1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

I urge you to vote against Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit unauthorized immigrants from receiving state or local public benefits in Kansas. This bill promotes harmful rhetoric and divisiveness by targeting a vulnerable population. The testimony presented at the Senate committee hearing was deeply one-sided, giving the proponent, former Secretary of State Kris Kobach, over 20 minutes to speak while collectively allowing only 12 minutes for the 24 opponents who wished to testify. This inequity prevented a full airing of perspectives and silenced the voices of those most affected by the proposed legislation. Moreover, Kobach's claim that unauthorized immigrants receive a net benefit of $603 million from the state is unsubstantiated and seems to rely on flawed methodology. Numerous studies have shown that immigrants, including those without legal status, contribute substantially more to state and local economies through taxes, spending power, and labor than they receive in public benefits. Rather than enacting punitive policies rooted in xenophobia, Kansas should pursue inclusive measures that recognize the integral role immigrants play in our communities and economy. SB 254 runs counter to American values of fairness and equal opportunity. I implore you to reject this unjust and discriminatory bill.