H.J.R. 15
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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This joint resolution of the Legislature expresses support for the Utah Compact.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
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 Special Clauses:
16 None
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18 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
19 WHEREAS, the Utah Compact is a declaration of five principles to guide Utah's
20 immigration discussion;
21 WHEREAS, the Utah Compact is being supported by numerous business and religious
22 leaders;
23 WHEREAS, immigration is a federal policy issue between the United States and other
24 countries, not Utah and other countries;
25 WHEREAS, Utah's congressional delegation and others at the federal level should lead
26 efforts to strengthen federal laws and protect the nation's borders;
27 WHEREAS, reasonable policies should be adopted in Utah to address immigrants in
28 the state;
29 WHEREAS, the rule of law and law enforcement officers' professional judgment and
30 discretion should be supported;
31 WHEREAS, local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not
32 civil violations of federal laws;
33 WHEREAS, strong families are the foundation of successful communities, and policies
34 that unnecessarily separate families should be opposed;
35 WHEREAS, policies that support families and improve the health, education, and
36 well-being of all Utah children should be supported;
37 WHEREAS, Utah is best served by a free market philosophy that maximizes individual
38 freedom and opportunity;
39 WHEREAS, immigrants play an important economic role as workers and taxpayers,
40 and Utah's immigration policies should reaffirm the state's global reputation as a welcoming
41 and business-friendly state;
42 WHEREAS, a humane approach should be adopted that acknowledges the reality that
43 immigrants are integrated into communities across Utah and reflect our unique culture, history,
44 and spirit of inclusion;
45 WHEREAS, the way Utah's citizens treat immigrants will say more about us as a free
46 society and less about our immigrant neighbors; and
47 WHEREAS, Utah should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill:
48 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
49 expresses its support for the Utah Compact and its guiding principles, which can positively
50 impact the tone of the immigration discussion within the state.
51 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah League
52 of Cities and Towns and the Utah Association of Counties.
Legislative Review Note
as of 1-29-14 4:24 PM