REFERENCE TITLE: principles; immigration discussion

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fiftieth Legislature First Regular Session 2011

HCR 2038

Introduced by Representative Ableser

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

declaring principles to guide immigration discussion.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That in discussing immigration issues the citizens of this state should be guided by the following principles:

1.  Immigration is a federal policy issue between the United States government and other countries, not Arizona and other countries.  Arizona's congressional delegation, and others, should lead efforts to strengthen federal laws and protect our national borders and state leaders should adopt reasonable policies addressing immigrants in Arizona.

2.  We respect the rule of law and support the professional judgment and discretion of law enforcement authorities.  Local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not civil violations of the federal code.

3.  Strong families are the foundation of successful communities.  We oppose policies that unnecessarily separate families.  We champion policies that support families and improve the health, education and well-being of all Arizona children.

4.  Arizona is best served by a free-market philosophy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity.  We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers and taxpayers.  Arizona's immigration policies must reaffirm our global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly state.

5.  Immigrants are integrated into communities across Arizona.  We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion.  The way we treat immigrants says more about us as a free society and less about our immigrant neighbors.  Arizona should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill.