The FIRST Act — Immigrant Rights during this Pandemic

We cannot fight this pandemic if we are caging people, effectively encouraging community spread of the virus.

The Federal Immigrant Release for Safety and Security Together (FIRST) Act was introduced in the Senate on April 13, 2020, by Sen. Cory Booker (for himself, Ms. Warren, Ms. Harris, Mr. Sanders, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Ms. Hirono). The Act was subsequently introduced in the House by Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington.

The FIRST Act would require Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release detainees who don’t pose a public safety risk, specifically, those older than 50 or younger than 21, and anyone with a health condition that may make them more vulnerable to contracting coronavirus.

The FIRST Act would also require all detained immigrants to be provided access to soap and other hygiene products, and free phone & video calls to their families and legal representation. The Act also would suspend some ICE enforcement during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and specifically, prohibit enforcement in areas such as medical facilities.

We cannot fight this pandemic if we are simultaneously caging people, effectively encouraging community spread of the virus.

Please write your Congressperson and ask that they support the FIRST Act.