The House passed a funding bill that includes $1.6 billion to expand the wall at our southern border, and President Trump recently threatened a government shutdown to fund the wall. But existing walls and other border enforcement measures have only resulted in thousands of migrant deaths, environmental destruction, and the militarization of our border communities. We need humane immigration policy reform, not more walls.
Take action today – sign this petition to Senators urging them to oppose the wall and other proposals to further militarize our borders.
Dear [elected official],
As your constituent and a supporter of the American Friends Service Committee, I urge you to oppose any funding for a wall or any measures that would contribute to the further militarization of our border, whether for infrastructure, surveillance, or border patrol agents.
The minibus passed recently by the House includes $1.6 billion for a wasteful border wall. We know the deadly impact that border walls have as they already stretch along our southern border. Since 1994, the remains of more than 7,000 children, women, and men have been found in treacherous mountains and deserts of the U.S. borderlands. Further militarization of our border will only cause more death and suffering as migrants fleeing poverty and violence are forced into more dangerous routes.
Last year, the United States spent more than $19 billion on immigration enforcement, and the president’s budget for 2017 tops out at over $20 billion. The Department of Homeland Security already spends $25 million annually to maintain nearly 700 miles of existing fencing on the border. Meanwhile, our ports of entry -- which promote travel, tourism, and commerce -- have $5 billion in unmet infrastructure needs. Our money can be much better spent.
Please take border communities and the lives of migrants into account and don't waste our tax payers’ money. Oppose this wall and any funding for the further militarization of our nation’s border communities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
