February 17, 2000
 
The Honorable  (first name last name
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC
 

Dear Representative (last name),

Churches for Middle East Peace urges your support of HR2121, "The Secret Evidence Repeal Act" which would put an end to the practice of withholding evidence from immigrants facing deportation and their attorneys.  This bill was introduced by David Bonior (D-MI) and Tom Campbell (R-CA.)

Our opposition to this portion of the "anti-terrorism" legislation was expressed in a letter on April 27, 1995.  Along with the civil liberties and
human rights groups who signed that letter to Members of Congress were many of the member churches and church-affiliated agencies that are associated with Churches for Middle East Peace. We continue our commitment to the right of the accused, including non-citizens "to see and challenge any evidence that would be used against them in a deportation proceeding."  The efforts of the United States government to prevent terrorism should not involve compromise of our most cherished constitutional rights.

We are deeply concerned that some individuals who are facing deportation on the basis of secret evidence have been incarcerated without charge for nearly three years.  That this practice has been applied almost exclusively to Arabs and Muslims raises additional and very serious concerns.  The use of secret evidence in those cases brings suspicion of discriminatory practices based on an individual's ethnicity and religion.

Your support for HR2121 would be greatly appreciated.  

Sincerely,

James H. Matlack                  Corinne Whitlatch
Chair                                     Director