Amnesty International USA’s grassroots advocates raise human rights priorities with Members of Congress. Use this library to learn about pressing human rights issues in Congress and how to lobby your elected officials. Check back frequently for updates and new actions.
HOW TO USE THE LIBRARY
- Leave Behinds are documents that you will “leave behind” with Members of Congress and/or their staff. Leave Behinds are typically one page and always end with a clear ask for elected officials.
- Backgrounders provide further information on legislation. Backgrounders might contain sensitive information, such as congressional targets, so do not share these documents with the offices of Members of Congress. These documents are only for AIUSA’s grassroots advocates.
- Issue Briefings are informational sessions by AIUSA’s issue experts. This library contains recorded issue briefings, but will also advertise live events scheduled throughout the year.
- Connect with Your Legislative Coordinator! Do not schedule any lobby meetings with the offices of your Members of Congress without first connecting with your state’s AIUSA Legislative Coordinator. Not sure who that is? Email [email protected].
Lobbying Resources
An AFGHAN ADJUSTMENT ACT
Congress must pass an Afghan Adjustment Act to expand humanitarian pathways for Afghans at risk and to establish a roadmap to citizenship for Afghans within the U.S. Afghans fleeing violence and reprisal by the Taliban must have a way to seek safety in the US.
- Leave Behind
- Fact Sheet internal only*
Did you meet with your elected officials on this issue? Let us know how the meeting went!
Last updated November 16th, 2022.
BREAK THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE ACT
Amnesty International is urging the 117th Congress to introduce and pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, which will provide $5 Billion dollars over 8 years to fund evidence-based violence prevention and intervention programs. These programs offer life-changing opportunities and facilitate collaboration among communities of color, hospitals, police and other public institutions.
Did you meet with your elected officials on this issue? Let us know how the meeting went!
Last updated March, 31st, 2021.
CASE WORK
If you are interested in raising the case of an Individual at Risk or Human Rights Defender with any elected official, you must first reach out to [email protected] to coordinate.
Did you meet with your elected officials on an Individual at Risk or Human Rights Defender? Let us know how the meeting went!
CLOSE GUANTÁNAMO BAY DETENTION CENTER
All members of Congress should push to close the Guantánamo Bay Detention Center by limiting any expansion of the detainee population and lifting restrictions on transferring detainees to the U.S. or other countries.
Did you meet with your elected officials on this issue? Let us know how the meeting went!
Last updated April 11th, 2023.
DEFUND HATE
The Everyday, millions of taxpayer dollars are spent to fuel a system that keeps tens of thousands of immigrants and asylum-seekers locked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a sprawling network of over 200 immigration detention facilities while they fight for their right to seek asylum or to stay in the United States. Many more at the southern border are denied their human right to seek asylum by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Members of Congress should use their power of the purse by significantly cutting funds for ICE and CBP. Instead, our taxpayer dollars should be used to keep families and loved ones together and to give our communities the resources they need to thrive.
Last updated April 15th, 2022.
GLOBAL HER ACT
The Global Gag Rule is a dangerous and harmful U.S. foreign policy that blocks global funding for nonprofits and clinics around the world that provide counseling and education on safe abortion. The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act (H.R. 556, S. 142) would permanently end the Global Gag Rule and would allow foreign non-governmental organizations receiving U.S. aid to use non-U.S. funds to address the specific needs of the population, such as HIV prevention and treatment and maternal and child health.
Global HER Act Issue Briefing: February 7th, 2021
Did you meet with your elected officials on this issue? Let us know how the meeting went!
Last updated June 4th, 2021.
SAFE FROM THE START ACT
The Safe from the Start Act would keep women and girls safe from violence, early marriage, and other abuses in emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Act prioritizes prevention and protection from gender-based violence and will make humanitarian assistance more efficient and effective at addressing the needs of the communities it serves.
Did you meet with your elected officials on this issue? Let us know how the meeting went!
Last updated June 4th, 2021.
The Assault Weapons Ban of 2021
Shooters using semi-automatic assault rifles with large- capacity magazines can kill many people in a matter of minutes and pose a significant threat to public safety. Despite the dangers posed by these types of weapons and accessories – exponentially increasing potential violations of human rights – there is no federal law regulating them.
The U.S. must enact laws banning semi- automatic assault rifles, semi-automatic shotguns, semi-automatic submachine guns and large capacity magazines. All Senators should cosponsor and pass The Assault Weapons Ban of 2021, S.736.
Did you meet with your elected officials on this issue? Let us know how the meeting went!
Last updated August 3rd, 2022.