REPRESENTATIVE SCHAKOWSKY CALLS INS HUBBING PLAN A SERIOUS THREAT TO IMMIGRANTS LEGAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS
REPRESENTATIVE SCHAKOWSKY CALLS INS HUBBING PLAN A SERIOUS THREAT TO IMMIGRANTS LEGAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today called the Immigration and Naturalization Services' (INS) proposed immigrant relocation plan, or "hubbing," a serious threat to the civil and legal rights of immigrants.
The plan would move Mexicans, Central Americans and Caribbean nationals to Texas from 18 central states. All other immigrants in INS custody would be detained in Chicago.
In a letter to Dwayne Peterson, Acting Regional Director for the Central Region of the INS, Schakowsky wrote, "The proposed hubbing plan, which would detain and transport immigrants based on ethnicity, presents a serious threat to the civil rights of immigrants."
Schakowsky expressed deep concerns that the proposal would result in detainess not able to obtain legal counsel and access to witnesses and evidence. "This separation both from legal counsel and evidence that can only be obtained locally is a blatant violation of fundamental due process rights," Schakowsky wrote.
Schakowsky also wrote that the proposal would disproportionately affect asylum seekers and would have a "devastating impact on Chicago families and the Chicago immigrant community."