1     
HOUSE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HUMANE RESPONSE

2     
TO REFUGEE CRISIS

3     
2019 GENERAL SESSION

4     
STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Jennifer Dailey-Provost

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7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This House resolution urges a humane response to the immigration crisis at the
10     U.S.-Mexico border.
11     Highlighted Provisions:
12          This resolution:
13          ▸     recognizes the plight of millions of people who fled their country seeking relief
14     from civil conflict or other hardships; and
15          ▸     opposes separating children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border.
16     Special Clauses:
17          None
18     

19     Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the state of Utah:
20          WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice has adopted a zero tolerance policy toward
21     individuals apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border, which calls for the criminal prosecution of
22     all migrants entering the United States outside of ports of entry;
23          WHEREAS, the effects of this policy have been costly, unnecessarily punitive, and
24     harmful to family units;
25          WHEREAS, on June 19, 2018, officials confirmed, in compliance with this policy, that
26     2,342 children had been separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border between May 5
27     and June 9, 2018 (an average of 65 children each day);

28          WHEREAS, it has been reported that children have been held at the U.S.-Mexico
29     border in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions beyond the legally mandated 72-hour period;
30          WHEREAS, many of the affected families are fleeing violence in their home countries
31     and it is inhumane to punish them for seeking asylum in the United States;
32          WHEREAS, immigrants claiming refugee status have a right under U.S. law to due
33     process and the United Nations has taken a position that the zero tolerance policy violates
34     international law;
35          WHEREAS, the zero tolerance policy that has separated children from their families
36     has threatened the moral core of our nation;
37          WHEREAS, forced family separation and the intentional infliction of injury on children
38     are reprehensible and contrary to American values;
39          WHEREAS, Utah supports, values, and respects immigrants regardless of their
40     immigration status;
41          WHEREAS, Utah believes that families, including immigrant families, are a core and
42     vital building block of the community;
43          WHEREAS, Utah believes in the words of Emma Lazarus, etched on a plaque at the
44     Statue of Liberty, Mother of Exiles, "Give me your tired, your poor...Your huddled masses
45     yearning to breathe free...Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me...";
46          WHEREAS, Utah is a state founded and populated by individuals fleeing violence and
47     persecution, and consequently has a rich history of being a place of refuge;
48          WHEREAS, Utah recognizes that children growing up without their parents suffer
49     lasting negative impacts on their development and future success;
50          WHEREAS, the long-term negative psychological effects of family separation have
51     significant and long-term consequences;
52          WHEREAS, various private, public, and faith communities have a long standing
53     commitment to supporting policies that encourage keeping families whole; and
54          WHEREAS, Utah has a long and rich history of prioritizing policies that keep families
55     intact and healthy:
56          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representative of the state
57     of Utah recognizes with great concern and compassion the plight of millions of people around
58     the world who have fled their homes seeking relief from civil conflict or other hardships.

59          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Utah supports a humane response to the
60     immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
61          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Utah affirms the rights of all families, regardless of
62     immigration status to be together and strongly opposes separating children from their families
63     at the U.S.-Mexico border.
64          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to members of the
65     Utah congressional delegation, the President of the United States, U.S. Department of Justice,
66     U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Governor of this state.