[Guadalajara, Jal. August 13, 2020] The Rhizome Center for Migrants and a coalition of more than 220 national advocacy organizations, and more than 125 national, state, and local drug policy, criminal justice reform, and civil rights organizations signed a letter of support for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act.

In 2013, simple marijuana possession was one of the top causes of deportation and the most common cause of deportation for drug law violations. Today, marijuana criminalization, even for the most minor convictions, continues to be a driver of family separation in the immigration system. 

The MORE Act would remove marijuana as a Schedule I federal controlled substance, while leaving states free to enact their own laws. Any immigrant who violated a state law would face criminal penalty but would not be deported for possessing marijuana. The MORE Act also includes provisions to protect immigrants against deportation and other harsh penalties based on their former employment in the industry or conduct relating to marijuana.

The full letter can be viewed here.