Utah Compact
Encyclopedia
The Utah Compact is a declaration of five principles whose stated purpose is to guide Utah
's discussions on Immigration reform
. It was passed in the state house and senate, and signed by the Governor at a ceremony on Capitol Hill, November 11, 2010, by supporters; some city workers, business (mainly farm, hospital, restaurant and airline), and Catholic leaders of Utah.
, which counts about half of Utah's residents as its adherents. The Compact is more controversial in Utah Mormon culture
itself.
to contain deliberately misleading language intended to subtly promote tolerance of illegal immigration, opposition to enforcement of immigration law, and amnesty
for illegal aliens.
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
's discussions on Immigration reform
Immigration reform
Immigration reform is a term used in political discussion regarding changes to current immigration policy of a country. In its strict definition, "reform " means to change into an improved form or condition, by amending or removing faults or abuses....
. It was passed in the state house and senate, and signed by the Governor at a ceremony on Capitol Hill, November 11, 2010, by supporters; some city workers, business (mainly farm, hospital, restaurant and airline), and Catholic leaders of Utah.
Principles
The Principles of the Utah Compact are- Federal Solutions. Immigration, including border policy is a federal issue.
- Law Enforcement. Law Enforcement should have discretion. Local law enforcement should focus on criminal activity rather than violations of federal civil code.
- Families. Stating opposition to policies that unnecessarily separate families.
- Economy. Recognition of the economic role of immigrants. Advocates support for free market policies to maximize individual freedom and opportunity.
- A Free Society. Recognition that immigrants are part of society. States the need for a "humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion.
Reception
Among supporters, the compact was complimented in a New York Times editorial as coming from "people of good sense and good will". The Compact was notably endorsed in full by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints traces its current dispensation beginnings to Joseph Smith, Jr. on April 6, 1830 in Western New York. Initial converts were drawn to the church in part because of the newly published Book of Mormon, a self-described chronicle of indigenous American...
, which counts about half of Utah's residents as its adherents. The Compact is more controversial in Utah Mormon culture
Culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflecting the cultural impact of basic beliefs and traditions of the church, distinguishes church members, practices, and activities...
itself.
Criticism
The Utah Compact is alleged by the Minuteman Project and by conservative commentator Bob LonsberryBob Lonsberry
Bob Lonsberry is an American radio talk show host, columnist, author and conservative political commentator. A newsman for 25 years, Lonsberry claims to have won in excess of 80 journalism and broadcasting awards, including top Associated Press commentary awards in newspaper, radio and...
to contain deliberately misleading language intended to subtly promote tolerance of illegal immigration, opposition to enforcement of immigration law, and amnesty
Amnesty
Amnesty is a legislative or executive act by which a state restores those who may have been guilty of an offense against it to the positions of innocent people, without changing the laws defining the offense. It includes more than pardon, in as much as it obliterates all legal remembrance of the...
for illegal aliens.
External links
- Utah Compact text
- Peggy Fletcher StackPeggy Fletcher StackPeggy Fletcher Stack is an American journalist, editor, and author. Stack has been the religion writer for the Salt Lake Tribune since 1991.- Biography :...
, "LDS Panned on Immigration," Salt Lake Tribune, April 20, 2011 - Stewart J Lawrence, "The Latter Day Saints come marching in: Immigration reform has eluded the Obama administration. But a Mormon-backed Republican initiative in Utah may hold the key," The GuardianThe GuardianThe Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
, March 21, 2010