CITY HALL: Council members propose immigration resolution

(CNS) – The four Republican members of the San Diego City
Council this week unveiled a proposed resolution to support bipartisan U.S. Senate
legislative efforts on immigration reform.

The proposed resolution supports tying a “reasonable and practical”
pathway to citizenship with successfully securing the nation's borders. It also
demands “aggressive accountability” for companies that knowingly hire
unauthorized workers and employment verification.

“The time has come for fair, reasonable and comprehensive immigration
reform,” Councilman Kevin Faulconer said at a news conference.

“With the Senate's focus on working together, the country has a window
of opportunity to move forward on an issue which affects so many people.”

Faulconer and fellow council members Mark Kersey, Scott Sherman and
Lorie Zapf want the Rules and Economic Development Committee to consider their
proposal at Wednesday's meeting.

An immigration resolution scheduled to be considered at the meeting
calls for a pathway to citizenship that is not tied to border enforcement
strategies and puts a premium on keeping families together.

“Immigration has a direct and tangible impact on the San Diego-Tijuana
border,” Kersey said. “Decisions on reform may be made in Washington, D.C.,
but the impact of those decisions will be felt locally, which is why the City
Council must outline a position on reform.”

The proposed resolution backs a group of four Democratic and four
Republican senators who are drafting legislation to make comprehensive changes
to the country's immigration system and improve border security. The group
previously announced a broad agreement on an approach to immigration reform,
but is still ironing out details.