Bill Text: AZ HCM2012 | 2014 | Fifty-first Legislature 2nd Regular | Introduced
Bill Title: Comprehensive immigration reform; urging Congress
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-02-18 - Referred to House JUD Committee [HCM2012 Detail]
Download: Arizona-2014-HCM2012-Introduced.html
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REFERENCE TITLE: comprehensive immigration reform; urging Congress |
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State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-first Legislature Second Regular Session 2014
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HCM 2012 |
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Introduced by Representatives Quezada, Steele
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A CONCURRENT MEMORIAL
Urging the United States Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
To the Congress of the United States of America:
Your memorialist respectfully represents:
Whereas, Arizona's identity is defined by its promise of equality, esteem for diversity and commitment to innovation; and
Whereas, Arizona and America have prospered because of the contributions of hardworking, aspiring citizens; and
Whereas, we believe in the human dignity of all Arizonans, regardless of immigration status, and recognize the importance of immigrants' many contributions to the social and economic fabric of the state; and
Whereas, becoming a citizen in the United States means taking a solemn oath to uphold our nation's Constitution; and
Whereas, citizenship is an important symbol of full membership and participation in society that should be encouraged, not barred; and
Whereas, keeping families together not only is the right thing to do but is also good for the economy because families provide a base of support that increases worker productivity and spurs entrepreneurship; and
Whereas, immigration enforcement will be much more efficient and effective once the number of undocumented immigrants in our midst is reduced due to immigration reform; and
Whereas, America's current immigration system is dysfunctional, harms our economy and does not reflect our state or national values; and
Whereas, immigration is a federal responsibility and a comprehensive approach to solve our broken immigration system would strengthen our state and nation's economy and free aspiring citizens to make an even greater contribution to our communities; and
Whereas, the federal government's inability to enact immigration reform has created severe economic, cultural and political strains in Arizona and in communities across America; and
Whereas, immigration reform must occur in a comprehensive, thoughtful manner that builds the strength and unity of working people, keeps families together and guarantees the same rights, obligations and basic fairness for all workers, no matter where they come from; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform must include a realistic pathway to citizenship for all hardworking, taxpaying, aspiring citizens who live in the United States if they meet reasonable requirements; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform must provide a mechanism for aspiring citizens who have grown up in this country to become citizens and be able to fully contribute to our joint future; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform must update the legal immigration system so that the future flow of immigrant workers more realistically matches our nation's labor needs and is structured to protect the wages and working conditions of United States and immigrant workers; and
Whereas, any new worker visa program must provide for strict compliance with United States labor standards and wage and hour standards, portability of visas so that workers can change jobs and the ability for workers to petition for permanent residency; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform must reduce the unreasonable wait times and arbitrary rules that keep families separated from their loved ones; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform enforcement provisions must restore respect for law by promoting strict adherence to our nation's values, including due process, civil and human rights, accountability and proportionality; and
Whereas, internal and border law enforcement should focus on preventing criminals, drug cartels and other bad actors from entering the United States or engaging in criminal activities; and
Whereas, this state supports a comprehensive immigration reform bill that keeps families together, upholds our values as a nation, promotes economic growth and provides a long-term solution to the immigration system; and
Whereas, our elected officials must create an immigration process that strengthens our nation's economy and lets aspiring citizens continue their contributions to our communities.
Wherefore your memorialist, the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring, prays:
1. That the Members of the 113th United States Congress enact comprehensive immigration reform as outlined in this resolution that addresses the following:
(a) Earned legalization with a path to citizenship.
(b) Updated future immigration of families and workers.
(c) Improved immigration enforcement and border security that is consistent with our nation's values.
2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit a copy of this Memorial to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.
