Item 5: Resolution Supporting Immigrant Integration Statement of Principles

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ATTACHMENT A RESOLUTION NO. ______ A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES FOR IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION. The City Council of the City of Eugene finds that: With the historic and ongoing arrival of immigrants to our community, we recognize the growing diversity that has occurred in Lane County. As leaders in business, education, government, labor, law enforcement, social services, faith-based, and community organizations, we value the economic, social, cultural, and civic contributions that immigrants have made and are continuing to make in building stronger and more vibrant communities. In an effort to create a more welcoming environment for our immigrant neighbors and promote a more thoughtful public dialogue about immigration, the City Council desires to affirm principles for immigrant integration. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE, a Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows: Section 1 . The City Council affirms the following statement of principles for immigrant integration: A.Committing to Inclusion and Integration. Our economic, social, and civic success as twenty-first century communities hinges on ourability to help immigrants become fully involved in all aspects of community life. We recognizethat successful integration is a two-way process in which immigrants and all communities worktogether to achieve common goals. B.Recognizing the Contributions of all Immigrants to our Society. For many generations, immigrants have come to the United States seeking better futures for themselves and their families. Their financial and cultural activities have enriched our communities. We value immigrants’ historic and contemporary contributions as businessowners, workers, consumers, taxpayers, civic leaders, artists and craftspeople. C. Supporting Immigrant Families. The family is a vital source of strength and security for immigrants and the foundation for astrong, vibrant community. We endorse community-based organizations, programs, and policiesthat strengthen and support immigrant families and their children, especially in the areas ofeducation, health, and employment. D.Promoting Respect and Non-Discrimination. We commit to creating a community that respects the human right of all members of our societyto be free from discrimination. We deplore all forms of racism, bigotry, or acts of harassmentthat are directed at any person, regardless of their country of origin or legal status. The rights of immigrants as workers and community members should be recognized and respected as a matter of both law and morality. Resolution - Page 1 of 2