DENVER – A resolution calling for the immediate repeal of the immigration ban issued Friday by President Donald Trump was passed Tuesday by the Colorado House of Representatives.
House Joint Resolution 1013 calls for an immediate rescission of the executive order or for Congress to “supersede and render moot” the ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim nations. A common sentiment for Democrats who supported the effort was the threat to national unity. “What this executive order has done is made the United States of America the divided state of America,” said Rep. Dan Pabon, D-Denver.
Most Democratic speakers tried to find common ground with Republicans to create an understanding of why the order went against American values and the country’s system of checks and balances. “We all feel we need a safe America, I believe that. We all want a vetting process that keeps out terror, I believe that. But we have a process that didn’t happen,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and sponsor of the resolution.
Joe Salazar, D-Thornton, implored members of both caucuses to support the resolution as a human rights issue. “This is not a political issue folks, and it is not a partisan issue. Stand up for your neighbors. They need you; they’re scared, and in 2017 in the United States of America, they should have nothing to fear,” Salazar said.
The resolution drew criticism from Republicans because the Colorado General Assembly holds no influence over the federal government.
“One could wonder why this House is talking about something that we have no power to change, when I imagine most Coloradans want us to tackle problems that are our responsibility,” said House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Franktown.
But Salazar said the resolution represented a statement of morals and legacy.
“I hope that history judges us extremely harsh, but I also hope this too: that history will say that something else happened, that there were groups of Americans who stood up,” Salazar said.
All but two Democrats in the House signed on as sponsors. It passed and was sent to the Republican-held Senate where its future is doubtful.
Rep. Yeulin Willett, R-Grand Junction, tried to ease the partisan tension.
“These are tough issues, but folks, let’s not call out and personalize because we differ on some of these issues,” Willett said.
Neville said the number of Muslim majority countries that were not included among nations affected by the ban made accusations that it is based on religion questionable.
“If President Trump intended to ban Muslims from our country this last weekend, it was a laughable effort,” he said.
lperkins@durnagoherald.com
