1.1 A resolution
1.2 condemning presidential executive orders targeting immigrants.
1.3 WHEREAS, Minnesota has a history of welcoming immigrants and refugees from all over
1.4 the world to seek a new life and safe haven in our state; and
1.5 WHEREAS, with the exception of Native Americans and people who were forced to migrate
1.6 to the United States, all Minnesotans either are immigrants or descended from immigrants who
1.7 chose to come to the United States; and
1.8 WHEREAS, the current foreign-born population in Minnesota represents over eight percent
1.9 of the total population; and
1.10 WHEREAS, Minnesota, a state with a proud tradition of providing refuge to victims of
1.11 persecution and torture, is home to more than 70,500 refugees; and
1.12 WHEREAS, we are all part of a common humanity, fully equal to each other; and
1.13 WHEREAS, Minnesotans can and should continue to make progress toward realizing our
1.14 full potential as a vibrant state with a diversity of people of different cultural, ethnic, religious, and
1.15 racial identities; and
1.16 WHEREAS, immigrants in Minnesota bring not just diversity to the state, but also valuable
1.17 contributions to the cultural, economic, and academic life of Minnesotans; and
1.18 WHEREAS, immigration policy is set at the federal level, but actual benefits and challenges
1.19 of immigration are realized at state and local levels; and
1.20 WHEREAS, the members of the Minnesota Legislature are committed to the safety of every
1.21 community, the economic security of every family, and the dignity of every person; and
2.1 WHEREAS, the current administration has implemented inhumane immigration policies that
2.2 target groups and individuals, including those who have already established a legal presence in the
2.3 United States, to deny them entry to, or refuge in, our country; NOW THEREFORE,
2.4 BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that the United States must
2.5 remain a safe harbor for all people who seek to make a new or better life or to visit the United
2.6 States, that we must make every effort to make immigrants in the United States feel safe and
2.7 welcome, and that the Legislature condemns the president's divisive and destructive immigration
2.8 policies.
2.9 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on the president to stop the actions of his
2.10 administration that are making communities less safe and undermining the rule of law.
2.11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Minnesota Legislature urges the members of the
2.12 Minnesota Congressional delegation to actively condemn, oppose, and object to the president's
2.13 cruel and divisive immigration policies.
2.14 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge federal lawmakers to prioritize comprehensive
2.15 immigration policy reform, including creation of a pathway to citizenship for immigrants, and focus
2.16 on the safety of every community, the economic security of every family, and the rights guaranteed
2.17 under the United States Constitution.
2.18 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it urges the
2.19 Congress of the United States to pass the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, legislation that will fully
2.20 repeal the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which is a part of the Alien and Sedition Acts.
2.21 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all persons residing in or visiting Minnesota, regardless
2.22 of their immigration status, are entitled to due process of law under the United States and Minnesota
2.23 Constitutions.
2.24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed
2.25 to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President of the United States, the
2.26 President and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk of the United
2.27 States House of Representatives, and Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in Congress.
