House Engrossed

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-fourth Legislature First Regular Session 2019

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2027

 

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 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 types of refugees in Arizona.