A HOUSE RESOLUTION supporting comprehensive immigration reform.
Whereas, citizenship is an important symbol of full membership and participation in society that should be encouraged, not barred; and
Whereas, North Carolina and America have prospered because of the contributions of hardworking, aspiring citizens; and
Whereas, America has a long and rich heritage of immigration, but our current immigration system is broken; and
Whereas, the United States immigration laws have not been updated in 20 years, and there are few avenues available for legal immigration; and
Whereas, the federal government's inability to enact immigration reform has created severe economic, cultural, and political strains in North Carolina and in communities across America; and
Whereas, Congress has discussed immigration reform, yet little progress has been made. Much of the concern surrounds the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform policies should accomplish and balance several goals that are in the best interest of the nation, restoring public confidence in a system of laws that promotes national security and public safety; and
Whereas, our nation's immigration system should effectively and fairly regulate how immigrants are allowed to enter, work, and live in the United States; and
Whereas, comprehensive immigration reform should 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 should 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 should 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, comprehensive immigration reform enforcement provisions should restore respect for the law by promoting strict adherence to our nation's values, including due process, civil and human rights, and accountability; and
Whereas, the federal government has the exclusive authority to develop, implement, and enforce immigration policy under the United States Constitution, and the regulation of immigration is solely the responsibility of the federal government; and
Whereas, the United States must provide resources for immigration enforcement and implement enforcement measures that will accomplish these goals in an effective and humane manner; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives urges Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, the Majority and Minority Leader of the United States Senate, and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of Congress elected from the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.