LULAC Opposes Military Buildup on the U.S. Border

LULAC Opposes Military Buildup on U.S./Mexican Border

On May 21 the House of Representatives passed a $270 billion defense bill that, among other provisions, authorizes the military to help patrol U.S. borders in the war against drug smuggling, turning the U.S.-Mexican border into an armed corridor. LULAC adamantly opposes the deployment of up to 10,000 military personnel along the Southwest border. The Department of Justice has already voiced its opposition to the legislation because it will not advance or effectively support border enforcement. Hispanic and civil rights organizations are concerned because military personnel are not trained for border patrolling and might easily violate the civil rights of those they intervene with. The Senate will vote on a similar bill in the coming weeks. LULAC members and friends are encouraged to write their U.S. Senators and express their opposition to any amendments to the Defense bill calling for a military buildup along the U.S Mexico border.

SAMPLE LETTER TO U.S. SENATOR

May 29, 1998

Senator _____________
US Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator _____________:

As a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization, I write to express my opposition to any amendments to the Defense Bill that would call for the militarization of America's borders.

It has come to my attention that the House just passed a $270 billion bill that, among other provisions, authorizes the military to help patrol U.S. borders in the effort against drug smuggling . I am a proud citizen of this country, who would like to see America emerge victorious from the war on drugs. However, I am also deeply concerned that military personnel, trained for battle and not border patrolling, will make of our borders a war-zone, easily violating the civil rights of those they intervene with.

The Department of Justice has already voiced its opposition to the legislation because it will not advance or effectively support border enforcement.

LULAC adamantly opposes the deployment of up to 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border and as a member of the organization and your constituent, I strongly urge you to vote against any measure that would make a reality of this nightmare.

Sincerely,

LULAC Member