Whereas, the citizens of Arizona have consistently promoted
tolerance and respect for the rights, free speech and lives of all of its
residents, including immigrants and their families, and have consistently
opposed unofficial militias and vigilantism that can lead to confrontation and
violence, as evidenced by Cochise County Resolution 02-102; and
Whereas, civilian patrol
initiatives are contrary to all that the United States and Arizona stand for,
including the presumption that everyone within our country and our state is
here lawfully; and
Whereas, private individuals
associating together to come to our state to assist, in some manner, the
federal authorities in the enforcement of the immigration laws could only be
conducive to antisocial conduct, to unnecessary intrusion on human
relationships, to deleterious misunderstandings and to aggressive behavior,
especially given the documented infiltration of these groups by white
supremacists; and
Whereas, immigrants have
contributed significantly to the strength and economic prosperity of the United
States and of Arizona, and action must be taken to ensure their fair treatment
by employers and protection against fraud and abuse; and
Whereas, fixing the broken
immigration system requires a comprehensive approach that provides for adequate
legal channels for immigration and enforcement of immigration laws that will
serve the economic, social and security interests of the United States; and
Whereas, federal immigration policy
should foster economic growth by allowing willing workers to be matched with
willing employers when no United States worker is available to take a job.
Therefore
Be it resolved by
the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
1. That the Members of
the Legislature oppose individualized groups that are not formally affiliated
with any federal or state law enforcement agency and whose members take it upon
themselves to invade Arizona, allegedly to engage in civilian patrol initiatives
to assist the federal government in enforcing federal immigration laws and
policies.
2. That the Members of
the Legislature declare Arizona to be a "Safety Zone" where all
persons are treated equally, with respect and dignity, regardless of immigration
status.
3. That the Members of
the Legislature express their desire that the United States government adopt
comprehensive immigration reforms that ensure respect and fair treatment of all
persons, foster economic growth and allow for effective enforcement.
4. That the Members of
the Legislature express their desire that the United States government, on
adoption of sensible and comprehensive immigration reforms, begin effective
enforcement of federal immigration laws at the federal level so that Arizona is not forced to shoulder the costs of enforcing federal immigration laws.
5. That the Secretary of
State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Resolution to the
President of the United States, 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.