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HomeMy WebLinkAbout24387 RESOLUTION NO. 24387 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, TO SUPPORT DREAMERS AND A DACA LEGISLATIVE AGREEMENT WHEREAS, nearly 790,000 young immigrants have been granted work authorization and temporary relief from deportation as part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program announced by the Obama Administration in 2002; and WHEREAS, DACA gives unauthorized immigrants who came to the United States before 16 years of age, known as "Dreamers," a chance to stay in the United States to study or work, provided that they meet certain conditions such as being enrolled in high school or having a high school degree or GED equivalent, and not having a serious criminal conviction; and WHEREAS, those approved for the program are given a work permit and protection from deportation for two years, and these benefits can be renewed; and WHEREAS, these "Dreamers" were brought here as children and have proven themselves to be lawful residents contributing to the social fabric and diversity of the United States; and WHEREAS, on September 4, 2017, the Trump administration announced that it would not renew DACA and allow the current group of DACA beneficiaries' work authorizations to expire; and WHEREAS, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy has reported that undocumented immigrants in California paid $2.2 billion in state and local taxes in 2010, including $1.8 billion in sales taxes and $302 million in property taxes; and WHEREAS, DACA is popular with the public and enjoys the support of employers, educators, community leaders, and elected officials from both parties. According to a Morning Consult and Politico poll in April 2017, 78 percent of American voters support giving Dreamers the chance to stay permanently in America; and WHEREAS, a comprehensive and functioning immigration system is essential to ensuring our city's and country's future economic prosperity, our overall public safety, and a diverse and meaningful community; and WHEREAS, Palm Springs DACA beneficiaries are integral contributors to our local economy and culture; "Dreamers" live in the City of Palm Springs, attend local schools and colleges, fill important roles in our workforce, and provide invaluable contributions and innovations in our community; and Resolution No. 24387 Page 2 WHEREAS, the ability of Palm Springs DACA beneficiaries to live and work in our community without fear of deportation is the foundation of sound and responsible immigration policy and public policy; and WHEREAS, regardless of immigration status, our city's residents deserve equal protection under the law and due process of law as promised by the United States and California Constitutions and federal, state, and local laws; and WHEREAS, for these reasons, in 2017, the Palm Springs City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting officials from discriminating against individuals based on their immigration or citizenship status, profiling individuals based on their immigration status or national origin, or inquiring about their immigration status unless otherwise required to do so; and WHEREAS, Palm Springs is supportive of, and will ensure continued compliance with, SB54 (2017)— known as California's Sanctuary Law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Palm Springs City Council, incorporating the statements set forth above, that the City of Palm Springs is committed to fostering and ensuring non-discrimination, equality, and equity for all of our residents regardless of immigration status; and MAY IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Palm Springs City Council supports the need for comprehensive and non-discriminatory immigration reform; and MAY IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon our federal representatives, the United States Congress, and the President of the United States to support a legislative solution to DACA that offers opportunities for Dreamers to stay in this country and, ultimately provides a pathway to citizenship; and MAY IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, and the Congressional Representatives for the City of Palm Springs. ADOPTED THIS 7th DAY OF MARCH, 2018. (Signatures on next page) Resolution No. 24387 Page 3 Chri*Gilbert Hol ge Geoffrey K rs Cou Councilmember _ r—" A sa aMiddleton Jon R. Roberts Councilmember Mayor Pro Tern Robert Moon Mayor ATTEST: dthon J. ejia, City Clerk Resolution No. 24387 Page 4 CERTIFICATION STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ) I, ANTHONY J. MEJIA, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. 24387 is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on the 7th day of March, 2018, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Holstege, Kors, Middleton, Mayor Pro Tern Roberts, and Mayor Moon NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ny J. , M C City Clerk