Dear Friends and Allies,
As we move deeper into this year’s legislative cycle, the urgency before us is unmistakable. Our work has always been rooted in one truth: Policies are Personal. They don’t live in abstract chambers or distant debates—they live in our classrooms, homes, hospitals, and on the streets where our communities rise each day with resilience.
Today, we are sounding the alarm.
The 2025 Louisiana legislative session has introduced a series of proposals that seek to undermine the rights and humanity of immigrant communities across the state. Among them, House Bill 436 stands as one of the most troubling.
Take a moment to explore our upcoming initiatives, and join us in shaping what comes next.
B 436 – When Pain Is Ignored and Justice Is Withheld!
Rep. Gabe Firement: HB 436
Scheduled for hearing earlier today at 9:30 AM, HB 436 proposes that undocumented individuals should be denied the right to recover civil damages after an accident, even when they are the victims. That includes compensation for lost income, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Let us be clear:
- This bill targets workers, parents, and children who are already surviving on the margins.
- It tells survivors of violence and negligence that their pain is inadmissible.
- It creates a two-tier system of justice where immigration status determines the value of a human life.
We ask: What happens when a mother is hit by a drunk driver and left unable to work?
What is the message when a trafficked child is denied justice because of their status??
This bill is not about protecting Louisianans. It is about erasing the rights of those who live among us—contribute to us—yet remain most vulnerable to harm.
B 436 – HB 436 Is Not Alone
We are actively tracking and opposing several bills this session that, collectively, seek to criminalize presence,
restrict access, and silence voices. These include:
Rep.Mike Bayham
H.B. 303 – Mandating citizenship checks before accessing public services
Proposes the creation of a Fugitive
Apprehension Unit within the Louisiana Department of Justice, specifically under the Office of the Attorney General. The
unit would be staffed with state-commissioned peace officers and tasked with working alongside local, state, and federal
law enforcement agencies—including ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service—to track down and apprehend individuals labeled as
“fugitives.”
Sen. Jon Morris
SB 15 – Criminalizing Support for Immigrant Communities
Specifically, SB 15 amends existing laws concerning obstruction of justice and malfeasance in office. Under this bill,
refusing or delaying cooperation with immigration authorities—even in matters of public health, safety, education, or
community trust—could result in criminal charges. This broad criminalization risks punishing essential human rights
protections, community advocacy, and basic acts of kindness and moral duty.
Rep. Chance Henry
H.B. 307 – Forcing local jurisdictions to comply with federal immigration enforcement
Proposes that any individual applying for federal, state, or local public benefits must have their citizenship or
immigration status verified by a state agency or political subdivision. If that individual is found not to be a U.S.
citizen or a qualified immigrant under federal law, the bill requires two actions:
- The individual must be reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Any recurring public benefits must be terminated.
Sen. Blake Miquez
H.B. 100 – creates the “State Services and Benefits Legal Status and Accountability Act.”
It requires state agencies—including the Departments of Health, Education, Revenue, Children and Family Services, and others—to:
- Determine the immigration status of every individual receiving state services.
- Label recipients as “illegal aliens” or “unaccompanied alien children.”
- Tally and report the total cost of services given to these individuals annually.
- Publicly publish that data online and report it to the Governor and Legislature.
- Risk budget penalties for noncompliance.
Rep. Dixon McMakin
H.B. 554 – Mandates “Restriction Codes” on Licenses/IDs for Non-Citizens
Anyone lawfully present in the U.S. but not a citizen (e.g., green card holders, refugees, asylees, DACA recipients)
must have a visible “restriction code” on their Louisiana driver’s license or state ID.
Sen. Alan Seabaugh
S.B. 74 – Prohibiting state-funded legal representation for immigrants
If passed, this bill would Transfers 15-year-olds charged with certain felonies out of juvenile courts into adult
courts, removing the DA’s discretion and pushing kids into harsher systems.
Remember – Advocacy begins with awareness.
Make a Plan. Know Your Ballot. Show Up for Your Community.
This May, Louisiana voters will shape the future of our neighborhoods—from who leads our local government to how our
schools and courts operate. With critical positions and propositions on the ballot in many parishes, informed voting is
more important than ever.
Use the tools at your fingertips:
- Check the map to see what’s on the ballot in your parish
- Download the GeauxVote app or visit GeauxVote.com to view your personalized sample ballot
- Mark your calendar and vote early between April 19–26 or on Election Day, May 3
When we vote informed, we vote empowered. Let’s raise turnout, raise awareness, and raise our voices for equity and
representation.
Know Your Rights: Rapid Response Trainings That Protect and Empower
In moments of uncertainty, information can be the difference between fear and freedom. That’s why our Community
Wellbeign Trainings are more than just sessions—they are lifelines of protection for immigrant and refugee communities
across Louisiana.
Whether it’s a traffic stop, a workplace raid, or an unexpected knock at the door, families deserve to know how to
respond, who to contact, and what their legal rights are.
MAKE YOUR REQUEST– We are here to assist you!
Help Us Keep Showing Up for Our Communities
Your gift helps us meet the moment—and build a movement.
Summer With Purpose: YES to Their Summer!
“Every child|youth deserves a summer filled with joy, discovery, and a sense of belonging.”Make this become a reality by
donating today!
Help us say YES to more campers this year:
Every year, World Refugee and Immigrant Day serves as a powerful global reminder of the courage it takes to flee danger, the strength it requires to rebuild a life, and the hope that thrives in the face of adversity.
At LORI, we transform that reminder into a celebration—a vibrant, community-powered day of recognition, storytelling, and unity.
This June 21, join us in the heart of Baton Rouge as we amplify the voices, contributions, and dreams of refugees and immigrants across Louisiana and beyond.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Catholic Life Center, South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Why It Matters
In a time when migration continues to be politicized and human dignity challenged, World Refugee and Immigrant Day is an affirmation of belonging. It’s a moment to educate, to celebrate, and to organize for a future rooted in equity, inclusion, and compassion.
This event is not just a celebration—it’s a statement of solidarity. A call to recognize the contributions of newcomers and stand together for a more just society.
Be Part of the Movement
Whether you’re a long-time advocate, a newly arrived family, or a neighbor seeking connection, you belong here. Let us honor the journey, uplift our communities, and imagine what’s possible when we move together.
Register : (Local Organizations|Nations Representation|Performance|Resource)
Volunteer Opportunities: Sign-Up
Donate: Here Sponsorship: Here
Before we gather on June 21, take a moment to witness the heart behind the celebration—a story of resilience, hope, and belonging. This video reflects the journey of many who continue to shape our communities.
Your Support Makes All We Do Possible
None of what we do is possible without the generosity, partnership, and belief of people like you.
As we continue to stand with and for Louisiana’s refugee and immigrant communities, we invite you to keep walking
with us— investing in a future where every person finds safety, opportunity, and a true sense of belonging.
Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities—one story, one policy, one act of kindness at a time.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Stay informed and get involved.
LORI CARES