2009-12

Comprehensive Immigration Reform During 111th Congress

Representative Ben Miranda (AZ)

WHEREAS, Congress is burdened by the ongoing, poor policy toward immigrants, an overburdened
naturalization process and scape-goating of immigrants to block otherwise sound policy;

WHEREAS, The recent Vitter-Bennet amendment to the Senate, debate over treatment of immigrants in
federal health reform and debates of its kind are blockages to good policy for all of America;

WHEREAS, Immigration reform is necessary to the continued economic and social development of
America. Immigrants are an economic boon, add rich cultural diversity and increase the vitality of the
American economy;

WHEREAS, The states, cities and towns of America are a melting pot of cultures and nationalities based
on our nation’s history of welcoming immigrants from around the world. Our immigrant forebears and those
living here now strengthen the economic, social, and civic foundations of our country and bring vitality to
state and local communities around the U.S. Reforming the nation’s immigration system is an important component of ensuring America’s sustained economic recovery;

WHEREAS, As state and local officials, we acknowledge that immigrants are part of the fabric of American life. When admitted through a well-regulated system, immigrants strengthen the United States by creating economic opportunities, increasing America’s scientific and cultural resources, strengthening our ties with other nations, fulfilling humanitarian commitments, and supporting family ties and family values that are necessary to build strong communities;

WHEREAS, Immigration reform must be comprehensive and include: improving the economic situation of all workers in the United States; legalizing the status of undocumented immigrants working and living in the United States; reforming visa programs to keep families together, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring that future immigration is regulated and controlled rather than illegal and chaotic; implementing smart, effective enforcement measures targeted at the worst violators of immigration and labor laws; prioritizing
immigrant integration into our communities and country; and respecting the due process rights of all in the United States;

WHEREAS, A fair means for undocumented immigrants to become full contributing members of our society. Requiring undocumented immigrants to come forward, register and get on a path to full legal
status and eventual citizenship would help restore the rule of law, eliminate exploitation of immigrant
workers, and strengthen opportunities for all workers, including native U.S. workers;

WHEREAS, The financial impact of new immigrants on state and local governments must be recognized
as part of a comprehensive approach. The federal government should provide local governments with
financial and technical assistance in providing social services, health care, education, language services,
and civic integration;

WHEREAS, immigration reform should allow individuals deported for non serious felony status to obtain legal status;

WHEREAS The cost of legalization should not unduly burden an individual or his family from applying for
legal status;

WHEREAS, serious felonies that limit an individual from obtaining legal status should be limited to crimes
against children, violent crimes committed against individuals and sale of quantity illegal drugs;

WHEREAS, Minor children should be allowed to immigrate under a family petition at no cost;

WHEREAS, All individuals with a minimum of 5 years total residence in the US should qualify to obtain
legal status;

WHEREAS, All individuals regardless of duration in the US who can demonstrate employability should be
allowed to obtain a work permit with possibility of legal permanent legal status;

WHEREAS, All US employers desiring to immigrate individuals on work permits should prioritize available
labor currently residing in the US without legal status;

WHEREAS, The states, cities and towns of America are a melting pot of cultures and nationalities based
on our nation’s history of welcoming immigrants from around the world. Our immigrant forebears and those
living here now strengthen the economic, social, and civic foundations of our country and bring vitality to
state and local communities around the U.S. Reforming the nation’s immigration system is an important component of ensuring America’s sustained economic recovery;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, let it be resolved, that the National Hispanic Caucus of State
Legislators calls on the US Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform during the 111th
Congress;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that comprehensive immigration reform is central to America’s economic
recovery, sustainable reform of the health care system leading to a healthier America and reduction of partisanship and wasted time and money;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that comprehensive immigration reform must legalize the status of
undocumented immigrants in the United States by fairly and uniformly providing a path to citizenship and removing the legal limbo in which millions of tax-paying persons are held out of full participation in the American system;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the US Congress and to the President.

This resolution was adopted and ratified at the NHCSL 2009 annual meeting held in Santa Monica, California, November 21, 2009.