OK, can we find two more unpopular senators here on Daily Kos than Joe Lieberman and Sam Brownback?
Is redemption possible, even for just a little while, and even on one issue?
Contrary to their horrible records on so many other issues, Brownback and Lieberman have actually stood up against the Department of Homeland Security and the evil bloated mollusc from Wisconsin, James Sensenbrenner, author of HR4437. The issue at stake is political asylum. The United States has always recognized and supported the right to seek protection from political persecution, and has welcomed dissidents from around the world since Colonial days. Einstein, Niels Bohr, Mozart's librettist, the Pilgrims, Madeline Albright, the list goes on and on. All came as refugees or asylees.
Brownback and Lieberman sponsored an important ammendment to the comprehensive immigration legislation currently being debated in the Senate. Their ammendment, No. 4020, would reverse some of the worst provisions in Sensenbrenner's HR4437. Specifically, Ammendment 4020 would require the United States to implement and enforce minimum detention standards for asylum seekers, provide alternatives to detention for asylum seekers who present no security threat to the United States, and implement other key recommendations the US Commission on International Religious Freedom regarding protection for persons fleeing persecution.
Asylum seekers should have access to legal representation. Asylum seekers who are judged to be no security threat to the US should not be detained without trial for extended periods of time, particularly without any statutory requirement to adhere to minimum detention standards. Asylum seekers should not be turned back at our borders by untrained border patrol or immigration inspectors without the chance to prove their case.
International law (UN Refugee Convention) recognizes the right to asylum, and specifically condemns imprisonment of asylum seekers unless they present an imminent security risk to the country of refuge. United States detention policy is already in violation of the Refugee Convention. Do we want to massively increase detention, restrict access to legal representation, turn back asylum seekers without a hearing, and deny them access to the federal courts?
I think not. Sometimes it sickens me that we are still debating these issues.
This is where you Kansans come in. Sam Brownback, surprisingly, has advocated refugee and asylee rights. I don't agree with his whole "pro-life" agenda, but at least he is consistent - he respects life enough not to want asylum seekers deported to be tortured or killed. Brownback is getting cold feet on Ammendment 4020, now that the Bush Administration has come out and played the fear card again, advocating for detention of all asylum seekers. He is worried about his base. I know that most of us would rather roll in poison ivy than show Sam Brownback some love, but if there ever was a time to call him and say something nice, this is the time.
Ask Sam Brownback to stick to his guns and not withdraw support from Ammendment 4020. Here's some text you can copy and use:
Via Telefax: (202) 228-1265
The Honorable Sam Brownback
United States Senate
303 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Brownback:
I'm writing to express gratitude for your leadership in promoting the human rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers and to support the Brownback-Lieberman Amendment No. 4020. Today, as the Senate considers the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006, this leadership is evidenced by this Amendment, which would ensure humane detention standards, common-sense alternatives to detention, and access to legal information for those held in immigration custody. We strongly support the Brownback-Lieberman Amendment No. 4020.
This Amendment implements the key recommendations of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which raised concerns regarding the treatment of asylum seekers while detained, as well as their ability to seek asylum. The Amendment also ensures that detention standards are fully implemented and enforced. Based on our experience, there is a consistent breakdown by the Department of Homeland Security in following its own detention standards. By codifying the standards and providing training and oversight to ensure their implementation, this Amendment will address these gaps and assure fair and humane treatment as well as access to legal information for detained asylum seekers.
We appeal to you to uphold the rule of law and ensure relief for vulnerable immigrants and asylum seekers whom America's laws and heritage compel us to protect. We hope you will work to ensure that the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act is amended to include the Brownback-Lieberman Amendment No. 4020 in order to safeguard the rights of those who are most deserving of our country's compassion. By ensuring that the weakest among us are treated with respect, we can make our country stronger and more secure.
Sincerely,
(If you are a constituent, use your address!!!)
This is an important issue and you Kansan Red State Democrats and Connecticut Democrats have an opportunity to do the right thing. Take a moment and give Brownback and Lieberman some love. Then work your asses off to defeat both of them at the earliest opportunity.