HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5: Resolution Supporting Immigrant Integration Statement of Principles
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Action: Resolution 5073 in Support of a Statement of Principles
for Immigrant Integration
Meeting Date: November 13, 2012 Agenda Item Number: 5
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5619
ISSUE STATEMENT
This is an opportunity for the City Council to consider and take action on a resolution supporting a
statement of principles for immigrant integration.
BACKGROUND
Councilor Pat Farr has requested that this item be brought to the council for consideration.
Councilor Farr is the Council Liaison to the Human Rights Commission, which earlier this year
voted to request council support for the resolution.
With the historic and ongoing arrival of immigrants to Lane County our community is becoming
increasingly diverse. In recognition of this increasing diversity and in an effort to make Lane
County a welcoming and safe place, the Lane County Network for Immigrant Integration (LCNII), a
consortium of leaders from business, education, government, labor, social services, and faith-
based and community organizations, was created. LCNII has been collecting signatures of support
from individuals and organizations for their Statement of Principles since October 2011. These
principles create a strong message across the community about the value of immigrants and their
families in our community, importance of respect, inclusion and integration, and recognition of
challenges stemming from national immigration policies. The principles are an important
acknowledgement of the many economic, social, cultural and civic contributions that immigrants
make in building stronger and more vibrant communities.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
City Council goal for a Safe Community – a community where all people are safe, valued and
welcome.
Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan goals related to Leadership, Capacity, Service Delivery,
and Communication and Engagement.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The council may adopt, modify, or decline to adopt the resolution.
S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121113\11-13-12 5-Resolution on Immigrant Integration.doc
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager has no recommendation on this item.
SUGGESTED MOTION
I move to adopt Resolution 5073 in support of a Statement of Principles for immigrant integration.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Proposed Resolution
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Lindsey Foltz
Telephone: 541-682-5619
Staff E-Mail: lindsey.m.foltz@ci.eugene.or.us
S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121113\11-13-12 5-Resolution on Immigrant Integration.doc
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
E.Affirming a Common Sense Approach to Public Safety and
Community Partnerships.
In keeping with Oregon state law (ORS 181.850), we
believe that public safety resources are bestfocused on the prevention of criminal
activity and the protection of community members. Publicsafety is enhanced when law
enforcement officials cultivate relationships of trust with allmembers of the community,
including immigrants, regardless of legal status.
FAdvancing Humane and Just National Comprehensive Immigration
.
Reform.
National immigration policy needs to be addressed at the federal level. We
encourage localelected officials and other community leaders in Lane County to support
all efforts to achievecomprehensive federal immigration reform that makes our nation’s
immigration policies moreconsistent, just, and humane.
Section 2
. This Resolution is effective immediately upon its passage by the City
Council.
th
The foregoing Resolution adopted the 13 day of November, 2012.
________________________________________
City Recorder
Resolution - Page 2 of 2