Issue: Immigration

Q As a majority-minority state, what role do you see Austin playing in the long-term conversation around immigration and migrant rights?

Asked by Global Shapers Community

Q If elected, would you support policies to reduce the arrests of those suffering mental health crises, those in need of medical or mental health treatment, or those in need of substance abuse treatment, so they are diverted to needed care and not funneled into the criminal justice and immigration detention systems?

Asked by Workers Defense Action Fund

Q The City of Austin currently provides funding to local immigration legal service providers so that city residents can obtain needed legal representation to fight against deportation or obtain some other lawful status. Do you support the city continuing to fund immigration legal services for Austin residents?

Asked by Workers Defense Action Fund

Q Austin is home to many immigrant families. Since the 2016 election, we have seen heightened immigration enforcement efforts here in Austin and across the country. Within the Workers Defense community, we have members who are now in deportation proceedings because of an ICE raid at their worksite or because they were stopped for a simple traffic citation and then held in jail on an ICE hold. Because of the passage of SB4, almost every undocumented person who is placed under arrest, no matter how minor the charge, now faces deportation and separation from their family. Do you support efforts to reduce arrests for nonviolent misdemeanor offenses?

Asked by Workers Defense Action Fund