CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION denouncing the enormous backlog of citizenship applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that is currently preventing over 18,000 immigrants in Seattle from becoming U.S. citizens and voters; and affirming The City of Seattle's recognition of immigrants as New Americans who: are an integral part of Seattle's communities; supports them as they integrate into Seattle and the nation; upholds their right and opportunity to receive fair and equal treatment in their journey to obtain legal status, including citizenship, under the U.S. Constitution, statutes, and regulations.
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WHEREAS, The City of Seattle values being a welcoming city of community, opportunity, and equity for all residents, workers, and visitors; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle acknowledges the familial, community, and economic contributions that immigrants, including lawful permanent residents (LPRs), make to the City and the nation; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle recognizes the strength, diversity, and richness that immigrants, including LPRS, contribute to the City and the nation; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle created the New Citizen Program within the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), a consortium of community-based organizations funded by a combination of state Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS) funding, Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) funding, and City general fund money to help lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens through class-based trainings and one-on-one assistance; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) itself lists several benefits of immigrants naturalizing, including, but not limited to, the right to vote in federal elections, higher priorities for petitioning family members permanently into the United States, obtaining citizenship for children born abroad, and becoming an elected officia...
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