44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

EXPRESSING COMPASSION FOR THOSE WHO RISK THEIR LIVES IN PURSUIT OF THE PROMISE OF A BETTER LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES AND REQUESTING THE PEOPLE OF NEW MEXICO TO SUPPORT THE PLIGHT OF ALL IMMIGRANTS.

WHEREAS, the United States is a nation of immigrants that has drawn its strength from the diversity, determination and compassion of its people; and

WHEREAS, for generations, immigrants have risked all they have in this life, leaving behind their possessions, their homes and sometimes family, in exchange for the opportunity to build a better life on American soil; and

WHEREAS, in search of a better life for themselves and their posterity, immigrants created a United States that has become the standard-bearer of democracy and economic prosperity; and

WHEREAS, the United States remains a promised land for those determined to work their way out of the ravages of poverty, those seeking the freedom of a democratic society and those fleeing the hand of political, racial and religious persecution; and

WHEREAS, more than twenty men, women and children suffered serious injuries and risked their lives when the vehicle carrying them through southern New Mexico to the hope of economic security flipped, resulting in one death in January 2000; and

WHEREAS, for thirteen immigrants, the pursuit of the United States' promise ended in tragedy when the vehicle into which they were crowded collided with a semi-trailer as they traveled through New Mexico on a brutally cold night in December 1999; and

WHEREAS, the Albuquerque border city project has created a fund to provide family support for the victims and legal support for the survivors of the December accident;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that, in appreciation of the wealth of opportunity and prosperity that this nation has offered the citizens of New Mexico, compassion be expressed for those who died in New Mexico on their journey to a land that promised a better life and for all people who have given their lives in pursuit of the inherently human values that have called us together to form this nation of immigrants; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the people of New Mexico be encouraged to make donations to the victims' families and survivors of the December tragedy through the Albuquerque border city project at Post Office Box 2121, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103-2121; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the Albuquerque border city project and all newspapers of mass circulation within New Mexico.