Advocating for Immigrant Protections in Annapolis

On February 24, ten leaders from the Maryland Just Power Alliance met with our State Senators and Delegates and attended a hearing to support the Data Privacy Act (SB0504).

This bill would close loopholes to protect personal data in Maryland state databases like driver’s license records from being shared with ICE.

Protecting data privacy is important for all Maryland residents. The Data Privacy Act will ensure people can enroll their children in school, access healthcare, and apply for public benefits without fear of being tracked down by ICE. 

Leslie Sussan, a retired lawyer and judge, shared in her testimony, "The government can only function when residents have basic trust that it is asking only for necessary information and is using it only in authorized ways." 

It was powerful to see our team so well represented and to support our allies who are also organizing for this bill. Our meetings were positive, but there’s still work to be done. Email your legislators to support the Data Privacy Act here:

While we were meeting with legislators, we also talked with them about the “Bring Back Main Street” housing bill and how this will create more housing opportunities and more connected communities.

Great work, team!

Learn more about the statewide policies we support here: