Title
ADOPT: Resolution in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (urges Congress to enact a comprehensive immigration reform that will provide a clear pathway to citizenship)
Body
WHEREAS, immigrants have made valuable contributions to the progress of the United States and enriched the social, economic, cultural and civic life of our nation; and
WHEREAS, the current immigration policy debate has significant implications and lasting potential impacts for San Leandro residents and future generations; and
WHEREAS, nearly 500,000 residents who were born outside of the United States, including an estimated 124,000 of these immigrants, live in Alameda County; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive immigration reform plan should implement a system that provides a clear, fair, and affordable road to citizenship while promoting long-term solutions to the health, safety and economic well-being of all individuals and communities; and
WHEREAS, cities rely on sales tax and other revenue generated by businesses, visitors, and residents, both U.S.- and foreign-born; and the local and Bay Area economies have a need for a quality high-skilled workforce to increase economic competitiveness; and
WHEREAS, the success of the future workforce and economy depend on immigration legislation that will provide equal access to educational opportunities for all children living in the U.S. without the threat of poor economic status or deportation of family members or loved ones, and
WHEREAS, a pathway to citizenship that encourages family reunification, including for same sex-couples, also supports opportunities for workers, their families and employers to grow as well as advance the skill and independence of future generations, and
WHEREAS, the City of San Leandro recognizes the human rights and dignity of all residents, regardless of immigration status, and supports a clear pathway to citizenship that will help more residents qualify for vital, tax saving subsidies through the Affordable Care Act and improve overall public health; and
WHEREAS, a pathway to citizenship will also advance public safety by empowering undocumented citizens to "come out of the shadows" and work collectively with law enforcement to protect communities from harm; and
WHEREAS, the passage of a comprehensive immigration plan by Congress will serve as one of the most important national reform efforts in recent history and also the foundation for the country's growing economy and community health for several generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Leandro recognizes the many contributions of immigrants at the local and national levels and urges the 113th Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform that will provide a clear pathway to citizenship and strengthen the well-being of individuals and communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is directed to send this resolution to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the Unites States Senate, and the Honorable Members of the 113th Congress representing the City of San Leandro.