for Immigrants Rights and Reform Michigan says the bill is an open invitation for racial profiling and gives police the right to stop citizens solely for the purpose of immigration and enforcement. 

“It’s clear to us this isn’t just an Arab or Chaldean issue. This isn’t a Latino issue. This is an issue of the civil rights of all Americans and all Michiganders,” he said during the meeting at the Lebanese American Heritage Club in Dearborn.

 Under provisions of the bill, police officers have the authority to arrest and detain people with sufficient reasonable suspicion they are in the U.S. illegally.   Those found in the U.S. unlawfully may be deported back to their country of origin.

Failing to provide proof of insurance, registration, operator license or alien registration documents while accused of an infraction can trigger reasonable suspicion. 

Bates is concerned those born in the U.S. with foreign names who are stopped during a traffic citation and have no identification to present may be arrested and detained if the officer does not believe they’re American citizens.  

“The Arabs and Chaldeans have been here for more than 100-years. And there are Latinos that have been here just as long, and have the same last name. How are they supposed to prove they have their papers, what papers?” he said.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee- Michigan chapter is urging citizens to immediately contact their state legislature and Gov. Snyder to tell them they oppose the bill.

The bill requires all immigrants to carry their papers at all times or face a $500 penalty according to Bates. Bates says the bill has been presented with other legislative pieces that require people to show photo ID while obtaining food stamps for their children.

“This bill will increase the scrutiny of people applying for public benefits or employment and overturn the 14th Amendment so that people who are born here do not automatically get citizenship. So it’s not just about this one law. It’s about this broad movement to make the state less hospitable to immigrants,” he said. 

No hearing on the bill has been scheduled.  It was introduced previously under former Gov. Jennifer Granholm, but the speaker of the house was convinced to promise not to bring it up for a vote, Bates says. 

 Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder praised immigrants in his State of the State address. His stance on the bill may demonstrate whether he understands their importance. AIR-MI sent studies to Snyder illustrating the significance of immigrants,  but received no response. Bates says the governor needs to show leadership and demonstrate that the bill is bad for Michigan’s economy and values. 

According to Bates a clause in the bill gives individuals the right to sue police departments if they believe the law is not being used vigorously enough. “Not only does this invite racial profiling it mandates it or else the police will be sued by the anti-immigrant movement,” he said.

Fr. Rani Abdulmasih of the Mother of the Savior Lutheran Church in Dearborn said the bill is a justification for prejudice.

“The name of the bill is deceptive. It makes people think they would want to vote for something like that. Canadians will not be pulled over. You know we are the ones who will be pulled over or asked the questions,” Abdulmasih said.  

“In the law, it’s explicit people can be stopped for no other reason than looking or being suspicious,” Bates said.  According to Oakland County Commissioner Jim Runestad, police officers are prohibited from approaching people and enforcing the law if no infraction was made.

Regional Director of the ADC-MI, Imad Hamad says this is not the first time the bill has been introduced, and it’s been on the table for two years.

Because Republicans gained control of the Senate and the House in the 2010 gubernatorial election the chances of getting it passed seem to be much higher. Newly elected Michigan Attorney General Republican Bill Schuette has already said he supports enforcing a bill similar to Arizona’s immigration law and did not give specific answers when asked about it at a pre-election meeting with community members at the LAHC last fall.

“The new thing about it is this bill, some way, some how, may have a chance,” Hamad said. He says up to 18 states are introducing similar bills. A forum to have an open debate and discussion in addition to a rally opposing the bill are being considered.