H.J.R. 1

1

JOINT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE
2 UTAH COMPACT
3 2013 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Lynn N. Hemingway
6 Senate Sponsor: ____________
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This joint resolution of the Legislature expresses support for the Utah Compact.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . expresses support for the Utah Compact and its guiding principles that can
14 positively impact the tone of the immigration discussion within the state.
15 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
16 None
17 Other Special Clauses:
18 None
19
20 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
21 WHEREAS, the Utah Compact is a declaration of five principles to guide Utah's
22 immigration discussion;
23 WHEREAS, the Utah Compact is being supported by numerous business and religious
24 leaders;
25 WHEREAS, immigration is a federal policy issue between the United States
26 Government and other countries, not Utah and other countries;
27 WHEREAS, Utah's congressional delegation and others at the federal level should lead

28 efforts to strengthen federal laws and protect the nation's borders;
29 WHEREAS, reasonable policies should be adopted in Utah to address immigrants in
30 the state;
31 WHEREAS, the rule of law and law enforcement's professional judgment and
32 discretion should be supported;
33 WHEREAS, local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not
34 civil violations of federal laws;
35 WHEREAS, strong families are the foundation of successful communities, and policies
36 that unnecessarily separate families should be opposed;
37 WHEREAS, policies that support families and improve the health, education, and
38 well-being of all Utah children should be supported;
39 WHEREAS, Utah is best served by a free market philosophy that maximizes individual
40 freedom and opportunity;
41 WHEREAS, immigrants play an important economic role as workers and taxpayers,
42 and Utah's immigration policies should reaffirm the state's global reputation as a welcoming
43 and business friendly state;
44 WHEREAS, a humane approach should be adopted that acknowledges the reality that
45 immigrants are integrated into communities across Utah and reflect our unique culture, history,
46 and spirit of inclusion;
47 WHEREAS, the way Utah's citizens treat immigrants will say more about us as a free
48 society and less about our immigrant neighbors; and
49 WHEREAS, Utah should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill:
50 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
51 expresses its support for the Utah Compact and its guiding principles that can positively impact
52 the tone of the immigration discussion within the state.
53 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah League
54 of Cities and Towns and the Utah Association of Counties.

Legislative Review Note
as of 12-5-12 9:18 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel

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