7.16 Response - Sen Hatch Letter - Immigration Policy_7 16 2018
Office of the Mayor and City Council
July 16, 2018
Senator Orrin G. Hatch
U.S. Senate SH104
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Hatch:
I am writing you today to share the efforts that are being made in Park City to provide for the
appropriate treatment of immigrants in our local community and to express serious concern
over our federal government’s treatment of refugees who are seeking asylum in our country.
By way of background, we have a vibrant cross section of Latinos who are valued members of
our community. Their families make up at least a quarter of our population and make our
community a better place to live by their contributions. Many are essential members of our
resort community work force and our local construction industry.
We are proud of the heritage that they bring to our City, our work places, our schools and
playgrounds, and are very concerned about Congress’s inability to pass an immigration reform
bill to address the urgent need to resolve the “Dreamer’s” citizenship status.
Of grave concern to our residents are the recent reports that federal officials have separated
minor children from their families at the border as they seek asylum. We fear that many
families may never be reunited, notwithstanding federal judicial orders directing unifications.
We urge you to provide the administrative tools to our Federal Agencies to conduct their
immigration policies in a humane and decent way. Park City believes the existing zero tolerance
policy is flawed and needs to be urgently reworked, along with our national immigration policy.
As Congress considers legislation, Park City urges you to consider these comments. We are
hopeful that this Administration can put together a reasonable and rational immigration policy,
which will also include a workable citizenship pathway for the Dreamer population, of which
there are many in the Park City area.
We very much appreciate your consideration of these important issues. Should you wish to
discuss this further, I am happy to visit with you by phone or meet in person. Thank you for
your esteemed service to the nation, Utah and the residents of Park City.
Sincerely,
Park City Mayor, Andy Beerman
Park City Municipal Corporation • P.O. Box 1480 • Park City, UT 84060-1480
Phone (435) 615-5007 • FAX (435) 615- 4901