Thinking About Immigration: some guiding principles, pt. 1

A community coalition in Lane County, Oregon developed a set of guiding principles for immigration reform. We’d like to know: what do you think of these principles, from a civic standpoint? (We’ll be sharing a group of principles developed by an Evangelical group in a few days.)

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, we affirm the following principles:

• Committing to Inclusion and Integration

Our economic, social, and civic success as twenty-first century communities hinges on our ability to help immigrants become fully involved in all aspects of community life.  We recognize that successful integration is a two-way process in which immigrants and all communities work together to achieve common goals.

• 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 business owners, workers, consumers, taxpayers, civic leaders, artists and craftspeople.

• Supporting Immigrant Families

The family is a vital source of strength and security for immigrants and the foundation for a strong, vibrant community.  We endorse community-based organizations, programs, and policies that strengthen and support immigrant families and their children, especially in the areas of education, health, and employment.

• Promoting Respect and Non-Discrimination

We commit to creating a community that respects the human right of all members of our society to be free from discrimination.  We deplore all forms of racism, bigotry, or acts of harassment that 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.

• 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 best focused on the prevention of criminal activity and the protection of community members. Public safety is enhanced when law enforcement officials cultivate relationships of trust with all members of the community, including immigrants, regardless of legal status.

• Advancing Humane and Just National Comprehensive Immigration Reform

National immigration policy needs to be addressed at the federal level.  We encourage local elected officials and other community leaders in Lane County to support all efforts to achieve comprehensive federal immigration reform that makes our nation’s immigration policies more consistant, just, and humane.