Immigration

Immigration Action team

Immigration Action Team Questions for County and State Candidates

There are 17 candidates running for Howard County council, county executive, and Maryland state representatives. Just as we did in 2018, the Immigration Action Team has sent questions to all candidates. Below are the answers from those who responded.

Calvin Ball

Howard County Executive

1. The Liberty Act (Cb63-2020) was signed into law in 2020. A referendum to repeal this law is on the ballot for the November 2022 election. Do you support the Liberty Act? If so, will you publicly speak out in favor of it?

Under the previous Administration when immigration was weaponized at the federal level, I believed we could address local issues and concerns such as access to counsel, family visits and transparency, that were communicated to us by local immigration attorneys. Since taking office, the Biden Administration has actively taken up immigration reform and keeping an open dialogue with advocates, we gave notice to ICE on March 19th to cancel the contract they had with Howard County Government. All detainees were removed as of May 18 th , 2021.

Hank Boyd

Candidate for Howard County Council – District 4

The Liberty Act (CB63-2020) was signed into law in 2020. A referendum to repeal this law is on the ballot for the November 2022 election. Do you support the Liberty Act? If so, will you publicly speak out in favor of it?

The genius of America rests upon its continued ability to draw talent and industry through immigration. As a nation, we gain strength from an open-door policy which fosters creativity and innovation. Our democracy flourishes from those willing to work in earnest and to earn a place in our society. In my view, Howard County should not be in the business of policing undocumented workers. In fact, I am a staunch advocate of the Liberty Act (CB-63) signed by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. This piece of legislation essentially precludes County employees from attempting to investigate the legal status of undocumented residents. In so doing, it augments the purpose and spirit of CB-9 which protects undocumented immigrants in Howard County from detention and deportation.

Deb Jung

Candidate for Howard County Council – District 4

The Liberty Act (CB63-2020) was signed into law in 2020. A referendum to repeal this law is on the ballot for the November 2022 election. Do you support the Liberty Act? If so, will you publicly speak out in favor of it?

Yes, I voted for the Liberty Act and will speak out in favor of it. I have already done so in a number of forums.

Hate crimes have been increasing in Maryland and nationwide against all minorities and most recently against people of Asian origin. As a County Councilmember, what would you do address this issue and prevent hate crimes in Howard County?

Before becoming a member of the County Council, I served as a member of the Howard County Human Rights Commission for five years and as Co-Chair of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission. Hate crimes and hate bias incidents have been with us throughout history and they have accelerated greatly as a result of rhetoric from former President Trump and others.

Christiana Rigby

Candidate for Howard County Council – District 3

The Liberty Act (Cb63-2020) was signed into law in 2020. A referendum to repeal this law is on the ballot for the November 2022 election. Do you support the Liberty Act? If so, will you publicly speak out in favor of it?

I strongly support CB63-2020, also known as the Liberty Act. As a Councilmember, I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation before the County Council in 2020, and I plan to actively campaign in favor of keeping this important law on the books in the November 2022 election.

No resident should fear the threat of deportation when seeking out community services or calling law enforcement for assistance. The Liberty Act protects our Howard County neighbors by keeping immigration status confidential when calling 911, paying a water bill, and seeking other community services. This legislation makes our community safer, and it helps build trust in our public institutions.

Joan Pontius

Candidate for Howard County Council – District 5

The Liberty Act (Cb63-2020) was signed into law in 2020. A referendum to repeal this law is on the ballot for the November 2022 election. Do you support the Liberty Act? If so, will you publicly speak out in favor of it?

I think both those in favor of CB63-2020 and those calling for its repeal would agree that it is crucial for the county to decide on an immigration policy. I have read the Liberty Act and support it in its current form. County officials can’t be held responsible for enforcing federal immigration. Also, the law specifically provides for collaboration for law enforcement according to state and Federal law, so the claims that the act would prevent law enforcement seem unfounded to me. Better than a referendum for repeal would be for those with objections to identify the specific elements of the law that need to be revised and to offer alternatives.

LISA KIM

Candidate, State Delegate District 9B

Several important bills about immigration failed to pass the State Legislature in the 2022 session.

We are interested in whether you will support these or similar bills if they are introduced in 2023.

Are you will to work with immigration support advocates to co-sponsor/champion any of these or similar bills? Will you work to convince your colleagues to vote in favor?

–No. I am Chairperson of the Committee to Repeal Sanctuary County Status in Howard County. We must vote to Repeal the Liberty Act, otherwise known as Sanctuary County for Illegal Immigrants.

Pam Guzzone

Candidate, State Delegate District 13

(HB559/SB265 2022) Probation before Judgment (PBJ) -Probation not Deportation. For US citizens, probation before judgement allows a judge to strike a conviction and impose probation instead. However, for non-US citizens the current MD PBJ statute is still considered a conviction and can result in arrest and deportation via the Immigration and Nationality Act. HB559/SB265 would provide judicial safeguards for non-US citizens, allowing our immigrant neighbors to live without the fear of deportation and family separation that federal law imposes because of the current PBJ statute. HB559 passed the Maryland House but did not get voted on in the Senate.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on these immigration efforts. While I will always be willing to listen to and learn from advocates on all sides of an issue, I generally believe that it is in the best interest of our communities to not stoke fear that those who are undocumented will be at risk of deportation if they get a speeding ticket or go to a school conference. There are estimates that over 50% of undocumented people are living in “mixed status” families, reducing the fear of family disruption is beneficial, particularly for impacted children. For that reason, I am predisposed to support the bills you have listed here and am willing to advocate with colleagues regarding them.

