[Archived] Alexandria City Council Adopts Resolution on Immigration Issues

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	October 9, 2007 PIO# 252-07/ajb	Andrea Blackford, Communications Officer, at 703.519.3489

Alexandria City Council Adopts Resolution on Immigration Issues

Tonight the Alexandria City Council adopted a resolution, 7-0, clarifying the City’s position on immigration issues. The Council’s resolution, which underscores the City’s commitment to maintaining its diverse population, affirms that the City will continue to ensure that “all people within our City limits are accorded equal protection under the law, and that the role of local government is to provide for the health, safety, and security of the entire community,” but notes that “it is not the role of state or local governments to assume federal responsibilities for immigration law any more than it is the role of local government to enforce federal tax, patent, or commerce regulations.” The resolution states that the City and its agencies will neither make inquiries about nor report on the citizenship of those who seek the protection of the City’s laws or the use of its services, except as required by State and Federal law.

The resolution reaffirms current City policy. The City will continue to comply with all Federal and State laws related to immigration, including those that involve eligibility for State and Federal programs. The City prosecutes all individuals who threaten its security by committing serious crimes and checks their immigration status, forwarding the information to appropriate State and Federal officials as required by law.

“Our resolution is an extension of what we have been doing as a City government for a long time,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille. “Alexandria is a caring community. We value our diversity, and we pride ourselves on treating everyone with dignity and respect.”

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