Reps. Agema, Genetski, Kurtz, Moore, Crawford, McMillin, Walsh, Bolger, Haveman, Booher, Meekhof, Hildenbrand, Calley, Proos, Tyler, Paul Scott, Meltzer, Rick Jones, Moss, Marleau, Lund, Caul, Daley, Horn, Pavlov and Rogers offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 295.  

            A resolution to express support for Arizona's new legislation regarding immigration and to oppose any boycott of Arizona businesses.

            Whereas, The state of Arizona has recently taken action in response to problems its citizens face as the result of illegal immigration. The strong reaction in some quarters to Arizona's enactment of a measure to require law enforcement personnel to take action reflects a lack of full appreciation of the ineffectiveness of federal immigration laws and policies to safeguard our border; and

            Whereas, The United States is in the midst of a major wave of immigration. Unlike other periods of high immigration in our nation's history, the newcomers to this country in recent years include a very large percentage of illegal immigrants. In spite of the fact that there have been calls for federal action for many years to deal with illegal immigration, very few effective steps have been taken until now. Arizona's action demonstrates a sensitivity to the public's concerns about safety, as well as economic and other issues; and

            Whereas, Arizona's location, on the front lines of the immigration issue, makes this entire matter much more than the theoretical debate it can become elsewhere in the country. When she signed the law, which requires police personnel to make a reasonable attempt to determine a person's immigration status when there is reasonable suspicion, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer addressed concerns about racial profiling and called for proper training to prevent it from occurring; and

            Whereas, Arizona's actions may yet propel the federal government to step up to its responsibilities at long last. Calls for boycotts or other actions toward Arizona do not reflect the realities of immigration, the needs of the people of Arizona, or the will of the American people; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express support for Arizona's new legislation regarding immigration and oppose any boycott of Arizona businesses; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of Arizona.