Supporting the United Nations' Global Compact for Migration
Adopted at the 87th Annual Meeting in 2019
WHEREAS, there are over 45 million migrants living in the United States, including more than 3 million refugees -- a figure that is expected to grow due to population growth, increasing connectivity, trade, rising inequality, demographic imbalances, and climate change; and
WHEREAS, migration provides immense opportunities and benefits, but poorly managed migration and ineffective policies can also create significant challenges to migrants, host communities, and communities of origin; and
WHEREAS, in response to record-breaking numbers of refugees and migrants moving across international borders, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, the United Nations adopted in July 2018 a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, a first of its kind global agreement on a common approach to international migration in all its dimensions; and
WHEREAS, although migration to the United States and its cities has remained stable over time, American cities may anticipate mass internal migration due to sea-level rise and other impacts of climate change, as well as increasing pressure within the Western hemisphere due to these environmental challenges, economic inequality, and war and violence; and
WHEREAS, the global compact comprises 23 objectives for better managing migration at local, national, regional, and global levels that are grounded in values of state sovereignty, responsibility-sharing, non-discrimination, and human rights, and
WHEREAS, the compact recognizes that a cooperative approach is needed to optimize the overall benefits of migration, while addressing its risks and challenges for individuals and communities in countries of origin, transit and destination; and
WHEREAS, city governments are especially impacted by migration and are on the front line of ensuring that migrants are incorporated into communities, that localities benefit from migration, and that services provided are responsive to increased migrant populations; and
WHEREAS, cities throughout the country, like El Paso, TX; San Diego, CA; Pompano Beach, FL; and Tacoma, WA -- to name a few -- have experienced significant issues with federal detention facilities that are overcrowded, mismanaged, and that subject migrants to medical neglect and other safety issues; and
WHEREAS, members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors have seen first-hand the unacceptable realities of the nation's immigration policies at the Tornillo Detention Facility in June 2018 and have previously adopted a resolution opposing the Department of Homeland Security's family separation policy,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors endorse the United Nations' Global Compact for Migration and the following objectives outlined in the Compact:
- Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies;
- Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin;
- Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration;
- Ensure that all migrants have proof of legal identity and adequate documentation;
- Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration;
- Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work;
- Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration;
- Save lives and establish coordinated international efforts on missing migrants;
- Strengthen the transnational response to smuggling of migrants;
- Prevent, combat and eradicate trafficking in persons in the context of international migration;
- Manage borders in an integrated, secure and coordinated manner;
- Strengthen certainty and predictability in migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral;
- Use immigration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives;
- Enhance consular protection, assistance and cooperation throughout the migration cycle;
- Provide access to basic services for migrants;
- Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion;
- Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration;
- Invest in skills development and facilitate mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences;
- Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries;
- Promote faster, safer and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants;
- Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration;
- Establish mechanisms for the portability of social security entitlements and earned benefits; and,
- Strengthen international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration.