LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION denouncing any policy of profiling in New York
State, and urging the federal government to denounce any similar state-
sanctioned immigration policy, such as the law that recently passed in
the State of Arizona

WHEREAS, America, a nation of immigrants, is the greatest nation of the
world; and
WHEREAS, New York is home to approximately 4.2 million immigrants
accounting for 1 in 5 residents in New York; and
WHEREAS, Immigrants are essential to New York's economy by contribut-
ing approximately $229 billion in annual economic output; and
WHEREAS, For more than a decade our nation has pursued an enforce-
ment-only approach to immigration--an exercise in futility and cruelty
which has squandered resources and created a climate of fear in immi-
grant communities, but has not brought us any closer to a solution for
the immigration problems facing our nation; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York and the nation as a whole need and
deserve comprehensive immigration reform which will stop current prac-
tices that result in divided families; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature of Arizona and the Governor of Arizona
recently signed into law Arizona Senate Bill 1070 which requires law
enforcement to question people about their immigration status and arrest
individuals if they have a "reasonable suspicion" that they are in the
country illegally; and
WHEREAS, Such a law, if passed in the State of New York, would insti-
tute a policy of profiling that would infringe upon the civil rights of
individuals and families across the State, and would threaten basic
notions of decency, justice, and fairness which are essential elements
of the American way of life; and
WHEREAS, President Obama has expressed concern over Arizona's law by
characterizing it as "misguided"; and
WHEREAS, The policy encouraged by Arizona's law is indicative of the
need for comprehensive immigration reform, which can only be achieved by
a partnership between State and Federal Governments; and
WHEREAS, Studies have shown that comprehensive immigration reform with
a clear path to citizenship can play a vital role in revitalizing both
New York State's and the United States' struggling economy; and
WHEREAS, Immigration reform transcends party lines, and requires input
from all elected officials without regard to political affiliation; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body denounces any policy, such as the
above-mentioned law recently passed in the State of Arizona, that can be
described as anti-immigrant; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body welcomes and encourages cooper-
ation on all levels of government to work together to enact immigration
policies and laws which are directly germane to the affairs, business,
rights, benefits and obligations of New York State and New Yorkers so as
to strengthen the family immigration system, provide a clear path to
citizenship and revise current enforcement so that human and civil
rights are safeguarded; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President Barack Obama, and all members of the New York State
Congressional delegation.