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With immigration reform discussions heating up in Congress, Colorlines.com reports on the impacts of criminalization and harsh immigration enforcement on the prison population.

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Show solidarity with Rhode Island to say we must end racial profiling in all communities. Watch Chanravy’s story , watch 

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What may have started as a well-intentioned plan to save the state of Virginia money and let low-level lawbreakers off the hook has turned into a nightmare for Prince William County’s immigrant community.

Since 2010, prosecutors across Virginia have automatically waived jail time for minor misdemeanors, allowing judges, in turn, to waive defendants’ right to a legal counsel. Under this new system, those accused of minor offenses, like marijuana possession, can simply plead guilty, pay small fines or comply with light penalties, and return to their lives as usual.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Keith Rushing, Communications Director, krushing@rightsworkinggroup, (p) 202.591.3305, (c) 202.557.4291

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Keith Rushing, Communications Director, krushing@rightsworkinggroup, (p) 202.591.3305, (c) 202.557.4291

January 28, 2013, Washington, D.C. -- Rights Working Group (RWG) applauds the bi-partisan senators’ decision to release principles for immigration reform that recognize the need to establish a pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented migrants that would bring them out of the shadows and into the fabric of society.