National Coalition for Dignity and Amnesty for all Undocumented Immigrants

Declarations

Res. No. 58

Resolution calling upon the Congress to adopt Amnesty 2000 that would allow undocumented aliens to become citizens and put their talents to their fullest use for the benefit of their families, communities and the nation.

By council Member Henry:

 Whereas, president Ronald Reagan on November 10, 1986 signed the immigration Reform and Control Act (P.L. 99-603) legalizing the status of immigrants by a grant of amnesty and the reasons for this act of magnanimity are as compelling today as they were then; and,Whereas, President Reagan stated amnesty "will go far to improve the lives of a class of individuals who now must hide in the shadows, without access to many of the benefits of a free and opend society," but as result of the law, "many of these men and women will be able to step into the sunlight and, ultimately, if they choose, they may be come Americans;" and

Whereas, This controlled legalization program had a cutoff date of january 1982, and it will have been seventeen years, sice anyone has had the opportunity to legalize their status in this Country; and, Whereas, It is still true today, as it was twelve years ago when Congress instituted amnesty, that undocumented aliens have strong family ties in the United States, and quite often members of their family are U.S. citizens; and, whereas, Congress recognized that these social networks are ties that bind undocumented aliens to this nation; and, whereas, Congress further recognized the contributions these individuals make through their work and the taxes they paid; and ,whereas, Congress still further recognized that to ignore these positive aspects of their residensy is harmful to immigrants and to the the United States; and, whereas, in making the case for amnesty, Congress reasoned that the quasi-illegal status creates troublessome problems by making undocumented residents live in a fear, and afraid to seek help when their rights are violated; and whereas in this situation undocumented aliens seeking housing, jobs, and personal security are prey for the unscrupulous who commit criminal and illegal acts without fear of reprisal; and, whereas prior to the enactment in 1996 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) and the Illegal immigration Reform and Responsibility Act (P.L. 104-208), providing for immigrants had been a shared responsibility of the Federal, State and local governments.

Whereas, The Federal government has reduced its share of providing services, thereby increasing the burden on state and local governments aven though immigrants are admitted into this country in accordance with Federal policy; and , whereas The Federal Government has increased the resources and the legal authority available to the immigration and Naturalization Service so that it can deport undocumented immigrants quikly and thereby increasing the reluctance of immigrants to participates in the community; and, whereas in the process, their children, who are often U.S. citizens, sre apt to be unenrolled in medicaid even though thesc youngsters are eligible; and, Whereas, amnesty allows these men and women to become eligible for citizenship, and to fully participate in society; and, Whereas, amnesty provides a scnsible alternative to aggressive enforcement efforts and attemt at mass deportations which generate bitter recriminations and are inconsistent with our immigrant heritage; and, Whereas, Amnesty foster the ties that have developed within their community and bind them to our nation and, allows qualified immigrants to contribute openly to society; and, Whereas, By and large, it is young healthy adults who migrate to this country seeking employment and apportunities for advancement, and their energy and contributions have had a positive effect on New York City, and the nation ; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That this honorable Council of the City of New York calls upon the Congress to adopt Amnesty 2000 that would allow undocumented aliens to become citizens and put their talents to their fullest use for the benefit of the families, communities and the nation.

Ls#878

NMR:ts

1/12/1999