Resolutions
Expediting The Issuance Of Visas To Iraqi Refugees WHEREAS, Iraq has become one of the world's most dangerous places during the period since the U.S.-led Coalition deposed the regime of Saddam Hussein; notwithstanding this lack of personal security, courageous Iraqi citizens, heeding the U.S. call to establish a modern democratic state in their homeland, have bravely performed their responsibilities in forging a modern state; and WHEREAS, numerous Iraqis have endured exceptional risk due to their service as translators and support staff for the Coalition Provisional Authority or the ongoing American military and diplomatic presence; other Iraqis have been subjected to well-founded danger in Iraqi civil society by virtue of their role as judicial officers, journalists, educators, and other dissident professions during both the pre-Hussein and post-Hussein governments; it stands beneath the dignity and decency of the American people to idly witness a free people endure greater danger once liberated than during the preceding period of tyrannical repression; and WHEREAS, the United States has issued unconscionably few visas to Iraqi refugees facing clear and imminent danger in their home country, many of whom only became subject to especially grave risk as a result of service to the Coalition effort; America’s failure to accept responsibility for the humanitarian consequences of military action may have long-lasting consequences on U.S. credibility with future populations seeking U.S. assistance to escape tyranny and repression; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party calls upon the current administration to expedite the acceptance and security review of refugee requests from Iraqis known to have honorably assisted Coalition-led efforts and that Congress promptly allocate all necessary budgetary resources to fulfill this basic commitment; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party asks Congress to honor the finest historical traditions of our nation by treating all refugee applicants with the level of dignity and diligent attention befitting a great and compassionate people by providing legislation to adequately fund the immigration of Iraqi refugees to the United States and friendly nations; this resolution shall be forwarded to Speaker Pelosi, the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, Senator Feinstein, and Senator Boxer. Submitted by Los Angeles County Democratic Party * * * Adopted by the Executive Board |
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
