Placing Effective Telephone Calls
You will often find that as bills move through the legislative process, there simply isn't enough time to write your legislators, or schedule an appointment to visit them prior to a key vote. When you need to get in touch with your legislator immediately to let him know of your position on immigration issues, your telephone calls become the most effective means for you to communicate your views to your lawmakers. Below are several tips for you to refer to when placing your calls.

1) Identify yourself as a Constituent! As someone who lives and votes in the lawmaker's district or state, your phone calls carry the most weight. Calls to representatives outside your district or state are helpful as well, however, be sure to contatct your own legislators first.

2) State Your Point Quickly and Clearly! Be sure to limit your telephone call to one subject. Be brief but specific- your phone call should last only a few minutes. Let them know why you're calling, giving a bill number if possible. REMEMBER: ALWAYS BE COURTEOUS! NEVER threaten or use abusive language. This only discredits you and hurts our mutual cause.

3) Request That Your Legislator Follow Up Your Call With a Letter! Be sure to give your name and home address and request that your legislator follow up your phone call with a letter or personal note. You took the time to call, have your legislator take the time to respond. Get his position in writing on issues important to you!

4) Do Not Identify Yourself With Any Group or Affliation
Unfortunately, many pro-immigration politicians are under the impression that these calls are being generated by nativist groups and talk radio and that we only say what we have been told. Only identify yourself with groups that will enhance your credibility as a citizen in good standing as well as a voting constituent, mention if you are a community or business leader, PTA, VFW, American Legion member, or homemaker, lawmakers will find it harder to dismiss your call as "talk radio / nativist propoganda".