In a bold act of defiance, Sister Therese Bangert took a stand before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee to oppose a resolution urging Governor Laura Kelly to back the immigration enforcement agenda of former President Donald Trump.
With over 60 years of dedication to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Bangert argued that the U.S. immigration system has been flawed for decades.
She emphasized that migrant laborers had long been fulfilling critical jobs in the nation, yet the federal government had failed to provide a clear and accessible path to legal residency or citizenship.
The People Affected
According to Bangert, the Kansas Senate-approved resolution unfairly targeted individuals who, despite lacking immigration documents, are deeply integrated into Kansas communities.
“These are the immigrant women milking cows in western Kansas dairy farms, the men and women working in slaughterhouses, and those roofing homes in my neighborhood. They are vulnerable to deportation,” she stated.
Bangert also expressed concern about the divisive rhetoric often used when discussing immigration policies, saying it fosters hostility towards individuals who contribute significantly to the economy and community.
Lack of Support for the Resolution
At the House hearing, no one appeared to support Senate Concurrent Resolution 1602, nor did anyone present a neutral stance. Rep.
Tom Kessler, the Republican chairman of the committee, mentioned that written testimony in favor of the resolution had been submitted but was not publicly available.
Previously, when the Senate debated the resolution in January, Bangert was denied the opportunity to speak. Sen. Mike Thompson, who sponsored the resolution, insisted that she should have requested permission 24 hours in advance. Meanwhile, Attorney General Kris Kobach and other supporters were allowed to testify freely.
Despite opposition, the Senate approved the resolution with a 31-9 party-line vote, and it was expected to pass in the House with a similar majority.
Divided Opinions in the House Committee
During the House committee hearing, Rep. Susan Ruiz (D-Shawnee) pointed out the lack of in-person supporters for the resolution.
“There is no one here as a proponent, which I find really odd,” Ruiz remarked.
However, Republican lawmakers filled the void by advocating for the use of state resources to assist in border security, including deploying the Kansas National Guard.
While there was no proposal to penalize Kansas businesses employing undocumented workers, Rep. Brian Bergkamp (R-Wichita) compared the need for stronger immigration security to having metal detectors at the Capitol entrance for protection.
“I support immigration, but in a more orderly fashion,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Rep. Kyle McNorton (R-Topeka) dismissed the notion that undocumented immigrants should be considered law-abiding individuals.
“They broke the number one law by crossing the border without permission and are still here,” he asserted.
Counterarguments from Democratic Lawmakers
Democratic lawmakers presented contrasting views, emphasizing the economic and moral consequences of harsh immigration enforcement.
- Rep. Angela Martinez (D-Wichita) highlighted that most undocumented individuals overstayed their visas rather than unlawfully crossing the border.
- She voiced support for deporting criminals but challenged lawmakers to consider what they would do in the face of violence, poverty, and tyranny.
- Rep. John Alcala (D-Topeka) warned about the economic impact of mass deportation, citing data from the National Immigration Law Center (NILC).
| Industry | Number of Undocumented Workers |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 25,000 |
| Food Service | 17,000 |
| Construction | 16,000 |
Alcala noted that in 2020, undocumented workers in Kansas paid over $600 million in state and federal taxes, making their contributions to the economy undeniable.
“How will businesses struggling with labor shortages survive? Can Kansas afford to lose that revenue? I don’t think so,” Alcala questioned.
The Moral and Social Impact
Democratic Rep. Brooklynne Mosley (D-Lawrence) raised concerns about the humanitarian implications of the resolution.
“What happens to the fabric of a community when families start getting ripped apart?” she asked.
Mosley emphasized that beyond economic loss, mass deportations could cause psychological trauma, disrupt communities, and undermine the state’s moral values.
The Kansas immigration enforcement resolution has sparked a fierce debate, with Sister Therese Bangert standing as a lone advocate against it.
While Republicans push for stricter border policies, Democrats warn of economic repercussions and humanitarian concerns.
The House’s decision on the resolution could have far-reaching consequences for Kansas businesses, families, and communities.
FAQs
What is Senate Concurrent Resolution 1602?
It is a resolution urging Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly to support immigration enforcement policies, aligning with Donald Trump’s agenda.
Who is Sister Therese Bangert?
She is a Catholic nun with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, who has advocated for immigrant rights for over 60 years.
Why was Bangert denied the opportunity to speak in the Senate hearing?
Sen. Mike Thompson required speakers to register 24 hours in advance, a rule that was selectively enforced.