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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
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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.