Resolution 110313

..Title Authorizing City Council's Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings on immigration reform and the Pennsylvania Compact. ..Body WHEREAS, Philadelphia has a diverse mix of immigrants and refugees. Among similar regions, the Philadelphia region has the largest and fastest growing immigration population, which now stands at over 500,000; and WHEREAS, Much of the information about undocumented immigrants and immigration reform is erroneous and designed to raise fears and concerns rather than facts about immigration reform; and WHEREAS, Although immigration reform is a federal issue, many jurisdictions, including cities and states, have introduced and/or passed legislation that in many cases contradicts federal law. Currently, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has numerous bills before the General Assembly that target immigrants and which violate federal law and precedent; and WHEREAS, It is in our collective best interest as a City, Commonwealth and Nation to develop a common-sense approach to immigration reform that includes smart and effective border enforcement, promotes economic security and is a rational approach to the undocumented population, and protects the rights and security of Americans; and WHEREAS, Advocacy groups including PICC, HIAS and Council, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, the Pennsylvania ACLU, the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, Interfaith Alliance of PA, Esperanza, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and the Mennonite Central Committee have worked together to develop The Pennsylvania Compact, a declaration of five principles to guide Pennsylvania's immigration discussion and policy making; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That authority be given to the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings on immigration reform in Philadelphia and adoption of The Pennsylvania Compact. THE PENNSYLVANIA COMPACT A DECLARATION OF FIVE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE PENNSYLVANIA'S IMMIGRATION DISCUSSION AND POLICY MAKING FEDERAL SOLUTIONS Immigration is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government and other countries-not Pennsylvania and other countries. We urge Pennsylvania's congressional delegation, and others, to lead efforts to ensure smart and effective enforcement of federal laws that protect our national borders. We urge state leaders to adopt reasonable policies addressing immigrants in Pennsylvania. LAW ENFORCEMENT We respect the rule of law and support law enforcement's professional judgment and discretion. Local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not civil violations of federal code. FAMILIES 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 Pennsylvania residents. ECONOMY Pennsylvania is best served by a well balanced free market that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity. We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers and taxpayers. Pennsylvania has the third oldest population in the nation and many young immigrant families have replenished our workforce and have acted as caretakers for our elderly and children. Pennsylvania's immigration policies must be fair and friendly both to businesses and workers who choose to establish themselves here, in order to strengthen our economic role nationally and globally. A FREE AND WELCOMING SOCIETY The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has attracted diverse groups of people from many nations and various walks of life, all seeking liberty and prosperity. It was in this spirit that the United States of America was founded - in Pennsylvania. We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion-as envisioned by our founder William Penn. The way that we treat newcomers sends a message about our state to the rest of the world. ..End James F. Kenney Councilman-At-Large April 28, 2011