Suggestions for Writing Letters to Congress

Jul 6, 2010

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SUGGESTIONS FOR WRITING A LETTER ON COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

1. Your return address and date

2. Dear Senator (fill in name)

3. (Possible structure and talking points for the letter; use your own ideas and your own words as much as possible.)

(a) (Why are you writing? What is your concern? How might it affect your area? Make it personal, if you can!) Examples: • I am concerned about the safety and well-being of families which are at risk of being torn apart by the broken immigration system. • By keeping families together, Congress can help immigrants to integrate quickly, invest in local communities, and support the U.S. economy as taxpayers and entrepreneurs.

(b) (Give one or two reasons for your concern, or tell a personal story.) Examples: • Family is the bedrock of U.S. society and is critical to the development of healthy individuals and strong communities. • I am concerned that the outdated immigration system forces legal immigrants to wait years, even decades, to reunite with their close family members in the United States. • At least 4 million U.S. citizen children are at risk of being forced into foster care if their undocumented parent is detained or deported. These families shouldn’t be torn apart by immigration enforcement, or forced into exile in order to be together.

(c) (What action do you want your Senator to take? Be specific about the legislation.) Examples: • Please work with senators on both sides of the aisle to protect families by enacting humane and comprehensive immigration reform this year. • By making family unity a top priority within immigration reform, you can alleviate pressure on U.S. borders, enable immigrants to use legal channels of immigration, and help foster the development of strong individuals and vibrant communities.

4. Sincerely yours, (Your name signed and printed)