Measure 105, one of the measures on the November ballot, would throw out Oregon’s Sanctuary law, which passed more than 30 years ago with overwhelming bi-partisan support. The law provides clear guidance to local police on how to handle immigration issues. The law was introduced to combat racial profiling while keeping the local police focused on protecting communities.

If Measure 105 passes, Oregon will be left without this guidance or any of these important protections. I am proud that Havurah Shalom has made a formal decision to oppose Measure 105. Rabbi Benjamin is an endorser of the IMIrJ voters pamphlet argument in opposition (Look for it when you get your voters pamphlet.). The congregation is an endorser of the Oregonians United Against Profiling Campaign. Some background from the campaign website.

Under Oregon’s sanctuary law:

• Local police can arrest anyone, including undocumented immigrants, for committing crimes. What police cannot do is arrest someone solely based on suspicions about their immigration status.

• Oregon provides fingerprint data for all arrests to the FBI, which notifies the Department of Homeland Security and immigration officials of an arrest.

• Oregon police can hold undocumented immigrants and turn them over to immigration officers if federal officials have obtained a warrant issued by a judge.

For more detailed information about the impacts if Measure 105 passes, see the campaign page here.

There will be opportunities for us to actively participate in the campaign. The Havurah Sanctuary Committee will be sending invitations for training and for get out the vote opportunities such as phone banking and canvasing. Please help when the time comes.

Upcoming Week of Action

A Week of Action will begin August 20. During this week, sessions will be held to train volunteers on campaign messaging and to write letters to the editor of our local papers. Click here for more information and to register. 

Training sessions will be at the AFL-CIO, 3645 SE 32nd Ave, Portland, 6:00–8:30 pm, on August 22, 23 and 24.

- Bob Brown, Co-Chair, Tikkun Olam Committee