Where We Stand

Immigration Resolution - Passed Oct 3, 2007

Resolution of the Arlington County Democratic Committee in Support of Responsible Immigration Policies for Our Diverse Community

WHEREAS, Arlington County is one of the most diverse communities in America, with recent immigrants from more than 120 countries and foreign-born individuals comprising nearly 28 percent of the population;

WHEREAS, our diversity is an important reason why our community remains so strong and vibrant;

WHEREAS, as noted by the County Manager in his Memorandum of September 11, 2007, during our recent period of rapidly expanding diversity, Arlington has experienced the lowest crime rates in its history, the most rapid increases in property values in its history, some of the finest schools in the nation, full employment, extensive private commercial investment and the lowest tax rate among major jurisdictions in Northern Virginia;

WHEREAS, on the national, state and local level, Republican activists have resorted to anti-immigrant demagoguery in pursuit of electoral gain;

WHEREAS, enforcement of immigration law is a responsibility of the federal government, and the Bush Administration has failed to effectively enforce the law and adopt responsible immigration policies;

WHEREAS, other local jurisdictions have adopted policies motivated by xenophobia and political pandering – policies that create distrust and divisiveness and divert scarce public resources, thus hindering government’s delivery of essential services and the performance of its core functions; and

WHEREAS, Arlington thrives and prospers with responsible policies that provide protection for its people and help to those in need, while promoting respect for and enforcement of the rule of law and the successful integration of immigrants into our community.

NOW THEREFORE, on this 3rd day of October, 2007, it is hereby resolved that the Arlington County Democratic Committee:

Rejects political appeals to prejudice against immigrants, and further rejects government policies directed toward immigrants that retard rather than increase government’s ability to provide for the health, safety, education and welfare of all people;

Commends the Arlington County Government for its responsible policies for our diverse community; and

Lauds the County Board for its recent Resolution Supporting Arlington’s Newcomers and its leadership on this important issue.

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Arlington County Board Affirms Support for Immigrants
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Communications/57754.aspx

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