In Oregon, three out of every four undocumented workers are essential workers. Undocumented Oregonians are vital to our states workforce and economy.

Even so, undocumented workers live under the constant threat of deportation – the threat of being removed from this country, the threat of having their families broken up. Deportations also wreak havoc on Oregon’s economy.

While Oregon lawmakers can’t change the immigration laws, they can limit the harm deportation inflicts on Oregon families and the state’s economy.

Tell your lawmakers to vote YES on SB 1543 and enact universal legal representation.

While Oregon can’t fully eliminate the harm from deportation, it can reduce it. Legal representation plays a big role in whether someone’s case ends in deportation. Many Oregonians who are deported never had the help of a lawyer, because few can afford one. Facing the court alone, they often are unable to mount a strong defense, even if they have good legal grounds for remaining. It’s an inherently unfair process.

In response to these challenges, the Oregon Legislature can make a big difference. Enacting universal representation would provide all Oregonians in immigration court the benefit of a lawyer. This would go a long way in ensuring that Oregonians are not wrongly removed from their families, jobs, and communities.

Universal representation advances justice, while protecting Oregon families and the state’s economy.

Urge your lawmakers today to protect the state’s economy and vote YES on SB 1543.