* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Ramos
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Keeping the Promise - Urging President Biden to Provide a Pathway to Citizenship for Immigrant Essential Workers
For the purpose of urging President Joseph R. Biden and the United States Congress to enact legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, children who qualified for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and residents who are under the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) program and their spouses and children, as part of the federal economic recovery program.
body
Recitals
Whereas, Baltimore is a Welcoming City where immigrants of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds are welcome to live, work, learn, play, and thrive;
Whereas, Baltimore’s immigrant community members are essential workers, taxpayers, and contributors to our neighborhoods;
Whereas, Baltimore is home to 11,000 immigrants, who live across our City and contribute to our local economy and community;
Whereas, immigrant communities in Baltimore and across the country suffered greatly from COVID-19 and yet were ineligible for several aid programs and insurance, even though they are tax-paying residents;
Whereas, immigrant essential workers in our City have been critical to our City during the COVID-19 pandemic, filing critical roles in our health care and education sectors and serving as “frontline” workers in our food security, public safety, transportation, and critical infrastructure systems to continue to serve all of our residents and providing critical services and care during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Whereas, granting a pathway to citizenship for these valuable contributors to our community and economy would result in increased economic output, average wages, and increased productivity; and
Whereas, the City of Baltimore advocates for comprehensive immigration reform through its federal legislative agenda, which urges the United States Congress to enact legislation to provide a realistic pathway to citizenship; works to keep families intact; promotes public safety, national security, and economic prosperity; and respects human rights and liberties, as noted in Council Bills 06-017R and 18-0093R.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council urges President Joseph R. Biden and the United States Congress to enact legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, children who qualified for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and residents who are under the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) program and their spouses and children, as part of the federal economic recovery program.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of the Domestic Policy Council, the Honorable members of the Maryland delegations to the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives, the Mayor, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.