Policy Order O-3

WHEREAS: From our founding and at our very core, America has always been a nation of immigrants, many of whom have made great contributions in an effort to give back to this country that took them in; and

WHEREAS: Like the generations who came before, recent newcomers want what all Americans want: to raise strong families, build safe communities, to peacefully practice their faith in freedom, and to seek new and better opportunities for their children; and

WHEREAS: Like their predecessors, today's immigrants work in the toughest jobs for the least amount of pay, contribute to the tax base, open small businesses that create jobs, serve in the U.S. military, and add to the unique diversity of America through their social and cultural contributions; and

WHEREAS: Instead of bringing people together in the pursuit of common purpose, short sighted initiatives targeting immigrants do nothing but exploit a divisive issue for political reasons, tearing communities apart; and

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a proud tradition of supporting and welcoming immigrants, reflected in past Policy Orders:

WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that on May 27

WHEREAS: This legislation would adversely affect all residents: in seeking to divide, identify, and target individuals, we all come under additional scrutiny; and

WHEREAS: Making law through budget amendments is a less than ideal manner in which to handle such detailed and far reaching administrative and policy changes; and

WHEREAS: The amendment includes complex measures which are extremely costly and unnecessary, placing huge burdens on private and public resources, including:

ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record condemning the before mentioned legislation; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.