The R.I. Legislature has the power to help protect our immigrant community
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This small adjustment has a profound impact, it protects immigrant Rhode Islanders from unjust immigration detention, denial of relief, and deportation for minor offenses. Under federal immigration law, a one-year maximum sentence — even for minor offenses — can trigger devastating consequences for immigrants, including
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Take, for instance, a longtime legal permanent resident with a single misdemeanor shoplifting conviction. Even if the individual receives no jail time, just a small fine, they can still face the devastating consequence of deportation and permanent separation from their family. This is because under our current laws, the offense carries a potential sentence of one year, triggering harsh
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Rhode Island wouldn't be the first to take this step — states like New York, Washington, Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois, and New Mexico have recognized the need to protect their residents; Rhode Island must do the same. For the fifth consecutive year, the Senate has prioritized protecting our immigrant neighbors and friends. Yet, it remains stalled in the House Judiciary Committee, waiting to be voted on the House floor.
This modest one-day change would not shield individuals convicted of serious crimes, such as, violent offenses, domestic violence, or firearm-related charges which are already treated separately under federal immigration law. These offenses would remain deportable regardless of the sentence length.
Just as crucially, this change would not alter the authority of judges or prosecutors. Judges would still retain full discretion to impose appropriate sentences and prosecutors would continue to make charging decisions based on the facts and circumstances of each case.
As the 2025 legislative session draws to an end, the RIBLIA Caucus strongly urges the passage of House Bill 5502. Without action, immigrant Rhode Islanders, both documented and undocumented, will remain vulnerable to life-altering consequences for low-level, nonviolent offenses.
Together, we have the power to uphold fairness, prevent unnecessary family separations, and protect the rights and dignity of
all
Rhode Islanders. The time for a floor vote is now. The time to act is now.
State Representative David Morales represents District 7 in Providence's Mount Pleasant, Valley, and Elmhurst neighborhoods.
State Representative
Leonela Felix represents District 61 in Pawtucket.
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