Whereas the problem of illegal immigration is a real and growing problem in the United States but particularly in the southern and southwestern states, and
Whereas the legislature and governor of Arizona have enacted a law that gives state law enforcement officers unprecedented and ill-defined powers to stop and question any and all persons they deem to be potential illegal aliens, which power lends itself to abuse and harassment of any minority but particularly those of Hispanic descent, and
Whereas other states have similar laws pending in their legislatures, and
Whereas, given the extensive agricultural base of the area encompassed by the Thomas Jefferson District which employs large numbers of migrant workers, all of our communities are potentially affected by laws of this type, and
Whereas, Unitarian Universalists have as their core value the inherent worth and dignity of every person which requires that we work for an ideal society, which is strengthened by and benefits from the diverse cultures within our country, and in which all persons are treated with respect and fairness, and
Whereas, as a community of faith, Unitarian Universalists are committed to stand in solidarity with all those who oppose and seek to modify unjust and harmful laws,
We hereby resolve to urge our member congregations to engage in a robust dialog about how both legal and illegal immigration affects their local communities and to support efforts of the United States Congress to enact legislation that addresses, in an effective and compassionate way, the entire immigration issue, and further
Resolve to urge Unitarian Universalists from local communities to the national level to develop creative ways to bear witness to our commitment to justice, equity and compassion for all, but particularly to poor and powerless, and further
Resolve to support the officers and staff of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in their efforts deal with the implications of the Arizona immigration law for the UUA General Assembly scheduled for Phoenix in 2012.
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