Immigration
1. A Quick Overview
Immigration has been a rallying cry of desperate, hateful politicians since the beginning of the U.S. democracy. This cry plays on the fearful minds of the populous, while ignoring the truth: America is fueled by immigrants and America’s moral conscious is defined by its treatment of immigration. The Statue of Liberty is there for a reason.
The Free Republic of California’s opinion is that:
We cannot turn away those in need of amnesty. Those escaping genocide, warfare and discrimination are all welcome and we cannot wait for your arrival to this safe place. These are not ‘bad hombres.’ These are people looking for a hand. Reaching out that hand builds a group of the strongest believers in the California dream.
We cannot turn away ingenuity. Imagine the next Albert Einstein, Sergey Brin, Aldous Huxley or Fernando Valenzuela being turned away at the border?
We cannot close ourselves off to the detriment of our own communal existence. Look around your abode, look on your phone, we exist in a global community. Only a small-minded nation would simply close its eyes and hope for the best.
Our Constitution directly addresses immigration in several sections.
Article 1, Section 5 sets an open standard for citizenship:
A child acquires Californian citizenship at birth by being born in California or through the citizenship of at least one parent. Citizenship may also be granted upon notification or application, subject to the criteria determined by Act.
No one can be divested of or released from his, her, or their Californian citizenship except on grounds determined by Act. Citizens may maintain citizenship in other nations, so long as the societal mission of the other nation is deemed to align with the societal mission of California by Act. U.S. citizens residing in California at the time this Constitution is adopted may maintain dual citizenship at their discretion, as shall one additional future generation, after which, the U.S. will be analyzed in a similar manner as to any other nation.
Article 2, Section 3 defines the state as a sanctuary and regulates deportment of those fearing for their safety abroad:
California endeavors to be a sanctuary country, in that a non-citizen shall not be deported, extradited or returned to another country, if in consequence he, she or they are in danger of a death sentence, torture or other treatment violating human dignity. The right of non-citizens to enter California and to remain in the country is additionally regulated by Act.
Article 2, Section 11 requires a clarity in communication from the government regardless of language limitations or physical disability
The operative languages of California are English and Spanish. However, California endeavors to provide all translations and translators necessary for the full understanding of its operations for the betterment of its people and its desire for an inclusive society.
The rights of persons using sign language and of persons in need of interpretation or translation aid owing to disability shall be guaranteed.
Article 4, Section 4 requires the Department of Peace to actively assist in amnesty and immigration from war torn areas:
Decisions on California’s participation in matters of war are made by Act approved by a two-thirds majority of the Congress and signed by the President. It is the responsibility of the Department of Peace to consider all routes of diplomacy, assist in all manners of non-violent protest, and assist in amnesty and immigration to California for those at risk in war torn areas prior to deploying any armed force to a foreign arena of war.
2. Influence Your Representatives
Write all of them. It takes five seconds.
Here is some suggested text to use:
Dear _______________,
I am writing to demand a moral and rational immigration policy and dialogue.
Immigration is not just a political speaking point. It is something we should strive to support en masse, making the world a safer place while growing the cultural and intellectual capital of our nation.
As I’m sure you know, immigrants are the backbone of American society, and the drivers of our massive economy. Additionally, across the world people are suffering from genocide, warfare and discrimination. We should welcome these people, wrapping or arms around them, protecting them from their horrors abroad. It is not only the right thing to do, it is the only thing to do.
Please reform immigration policy immediately or tear down the Statue of Liberty and use the scraps for your next wall.
Sincerely yours,
X
