Resolution in Support of an Open and Nondiscriminatory National Immigration Policy

WHEREAS, the Administration is proposing and Congress is presently considering the development of a new immigration policy and accompanying implementation procedures which will provide wider and more expansive 'regularization' of immigrants and other individuals who are presently illegally or unofficially residing within the country; and

WHEREAS, it is understood that the policy is intended to be more compassionate to permit families to more easily be reunited; to provide special provisions for individuals from the countries on the western hemisphere; to permit entry to individuals so that they may support families and provide assistance to the rebuilding of their countries which have recently experienced tragic natural and economic disasters; and

WHEREAS, public discussions of the policy have mentioned only two countries (El Salvador and Mexico); with regard to its applicability, and there is significant concern that the policy will be highly restrictive and discriminatory in content and implementation.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP call upon the President of the United States and Congress to consider a more expansive, open and fair immigration policy that will provide the same opportunities to individuals from all Africa, Caribbean, Central and South American countries and individuals from other countries who are similarly situated both abroad and within the United States, thus, avoiding the development of an immigration policy that is restrictive and discriminatory in its nature and impact; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP call upon NAACP representatives to educate their community on the immigration policy issues and use the issue as an accountability issue for elected officials.