HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

67

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 


HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the PREsident of the united states and the united states congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, the United States was founded as a nation of immigrants, a place where persons could escape persecution in their home country in hopes of a brighter future based on freedom and democratic ideals; and

 

     WHEREAS, the cultural diversity of immigrants to the United States adds to the social fabric of this nation, and the new ideas and energies immigrants contribute to the economy strengthen the nation as a whole; and

 

     WHEREAS, there are currently 11,000,000 to 12,000,000 undocumented immigrants residing in the United States, the vast majority of whom abide by the laws, work hard, and pay taxes; and

 

     WHEREAS, undocumented immigrants are at risk of abuse by employers and live in fear of arrest and deportation; and

 

     WHEREAS, the nation's immigration system is laden with backlogs and as a result, legal immigrants may wait decades for family reunification; and

 

     WHEREAS, at present, the "line" for legal immigration is about 4,000,000 people long; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii is home to many immigrants and has a special pride rooted in the diversity of its people as a "cultural melting pot", which defines Hawaii's unique local culture; and
     WHEREAS, Hawaii, therefore, has a strong interest in immigration policy and the impact it has on immigrants seeking a new life in the United States; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, the Senate concurring, that the President of the United States and the United States Congress are urged to enact comprehensive immigration reform and provide a practical and inclusive path to permanent citizenship that promotes fairness and justice, while upholding human dignity and mutual respect; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any meaningful and comprehensive immigration reform should not abridge the rights or priority of those individuals currently in the United States who have been waiting patiently over the years to become United States citizens; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, President of the United States Senate, and members of Hawaii's Congressional delegation.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Immigration Reform; Undocumented Immigrants