2021 Assembly Resolution 18
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: ordering the governor to send aid and resources to the U.S. – Mexico border to assist with immigration efforts.
Whereas, all members of the Wisconsin State Legislature reaffirm their strong support for lawful and orderly immigration into the United States, as lawful and orderly immigration provides all of our states and the nation with innumerable economic, social, and cultural benefits; and
Whereas, the United States is facing a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border due to an influx of individuals who are entering the United States illegally; and
Whereas, in March 2021, more than 170,000 migrants were apprehended at the southwest border, the highest number in a month in 15 years; and
Whereas, thousands of migrants are traveling through harsh, unsafe elements; being enslaved; and even perishing in their efforts to cross the southern border; and
Whereas, cartels are profiting from the trafficking of women and children across the border, earning tens of millions of dollars every week doing so; and
Whereas, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is dedicated to enforcing immigration laws and securing the border and is working tirelessly to keep America and the American people safe; and
Whereas, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and local law enforcement agencies are woefully understaffed and overworked due to the unprecedented influx of individuals crossing the border illegally; and
Whereas, on March 14, 2021, the federal government ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with processing unaccompanied children who are detained at facilities at the border; and
Whereas, states have assisted with immigration enforcement in the past by sending resources and aid, including sending members of the National Guard; and
Whereas, on April 20, 2021, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued a declaration of emergency in response to the crisis at the border and announced that he is deploying up to 250 members of the Arizona National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist with immigration efforts; and
Whereas, Wisconsin can help address the ongoing immigration crisis and defend our borders by sending aid and resources to assist with immigration efforts; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, That the Wisconsin State Assembly stands in proud support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement personnel as employees and members of these agencies dedicate their lives to protecting the border and keeping our country safe; and
Be it further resolved, That the Wisconsin State Assembly requests the governor to send aid and resources to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with the influx of individuals crossing the border illegally.
