| Sarasota,
FL: The City Commission of the City of Sarasota adopted a
motion to support the Florida Compact at its February 7, 2011,
Regular Commission meeting.
The Florida Compact addresses the following
key principles:
1. Federal Solutions – Immigration
is a Federal policy issue between the U.S. government and
other countries – not Florida and other countries. We
urge Florida’s congressional delegation, and others,
to lead efforts to strengthen Federal laws and protect our
national borders. We urge state leaders to adopt reasonable
policies addressing immigrants in Florida.
2. Law Enforcement – We respect the rule of law and
support law enforcement’s professional judgment and
discretion. Local law enforcement resources should focus on
criminal activities, not civil violations of federal code.
3. Families – Strong families are the foundation of
successful communities. We oppose policies that unnecessarily
separate families. We champion policies that support families
and promote the health, education and well-being of all Florida
children.
4. Economy – Florida is best served by a free-market
philosophy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity.
We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers
and taxpayers. Florida’s immigration policies must reaffirm
our global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly
state.
5. A Free Society – Immigrants are integrated into communities
across Florida. We must adopt a humane approach to this reality,
reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion.
The way we treat immigrants will say more about us as a free
society and less about us and our immigrant neighbors. Florida
should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill.
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