Bill Text: MI HCR0015 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to take action on immigration reform.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-04-24 - Adopted By Senate - Referred To The Clerk For Record [HCR0015 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-HCR0015-Engrossed.html
HCR15, As Adopted by Senate, April 24, 2018
Reps. Lilly, Vaupel, Rabhi, Inman, LaGrand, Pagel, McCready, Marino, Roberts, Webber, Maturen, Brann, VanSingel, VerHeulen, Lucido, Kesto, Iden, VanderWall, Bizon, Sheppard, LaSata, Calley, Sabo, Camilleri, Brinks, Miller, Hammoud, Bellino, Singh, Crawford, Tedder, Howrylak, Garcia, Moss, Yaroch, Schor, Chang, Wittenberg, Ellison, Sneller, Hoadley, Green, Greig, Jones, Kosowski, Leutheuser, Lasinski, Afendoulis, Frederick, Allor and Elder offered the following concurrent resolution:
House Concurrent Resolution No. 15.
A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to take action on immigration reform.
Whereas, Shortly after our Founding Fathers crafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and we became an independent, self-governing nation, immigration and naturalization policies were enacted to govern the stream of foreign nationals who sought out this great nation. Over the course of our country's history, the Congress and President of the United States have updated these policies in response to domestic and world events and economic evolution; and
Whereas, Michigan has continued to welcome more and more immigrant families to our state. In 1990, foreign-born residents in Michigan accounted for 3.8 percent of the population. By 2015, that figure had increased to 6.6 percent. According to 2014 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the state of Michigan ranks 15th nationally in the number of foreign-born residents; and
Whereas, Immigrants are indispensable to a healthy state economy, and their contributions are substantial. Immigrants account for approximately 7.2 percent of Michigan's workforce. One-third of Michigan's Fortune 500 companies were formed by immigrants or their children. These firms generate $186.4 billion annually and employ 400,000 individuals around the world. Immigrants are also indispensable to Michigan's farming community, accounting for 58 percent of the economic impact of the state's farming sector; and
Whereas, Everyday Americans have become increasingly frustrated with the current immigration and naturalization system. Organizations and leaders from across the ideological spectrum—spanning from business groups to faith leaders and from educators to human service organizations—agree that a comprehensive approach is necessary to resolve the country's long-standing immigration and naturalization problems; and
Whereas, A 21st-century nation requires 21st-century immigration and naturalization policies. For too long, comprehensive immigration reform has been an unaddressed priority of both political parties and in many states, including the state of Michigan. The absence of such reform leaves in place a patchwork of policies that creates confusion, uncertainty, and fear within immigrant communities and for employers, universities, and congregations of various faiths. Moreover, our nation's imperfect immigration system dampens tourism and burdens our state and local governments with high enforcement and legal costs. Only a bipartisan solution to our nation's immigration woes will ensure that our nation's physical and economic well-being are secure; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to take action on immigration reform; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
