Immigration

Summit County Progressive Democrats (SCPD) support guaranteed economic, civil, and
political rights for immigrants now in the United States and who will lawfully come here
in the future, including refugees and asylum seekers, and their families. America thrives
best when it welcomes newcomers from all over the world who can contribute to its
economic and cultural richness.

We advocate legislation and administrative policies that will 1) facilitate desirable
immigration, 2) prevent negative impact of immigration on American citizens, 3) protect
the quality of the lives of all law-abiding and productive people who reside here,
including immigrants without documentation, and 4) offer all immigrants a fair path to
U.S. citizenship.

SCPD advocates:

A clear, fair, and inclusive pathway to citizenship for immigrants now in the U.S. without
papers, especially including undocumented children who were brought to the U.S. by
actions of their parents and who have or are eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) status.

Avenues for legal immigration that are welcoming, flexible and practical, to attract those
who can and will contribute to the American economy and society.

Building wide public support for immigration, by showing its benefits and reducing the
fear of it.

Ensuring by laws and policies and reassuring by effective listening and communication
that immigration will not impact the employment of American workers negatively.

Fair, humane and expeditious administration of immigration laws, affording due process
as to both the admission of new immigrants and the deportation of immigrants who are
serious criminal offenders or who are otherwise similarly undesirable to remain. Legal
counsel should be made available to immigrants to the greatest extent reasonably
possible.

Expanded U.S legal residency status for vulnerable refugees who pass reasonable and
appropriate vetting, regardless of their country of origin and/or religion.

An end to policies that needlessly break apart families, including separating parents and
children from each other. Priority should be given to supporting families in all policies
relating to immigration and admission to the United States to live, study, or work.

Elimination of policies that broadly deny entry or re-entry to the United States for
persons who have legal visas, including permanent residence status (green card) and
student visas, based on their country of origin and/or religion.

Equal treatment of all refugees regardless of religion, race, national origin, gender or
gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions based on such discrimination on who
should be admitted to the United States is a violation of fundamental human rights.

Respect and appreciation for the contributions made by immigrants and those who work
with them.

Employment rights for immigrants, including wages, hours and benefits that are equal to
those for citizens. This protects both immigrants and citizens, since employers gain no
bargaining power because of an employee’s immigration status.

Approved by Issues Committee 9-26-17