Bill Text: AZ SCM1007 | 2014 | Fifty-first Legislature 2nd Regular | Introduced
Bill Title: Urging Congress; comprehensive immigration reform
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-02-06 - Referred to Senate GE Committee [SCM1007 Detail]
Download: Arizona-2014-SCM1007-Introduced.html
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REFERENCE TITLE: urging Congress; comprehensive immigration reform |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-first Legislature Second Regular Session 2014
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SCM 1007 |
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Introduced by Senators Gallardo, Dalessandro, Farley, Pancrazi, Tovar: Ableser, Meza; Representative Gallego
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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, President Obama and many in Congress have pledged to advocate for a comprehensive reform of the United States' dysfunctional immigration system; and
Whereas, the nation's identity is strongly associated with its promise of equality, esteem for diversity and commitment to innovation; and
Whereas, the United States is a nation of immigrants, and the migration of peoples and families to this country from all corners of the globe has enriched our culture and enhanced our prosperity; and
Whereas, Arizona has benefited immensely from the contributions of hardworking, aspiring citizens who have crossed our border or have come here from distant lands; and
Whereas, the Members of the Arizona Legislature believe in the human dignity of all Arizona residents, regardless of their immigration status, and recognize the importance of immigrants' numerous contributions to the social and economic fabric of the state; and
Whereas, immigration policy is a federal responsibility, and a comprehensive approach to reforming the United States' immigration policy would strengthen our economy by freeing aspiring citizens to participate more fully and effectively in economic pursuits; and
Whereas, it should be a goal of the immigration system to keep families, now divided or under constant threat of separation, together and stable so that they can provide a base of support to family members in the workforce, increasing worker productivity and spurring entrepreneurship; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform must include a realistic pathway to citizenship for all hardworking, law-abiding and tax-paying immigrants who aspire to become citizens and who meet the requirements of the federal immigration laws; and
Whereas, becoming a citizen of 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; and
Whereas, immigration reform can build strength and unity among working people and will guarantee the same rights, obligations and basic fairness for all workers; and
Whereas, a new immigration system must ensure that the future flow of immigrant workers more realistically mirrors the nation's labor needs; and
Whereas, a new immigration system must be structured to protect the wages and working conditions of all workers; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform must have enforcement mechanisms that restore respect for law by promoting strict adherence to the nation's immigration laws and values of due process, civil and human rights, accountability and proportionality.
Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:
1. That the Members of the 113th United States Congress enact comprehensive immigration reform as outlined in this Memorial that addresses the following:
(a) A path to citizenship.
(b) The creation of a new immigration system that allows immigrant workers and family members to come to the United States in a safe, legal and orderly manner.
(c) Improved immigration enforcement and border security that is consistent with our nation's laws.
2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit a copy of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.
