Kathy Brunet | Oppose HB1709

My name is Kathy Brunet from Durham, NH. I am writing to strongly oppose this bill. Here are my primary concerns: • This bill criminalizes paperwork errors. Immigration status categories are complex and often change due to federal processing delays. Turning a misunderstanding on a housing application into a felony is disproportionate and unjust. • It increases housing instability and homelessness. Fear of legal consequences will discourage families from applying for housing, leading to overcrowding, unsafe living situations, and greater strain on local services. • It affects people who are lawfully present. Refugees, asylees, TPS holders, and parolees are legally admitted under federal authority but may lack easily understood documentation. They should not face criminal risk while navigating federal systems. • It promotes discrimination. Very few landlords are experts in understanding immigration documents, yet they would be required to collect this information, creating confusion and increasing the likelihood of racial and ethnic profiling in housing decisions. • Immigration enforcement is a federal role. This bill shifts immigration screening into the housing process, an area where states lack authority and expertise. • It carries real fiscal costs. Criminal penalties will increase court, correctional, and social service burdens while destabilizing working families who contribute to our communities. Housing stability supports public health, education, employment, and public safety. This bill moves New Hampshire in the opposite direction. For these reasons, I respectfully request an Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) recommendation.