HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 1937 - Oppose the Separation of Migrating Children from Their FamiliesCity of Tukwila
Washington
Resolution No. 1 C
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, OPPOSING THE SEPARATION
OF MIGRATING CHILDREN FROM THEIR FAMILIES.
WHEREAS, on April 6, 2018, the United States Attorney General announced a new
Zero Tolerance Policy in an effort to prosecute as many border -crossing offenses as
possible; and
WHEREAS, the Zero -Tolerance Policy means the United States Government is no
longer prioritizing the removal of dangerous criminals or national security threats; and
WHEREAS, the immigrants being detained and deported include those who are not
criminals beyond working in the absence of legal documentation; and
WHEREAS, this far-reaching Zero Tolerance Policy is resulting in the unprecedented
separation of migrating families; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Homeland Security reports that over 2,300 children
have been separated from their parents after crossing over the southern border since
early May; and
WHEREAS, these actions are causing preventable trauma to children and families,
with long lasting health and social consequences; and
WHEREAS, the abandonment and traumatization of these children could be
completely avoided by a more humane response to undocumented immigrants and their
children; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila recognizes the United Nations' position that the Zero
Tolerance Policy violates international law; and
WHEREAS, the President's Executive Order issued on June 20, 2018, titled
"Affording Congress an Opportunity to Address Family Separation," does not go far
enough to address this problem, and is unclear whether or when the over 2,300 children
currently separated from their families will be reunited.
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City of Tukwila urges the Federal Government to withdraw its policy
of requiring separation of migrating children from their families.
Section 2. The Council President shall forward a copy of this Resolution to
Representative Adam Smith and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell on behalf of
the City of Tukwila.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at
a Regular Meeting thereof this D„,cy day of r 7-t l/ , 2018.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
5) "1 --
Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Rachel Turpin, City Attorney
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Verna Seal, Council President
Filed with the City Clerk: 6-- l-1
Passed by the City Council: J -i
Resolution Number: 1 9:V)
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