In September, 2008, the Immigration Study Committee brought to a close a two-year study, which first focused on national immigration policy in connection with the immigration study of the League of Women Voters of the US. The committee held two forums on related issues in immigration and led the Seattle League through consensus on national issues. The outcome of the national consensus was broad and included:
- Due process for all people
- A path to legal status including citizenship for unauthorized immigrants
- A stop to deportation of unauthorized immigrants with no criminal record
- Expeditious reunification of immediate family members of immigrants
For a full reading of the League position, go to www.lwv.org
Following the study of national immigration policy, the Immigration Study Committee turned its efforts to the interplay between national policy and local policy in regard to Seattle/King County’s large immigrant population. The study focused on four areas: health services, education, jobs, and law enforcement. The written report of this study was published in the September, 2008, issue of the Seattle Voter, which can be viewed here. The committee’s third forum in September 2008 spoke to local issues. Local consensus was reached including:
- Support of the provision of public health services to all residents without regard to their citizenship status.
- Support of an emphasis in law enforcement on building trust in immigrant communities, to include the policy of asking about an individual’s immigration status only if he/she has been charged with a felony or misdemeanor.
The committee continues to meet quarterly to discuss issues of relevance to national or local immigration policy. For more information, contact co-chairs Annette Holcomb or Barbara Reid.
Thank you!