REFERENCE TITLE: supporting refugees. |
State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-fourth Legislature First Regular Session 2019
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HCR 2027 |
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Introduced by Representatives Rivero: Salman
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A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
supporting refugees in the state of arizona.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Whereas, in keeping with our country's values and respect for human rights, there has been a long bipartisan tradition in welcoming refugees to the United States; and
Whereas, the economic and social strength of America and Arizona derives in large part from the diversity of our citizenry and the patriotic energy of those who fled from war and terror over the centuries to come to a new home that welcomed them as a beacon of liberty; and
Whereas, having resettled more than 60,000 individuals from dozens of countries since 1978, Arizona already hosts a diverse community of refugees who represent many different religions, cultures and languages; and
Whereas, refugees contribute enormously to Arizona's economy in various ways as members of the state's workforce, as homeowners, business owners and entrepreneurs, by paying taxes, as consumers in the nation's marketplace and by revitalizing struggling local Arizona communities; and
Whereas, there are 25.4 million refugees in the world today, more than any other time since World War II, and more than half of these refugees are children; and
Whereas, refugees do not leave their homes by choice but have been forced to flee because of a "a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group"; and
Whereas, before gaining entrance to the United States, refugees undergo an extensive, detailed and safe vetting process that involves multiple law enforcement and intelligence agencies; and
Whereas, current policies have reduced admissions quotas pursuant to the United States Bipartisan Refugee Resettlement Program to a historic low number of 22,000 refugee admissions in 2018, compared to the typical average of 75,000 annually; and
Whereas, we must continue to support a stronger national effort to resettle the world's most vulnerable refugees so that our state and nation can benefit from their entrepreneurial energy as our newest and most grateful residents.
Therefore
Be it resolved, by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
That the Members of the Legislature welcome and declare their support for resettling all refugees in Arizona.