On July 6th, the City Council passed the following resolution.  I voted in favor of this resolution.  One aspect that I wish to note as well is that this resolution is a request for the state representatives of the 15th and 18th Legislative Districts to sponsor legislation similar to Arizona's SB 1070.  This is markedly different from some other cities which have issued resolutions in support or condemnation of the actions of the Arizona state legislature.  Rather than dealing with other states' decisions, it is appropriate for our city council to consider petitioning our own state representatives to enact certain legislation.

Sincerely,

Michael Delavar

 

CITY OF WASHOUGAL, WASHINGTON

RESOLUTION NO. _____

A resolution to encourage State Representatives in the 15th and 18th Legislative Districts to sponsor legislation in the next legislative session similar to the immigration law recently adopted in the State of Arizona.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the state of Arizona enacted legislation in the form of Senate Bill 1070 relating to local enforcement of federal immigration laws; and

WHEREAS, this law establishes that violating federal immigration law is a state crime as well; and

WHEREAS, this law authorizes state and local law enforcement officers, if they have a “reasonable suspicion” that someone is an illegal alien, to determine the person’s immigration status; and

WHEREAS, this law mirrors existing federal laws; and

WHEREAS, similar immigration legislation is currently being considered in eighteen other states; and

WHEREAS, illegal immigration places enormous financial stress on the resources of all states and many cities; and

WHEREAS, Passage of such a law in the state of Washington is needed and appropriate;

RESOLUTION

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF WASHOUGAL AS FOLLOWS:

The City Council herby encourages our State Representatives in the 15th and 18th Legislative Districts to sponsor and enact an immigration law similar to the State of Arizona.

Adopted in an open public meeting this 6th day of July 2010.

CITY OF WASHOUGAL