Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance (RITA)
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas As the clocked ticked down the final moments of the 82nd Legislative session the prediction of some Senate Democrats that their Tuesday vote to block HB12 was the end of sanctuary cities" came true.
Sen. Tommy Williams did not try a second time to bring up the Arizona-style proposal and HB12 died a quick and painless death.
This victory belongs to communities in El Paso Dallas Houston Fort Worth Austin San Antonio Texas Valley West Texas and others. RITA is proud of the efforts of our state-wide alliance and other advocacy groups such as the TRUST coalition. We all made the difference with our actions our energetic strategy and our dedication to Texan values and rights.
We are also proud of those Senators that stood up for civil and human rights community safety and economic security. We thank all of them Wendy Davis Rodney Ellis Mario Gallegos Juan Chuy" Hinojosa Eddie Lucio Jr. Jose Rodriguez Carlos Uresti Leticia Van De Putte Kirk Watson John Whitmire Royce West and Judith Zaffirini for their commitment to Texas.
The failure of HB12 was inevitable considering the far-reaching opposition to it that included police chiefs and sheriffs faith leaders business associations Texas communities and civil and human rights activists across the state.
If Texas had followed the Arizona-minded path of prejudice xenophobia and intolerance towards immigrants the U.S. values of liberty and justice for all would have been eroded in our great state.
Civil and human rights activists should be bolstered to know that if anti-immigrant legislation cant pass in Texas with a Republican supermajority voting party-line they cant pass anywhere.
What was started in Arizona last year was stopped in Texas tonight.
