Bill Text: AZ SCM1007 | 2015 | Fifty-second Legislature 1st Regular | Introduced

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Bill Title: Comprehensive immigration reform; urging Congress

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-01-27 - Referred to Senate FMFR Committee [SCM1007 Detail]

Download: Arizona-2015-SCM1007-Introduced.html

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REFERENCE TITLE: comprehensive immigration reform; urging Congress

 

 

 

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-second Legislature

First Regular Session

2015

 

 

SCM 1007

 

Introduced by

Senator Quezada; Representatives Andrade, Cardenas: Senator Cajero Bedford; Representatives Fernandez, Rios, Velasquez

 

 

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's and nation's economies and free aspiring citizens to make even greater contributions 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, the 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 Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:

1.  That the Members of the 114th 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.