Adopted by the Board of Directors
December 7, 2019 | Washington, DC
Resolution 2019-003

Humanists have the responsibility to work in support of immigration policies that live up to the American principles of equal treatment for all. By reforming our immigration process in a manner that more realistically accommodates those wishing to enter the country and takes into account the causes of immigration, we can reduce the number of those who are made vulnerable in the immigration process.

WHEREAS we recognize that our nation was built on voluntary and forced immigrant labor and that today, diversity is the core of our nation’s strength, and

WHEREAS immigration patterns and needs are formed by global poverty, food insecurity, climate crises, conflict, and opportunities, and

WHEREAS migration to present-day United States devastated Indigenous communities that have yet to recover from centuries of violence, and

WHEREAS immigration policies based on white supremacy and discrimination have tarnished our nation’s history and continue to impede its growth, and

WHEREAS the militarization of our immigration system is a disproportionate use of force against vulnerable populations.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the AMERICAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION, in support of humanitarian immigration policies,

AFFIRMS its support for immigration policies that are accountable to Indigenous communities, and

AFFIRMS its support for the rights of migrants and refugees as afforded under various United Nations declarations, and

AFFIRMS its support for immigration policies based on human need and human interest that are inclusive of: a path to citizenship for undocumented persons who reside within the United States; just judicial proceedings for immigrants charged with crimes, including access to legal counsel, due process, and detention only as deemed necessary for public safety; generous but sustainable immigrant and refugee quotas; restructuring of our immigration enforcement system to put human dignity first; decriminalization of undocumented border crossings or visa-overstays; labor protections for seasonal migrants; and standards for independent oversight of the entities that enforce our immigration policy, and

AFFIRMS the responsibility of the United States to prioritize the reduction of negative factors that lead to migration patterns, such as poverty and violence.

As humanists, it is crucial that we recognize that the debate over immigration, and the language used in that debate, can serve to dehumanize the most vulnerable communities and individuals. Policies which unduly restrict immigration or discriminate against immigrants are not only contrary to a modern, pluralistic society, but serve to disadvantage the country and its citizens.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the American Humanist Association calls upon all who are able and should be concerned about our nation’s immigration practices to do your part to make this a better world for us all now and in the future.  Support, with your voice, vote, time, energy, resources, and participation, the legislation, candidates, and action groups that promote legislation and policies which treat immigrants, asylum seekers, and potential immigrants with compassion and allow for a more equitable road towards United States citizenship for those who go to great lengths to call the United States home.