As the debate over immigration reform engages the region and the nation, members of the Metropolitan King County Council today introduced a motion recognizing the need to provide an opportunity for undocumented immigrants to become citizens while creating a system that will also protect U.S. borders.

“Our current immigration laws are unfair and confusing to new immigrants, employers and the public at large,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine. “We need immigration reform that gives workers a clear path to citizenship, while eliminating exploitation by unscrupulous employers.”

“The current system exploits the labor of these men and women, leaving them prey to low wages, dangerous working conditions and abuse,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “Clear rules on how undocumented immigrants can continue to live and work in this country are the first step towards destroying a system that is not that far removed from indentured servitude.”

“People working in our country, making a significant contribution to our economy and prosperity, need to be respected for their commitment to our community and their willingness to improve their lives,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “Undocumented immigrants have no recourse if they’re treated unfairly by employers, since reporting unfair practices would alert authorities of their status. The federal government has left them in the shadows for too long; it’s time for Congress to act to ensure they have safe and fair working conditions.”

The motion introduced by Councilmembers Constantine and Gossett states that the U.S. needs an immigration policy that ensures a clear and direct path for those immigrants who want to become citizens, and an orderly legal process to admit immigrants who want to come into the U.S. to work. The motion would place immigration reform on the county’s Federal Legislative Agenda for action in 2006 and it asks the state’s Congressional delegation to support proposals that endorse “true and comprehensive immigration reform” that “will also contribute to the strengthening of our borders and the security of our nation.”

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system.
Type in “2006-0203”