HomeMy Public PortalAboutRES-CC-2017-56RESOLUTION #56-2017
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF EXTENSION OF THE DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD
ARRIVALS (DACA) PROGRAM; PERMANENT LEGAL STATUS FOR DREAMERS; AND URGING
UTAH'S ENTIRE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF PERMANENT
DREAM ACT LEGISLATION WITHIN SIX MONTHS
WHEREAS, there could be no higher priority than ensuring the hopes and dreams of our young people;
WHEREAS, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) provides employment authorization and
protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants who entered the United States before they
turned 16 and has benefitted nearly 742,000 undocumented youth since it began in 2012; and
WHEREAS, the ability for youth to live and work in their communities without fear of deportation is the
foundation of sound, responsible immigration policy; and
WHEREAS, with work authorization and without the fear of deportation, these young people have been
able to participate in and contribute to our country, our cities and our economies; and
WHEREAS, DACA is good for our nation's economy with 87 percent of DACA recipients employed by
American businesses and 6 percent of DACA recipients having started their own businesses, leading to
higher wages and better economic outcomes; and
WHEREAS, DACA recipients contribute 15.3 percent of their wages to taxes, which fund Social Security
and Medicare, and DACA recipients are investing in assets like houses, and starting new businesses,
bringing significant tax revenue to cities and states; and
WHEREAS, ending this program would leave 742,000 young people who now call this nation home
unsure of their legal status and would lead to the loss of 0.9 billion in tax contributions over the next
four years, the loss of at least 3.4 billion from the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) over the next
decade; and
WHEREAS, according to data reported by the Deseret News on September 5, 2017, Utah has an
estimated 9,562 DACA recipients and 8,319 DACA workers. In total, the state stands to lose
$469,159,530 in GDP if the DACA is not reinstated. DACA recipients, some of whom work in, for and/or
reside in the City of Moab, positively contribute to our families, economy, schools and community; and
WHEREAS, the Armed Forces rely on DACA applicants to serve through Military Accessions Vital to the
National Interest (MAVNI), which enlists individuals who are fluent in critical languages or possess
medical or professional skills essential to the defense of our nation; and
WHEREAS, DACA helps further domestic public safety — 90 percent of DACA recipients obtained a
driver's license or state identification card, and 54 percent purchased cars after getting DACA, resulting
in more insured and licensed drivers on American streets; and
WHEREAS, the young people who entered this country before they were 16, who benefit from DACA,
have significant bipartisan support, especially here in Utah where Senator Hatch sponsored the first
DREAM ACT legislation, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, also known as the
Student Adjustment Act of 2001; and
WHEREAS, the threatening rhetoric being used by the current administration is causing uncertainty and
fear that threatens the future of these young people who have come forward and entrusted the
government with their information; and
WHEREAS, we encourage the President to demonstrate his commitment to the American economy and
the ideals of our nation by continuing DACA until Congress modernizes our immigration system and
provides a more permanent form of relief for these individuals; and
WHEREAS, Utah has a long and proud history of support for refugee and immigration policies which
balance the rule of law with humanitarian obligations of just enforcement, particularly for children, such
as the Utah Compact and 2002 Utah Legislature House Bill 144, which allows undocumented students to
qualify for resident tuition rates at Utah's public colleges and universities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOAB, UTAH:
Section 1. Since our community has historically come together in the face of great challenges, we call
upon all governmental, business and nonprofit agencies and institutions in the City of Moab,
surrounding municipalities, and throughout Grand County to come together to urge the Trump
Administration to keep the DACA program in place, ensuring protection of these young people.
Section 2. The City of Moab and its community partners call upon the Utah congressional delegation to
support immediate federal legislation which would continue the DACA program.
Section 3. The Moab City Council hereby requests immediate action by Congress and the President to
permanently address the legal status of DREAMERS in such a way as to allow them a path to permanent
United States citizenship.
Section 4. The Moab City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor, the City Manager and their designees to
undertake any and all action consistent with the intent of this Resolution to proactively support and
encourage the adoption of federal legislation requested herein, including but not limited to use of the
City, federal and state lobbyists, Utah League of Cities and Towns, the United States Conference of
Mayors, and any similar partner organization.
Adopted this 10th day of October, 2017.
CITY OF MOAB
Mayor David L. Sakrison
Rachel Stenta, City Recorder=
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