Local resolution gives York County option to weigh in on immigration debate

CARL LINDQUIST The York Dispatch
York Dispatch
Article Last Updated:06/25/2007 03:00:03 PM EDT

York's city and county governments are expected to get a chance to weigh in on the national immigration debate via a proposed resolution supporting a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
The resolution was drafted by a York County Community Against Racism immigration task force, said the Rev. Joan Maruskin, who is heading the effort.

The goal is to get the support of the city council, Mayor John Brenner and the York County commissioners for the resolution, which would be sent to lobby U.S. Rep. Todd Platts, R-York County, and Pennsylvania Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Casey Jr.

The proposal comes as the debate over immigration boils across the country. The U.S. Senate is expected to take a test vote this week on a bill that could lead to the citizenship of up to 12 million undocumented immigrants.

No bill backed: The YCCAR resolution, which is in its draft form, doesn't back any specific immigration bill, but asks for key elements to be included in any legislation approved by Congress, said Maruskin, executive director of the York County Council of Churches.

The draft resolution has been sent, and YCCAR is hoping to set up a private meeting with city and county officials to hammer out a final version. The hope is that the mayor signs on, and that commissioners and city council approve it during public meetings, Maruskin said.

Among the elements in the resolution is a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, she said.

Bush supports such a path.

"It's not an amnesty," Maruskin said. "It would be a path to legalization" that would force them to pay fines and prove they aren't criminals.

The resolution also calls for the legislation to include provisions to protect immigrant workers' rights and allow them to bring their families into the country and onto a path to citizenship, she said.

She said she hopes the resolutions are approved within the next several weeks.

"We are a nation of immigrants. We have been built by immigrants," she said. "It is who we are. As a person of faith, it is a mandate through all scriptures, regardless of faith, to welcome the stranger."

The U.S. Senate bill includes measures designed to seal the border to future illegal immigrants, while cracking down on the hiring of workers who are in the country unlawfully.

But the provisions relating to the legal fate of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants have drawn the most controversy.

The bill allows illegal immigrants who were in the country as of Jan. 1, 2007, to come forward, pay fees and fines, pass a background check and receive an indefinitely renewable four-year Z visa to live and work legally in the U.S.

Ultimately, holders of Z visas could qualify for citizenship if they learn English and hold down jobs.

The bill also creates a new employment-based point system for new immigrants to qualify for green cards based on their education and skill level, and eliminates or limits visa preferences for family members of U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents.

Future unclear: Like the Senate bill, the future of the YCCAR resolution is unclear.

City Council President Cameron Texter said he hopes the city council gives it an OK.

"From a quick read, it looked good," he said. "I think they did an outstanding job on it.

"I think it's an important statement to make that we are a nation of immigrants and we should treat immigrants fairly."

County Commissioner Doug Kilgore hadn't seen the proposed resolution, but said he agrees that at least some undocumented immigrants should get a path to citizenship.

He'd like to get input from local legislators before giving his OK, he said.

"I'll have to see it and look at it and study it," he said.

-- Reach Carl Lindquist at 505-5432 or clindquist@york dispatch.com. The Associated Press contributed to this story.


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