Steve Bolen

Candidate, Maryland Delegate District 9A

(HB559/SB265 2022) Probation before Judgment (PBJ) -Probation not Deportation. For US citizens, probation before judgement allows a judge to strike a conviction and impose probation instead. However, for non-US citizens the current MD PBJ statute is still considered a conviction and can result in arrest and deportation via the Immigration and Nationality Act.

HB559/SB265 would provide judicial safeguards for non-US citizens, allowing our immigrant neighbors to live without the fear of deportation and family separation that federal law imposes because of the current PBJ statute. HB559 passed the Maryland House but did not get voted on in the Senate.

I support and will advocate for probation, not detention.

2. (HB114/SB129) Access to Counsel in Immigration Proceedings would create a legal representation program for detained Marylanders facing deportation and ensure their right to counsel.

I support and will advocate for access to legal counsel in immigration proceedings.

Becca Niburg

Candidate, Maryland Delegate Distinct 13

Are you will to work with immigration support advocates to co-sponsor/champion any of these or similar bills? Will you work to convince your colleagues to vote in favor?

As an immigration attorney, I have seen repeatedly how laws, even when well intentioned, do not address the unique needs of my clients especially because my clients all fall below the poverty line. I have served as the legislative liaison for the Maryland State Bar Association’s Immigration Section Council for years (even when not an official member of the Council) and have worked to amend bills to make sure the language is the strongest possible for immigrants as well as to inform legislators about why these bills are important and to encourage support of the bills. I am a member of a broad coalition of immigration providers and rely on their expertise in a number of immigration areas already; practitioners often see the pinch points in the law where the law falls short of protection and one of my inspirations for running is my clients. I fully intend to continue protecting and supporting them whether elected or not.

Clarence Lam

State Senator District 12

Are you will to work with immigration support advocates to co-sponsor/champion any of these or similar bills? Will you work to convince your colleagues to vote in favor?

Yes, I will work with immigration support advocates on these and similar bills. I have done so in the past and will continue to advocate for these policies. That’s why I’ve earned the endorsement of CASA again for the upcoming election. I am willing to work to convince my colleagues to vote in favor of these bills. Regarding the last bill you listed—the Access to Care Act, I was the primary sponsor of that bill, and I intend to sponsor that bill again next year.

Jenn Terassa

State Delegate District 12

Are you will to work with immigration support advocates to co-sponsor/champion any of these or similar bills? Will you work to convince your colleagues to vote in favor?

1.(HB559/SB265 2022) Probation before Judgment (PBJ) -Probation not Deportation. For US citizens, probation before judgement allows a judge to strike a conviction and impose probation instead. However, for non-US citizens the current MD PBJ statute is still considered a conviction and can result in arrest and deportation via the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Yes. I voted for it last time and will continue to support it and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Terri Hill

State Delegate District 12

I conceptually support HB559/SB265, HB114/SB129, and HB1035/SB728 (Access to Care Act) and, had they been brought to a committee and floor vote, would have voted for each of them. Unless there is a “poison pill” or other egregious component in the 2023 bills, I expect to support and vote for them. I would be pleased to work with the advocates, and all stakeholders, on future or similar legislation. I would also be pleased to talk with colleagues to explain the legislation, to better understand any resistance to their passage and, with the sponsors, on ways to make the bills better and get them enacted.

Liz Walsh

Candidate for Howard County Council – District 1

The Liberty Act (CB63-2020) was signed into law in 2020. A referendum to repeal this law is on the ballot for the November 2022 election. Do you support the Liberty Act? If so, will you publicly speak out in favor of it?

Of course! Yes! I have and do! Additionally, I have shared my dismay with many fellow Democrats—including in response to D1 candidate questioning from the Ellicott City & Western Howard County Democratic Club—that our party as a whole is not doing more to (a) demonstrate why such a law is good for all of us and (b) counter what is plainly base strategic device and rhetoric employed by local Republican candidates to scare voters to the polls in November. I hope you’re asking this same question of those currently running for Democratic Central Committee. In this primary, I’m supporting independent DCC candidates and unwavering immigration advocates Kathy Howell, Kathleen Uy and Francis Uy.

2020-2021 Accomplishments

•Successfully lobbied to end Howard County’s contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

•Mobilized community support to pass Howard County Liberty Act protecting immigrant rights.

•Successfully lobbied the Human Rights Commission to make immigration status a protected class.

•Contributed to passing 2021 state bills:

Dignity Not Detention Act and Maryland Driver Privacy Act

2021-2022 Goals and Plans

•Protect the Liberty Act from getting repealed in 2022

•Support the Howard County Council representatives Liz Walsh and Deb Jung who spearheaded immigrant rights legislation

•Join with other Indivisible groups nationally to advocate for pro-immigrant policies.

•Work to dispel negative myths about immigrants and educate the public about their positive contributions in Howard County and nationwide.

who we are

Mission and objectives

Make Howard County a safe and supportive environment for immigrants. The team hopes to raise public awareness of immigrants’ and refugees’ rights and concerns in order to promote compassionate legislation.