Several groups and individuals announced a Utah Compact on Immigration today.
Judging from some of the supporters, it appears to be yet another plea for "virtual amnesty" through non enforcement for illegal aliens (officially referred to as unauthorized aliens).
HOWEVER:
One statement of the Compact repudiates the call for a Utah 'immigrant worker' program: "Immigration is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government and other countries — not Utah and other countries."
The Compact also speaks against one family member leaving his family behind, in his homeland, to be a migrant worker, or leaving a children behind, in the US, when deported: "We oppose policies that unnecessarily separate families."
It also supports that Rep. Sandstrom's proposed enforcement style law is NOT racism and recognizes the ability of law enforcement to discern proper enforcement procedures: "We respect the rule of law and support law enforcement's professional judgment and discretion."
Finally, it supports Utah's use of Official English as "reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion."
Yes, we in Utah can, and do, support a "humane approach " and we are "a place that welcomes people of goodwill." especially those who obey our laws, civil or criminal.
The validity and usefulness of this Compact depends on the definition of "immigrant:"
If one uses the common definition, "A person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another," then we must assume this is referring only to those who are here LEGALLY, in which case most people would generally agree with the sentiments.
If we use former Congressman Chris Cannon's MALDEFinition, "We love immigrants in Utah. And we don't make the distinction very often between legal and illegal. ," then we have a problem.
That said, I will probably not be a signatory to this Compact.
