U.S. Conference of Mayors Urge Federal Government to take action, End to State-Based Patchwork “Fixes”

Washington D.C. – On Monday, the U.S. Conference of Mayors approved two Resolutions urging the federal government to quickly pass comprehensive immigration reform and to voice their opposition to Arizona’s harsh immigration enforcement law. In addition to the resolution calling for immediate federal action, the Conference approved language expressing concern that this law may lead to “civil rights violations” and “similar actions in other states”.

The Mayors recognize that only a federal solution will succeed in truly overhauling our long broken immigration system. The lack of federal action created a political vacuum that allowed Arizona’s new law to become reality. The solution is clear: the federal government must take immediate steps to reform our broken immigration system so that states and municipalities are not taking matters into their own hands with state-based patch-work fixes.

To date, more than 22 states are considering or intend to consider similar anti-immigrant measures, including the state of Massachusetts. The U.S. Conference of Mayors recognize that frustration over lack of Congressional action on immigration reform lead to passage of the Arizona law, but they remained steadfast in their belief that the immigration problem is a national problem that requires a federal solution.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stated, “We are long overdue in changing our outdated and ineffective immigration policies. Rather than perpetuate the broken status quo and burdening state taxpayers with costs that are a Federal responsibility, Congress needs to step up to the plate and restore control and order of our broken immigration system. We must pass comprehensive immigration reform that would finally secure our borders and ensure the safety of all our citizens.”

“The Arizona immigration bill will adversely affect America’s international reputation as a place to do business, and it will cost America jobs at exactly the time we should be doing everything possible to create them,” said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Instead of misguided efforts by states, we need Washington to lead the way with comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, promotes economic growth, and honors our American heritage.”

“America’s Mayors spoke loud and clear on immigration: Following Arizona’s lead is the wrong way to go,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum and Chair of the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign. “They understand that misguided measures like Arizona’s anti-immigrant law will stretch local police forces and make America’s communities less safe. Instead of waiting on the sidelines for other states to take immigration into their own hands, we need our elected leaders in Washington to have the political courage to deliver a real and workable immigration reform solution that will fix our immigration system, comprehensively.”

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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN: The Reform Immigration FOR America campaign is a coalition of more than 800 faith, labor, business, progressive, and immigration reform groups that have joined together to get comprehensive immigration reform passed.  For more information please visit www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org or www.reformamigratoriaproamerica.org