title
A MOTION to endorse the aim of drawing attention to the importance of immigrant rights of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride.
body
WHEREAS, we affirm the inherent dignity of all people, regardless of color, religion, or immigration status, and expect equality and justice for all, and
WHEREAS, King County is comprised of a large percentage of immigrant and refugees who make vital contributions to our economy, our community and our nation, and
WHEREAS, immigrants are engaged in all sectors in our economy. They include doctors, lawyers and other professionals in all walks of life. Immigrant workers include those who clean offices, care for children and the elderly, work in restaurant and hotel services. They labor in fields and factories. Nearly 50,000 members of America's armed forces are immigrants who defend our country, and
WHEREAS, our nation's immigration laws, at times, force many immigrants and their families - who work hard and pay taxes - to live in fear of being deported for simply going to work each day, and
WHEREAS, current immigration policies and practices often require families to wait lengthy periods—sometimes up to twenty years—to be reunited with their families or to obtain proper work and travel documentation, and
WHEREAS, despite broad public support for immigration reform that rewards work, the progress that immigrant organizations, labor unions, business groups, and religious leaders have made in building bipartisan political support for immigration reform has been stalled by the refocus of the federal government on terrorism, and
WHEREAS, essential protections for workers include concerns for health and safety hazards on the job, wage and hour violations, and rights to organize and improve working conditions, and
WHEREAS, we need immigration laws that respect dignity, reflect the realities of America's 21st century workforce, reward work, prevent exploitation, and keep families together;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. We call for immigration laws that allow all people appropriate paths to apply for legalization of immigration status and the opportunity to apply for citizenship;
B. We will continue to work together in coalitions with immigrant, labor, community, business, and religious groups to protect the rights of King County's immigrant families and individuals; and
C. We hereby endorse the aim of drawing attention to the importance of immigrant rights of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, leaving Seattle on September 23, 2003.