As a border state, Arizona faces issues related to immigration not found in a majority of other states. Because of this, Arizona over the past several years has become the central battleground for controversial immigration measures which generated additional concerns and impacts on Arizona and negatively affected our state’s reputation and image on the national stage.

The level of acrimony within the public discourse has made it nearly impossible for a realistic approach and solution to be found. There have been unfounded and rampant accusations on both sides of the aisle. This lack of reasonable and constructive discussions in matters related to immigration has prevented policymakers from reaching realistic and holistic solutions.

The Arizona Accord is a simple declaration of five broad principles meant to guide policymakers at both the state and, more importantly, national level. We believe these principles can act as guardrails to the crafting and passage of legislation and regulations related to immigration and will provide a foundation for policymakers and the community as a whole to engage in a more civil and effective dialogue when confronting matters of immigration and a broken federal system.

THE ARIZONA ACCORD

A DECLARATION OF FIVE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ARIZONA'S IMMIGRATION DISCUSSION

FEDERAL SOLUTIONS  Immigration is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government & other countries, not Arizona and other countries. We urge Arizona’s congressional delegation, and others, to lead efforts to strengthen federal laws and protect our national borders. We urge state leaders to adopt reasonable policies addressing immigrants in Arizona.

LAW ENFORCEMENT  We respect the rule of law & support law enforcement’s professional judgment and discretion. Local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not civil violations of federal code.

FAMILIES  Strong families are the foundation of successful communities. We oppose policies that would unnecessarily separate families. We champion policies that support families and improve the health, education and well-being of all Arizona children.

ECONOMY  Arizona is best served by a free-market philosophy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity. We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers and taxpayers. Arizona’s immigration policies must reaffirm our global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly state.

A FREE SOCIETY  Immigrants are integrated into communities across Arizona. We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history & spirit of inclusion. The way we treat immigrants will say more about us as a free society and less about our immigrant neighbors. Arizona should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill.



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MAJOR ENDORSING ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES
  • Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL)
  • Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
  • Arizona Farm Bureau
  • Western Growers
  • Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Chicanos Por La Causa
  • The Real Arizona Coalition
  • Arizona Interfaith Network
    • Valley Interfaith Project
    • Northern Arizona Interfaith Council
    • Yuma County Interfaith Council
    • Pima County Interfaith Council
  • The City of Tolleson
  • City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board
  • City of Phoenix Human Relations Commission
  • City of Tucson Human Relations Commission
  • Arizona Employers for Immigration Reform
  • Friendly House
  • East Valley Patriots
  • One Arizona Interfaith Leaders
  • Promise Arizona
  • Ironco Enterprises
  • Sundt Construction
  • McCarthy Construction
  • Valle del Sol
  • Farnsworth Companies