LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL H.C.R. 4
6 Approved for Filing: R. Oakey-Frost 6
6 01-15-24 5:51 PM 6
1 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING WORLD
2 REFUGEE DAY
3 2024 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Jennifer Dailey-Provost
6 Senate Sponsor: Luz Escamilla
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This resolution proclaims June 20th as World Refugee Day.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
13 < acknowledges the size of the global refugee population;
14 < acknowledges policies the government of the United States of America has
15 implemented; and
16 < proclaims June 20th as World Refugee Day.
17 Special Clauses:
18 None
19
20 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
21 WHEREAS, the United States should support refugees around the globe and celebrate
22 the strengths and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home countries to
23 escape conflict or persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or
24 membership in a particular social group;
H.C.R. 4
25 WHEREAS, there are more than 100 million displaced people worldwide who have
26 been forced from their homes, more than at any time in recorded history, including over 31
27 million refugees and 4.4 million asylum seekers;
*HCR004*
 H.C.R. 4 01-15-24 5:51 PM
28 WHEREAS, welcoming the oppressed and persecuted is a core tenet of our country,
29 home to a diverse population of refugees and immigrants who have added to the economic
30 strengths and cultural richness of our communities;
31 WHEREAS, the United States refugee resettlement program, which was established
32 over 40 years ago, is a lifesaving pillar of global humanitarian efforts, advances United States
33 foreign policy goals, strengthens United States national security, and supports regional
34 stability;
35 WHEREAS, resettlement to the United States is available only for the most vulnerable
36 refugees who undergo rigorous security vetting and medical screening process; and
37 WHEREAS, refugees integrate into American communities and quickly become
38 self-sufficient by paying taxes, supporting local commerce, joining the workforce, and
39 providing jobs:
40 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
41 Governor concurring therein, commits to promote the safety, health, and well-being of
42 immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, to strengthen the United States resettlement program,
43 and to uphold the legal right to seek asylum under United States law.
44 º [BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor call for an
45 increase in refugee arrivals in Utah and urge the federal government to invest in the United
46 States Refugee Admissions Program.] »
47 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor support state
48 investments in refugee resettlement and the expansion of integration, workforce development,
49 housing, mental health, and other key services for new arrivals.
50 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor commit to
51 consult with refugee and immigrant leaders and advocates around the state on pro-refugee state
52 policy and other impactful decisions.
53 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor proclaim June
54 20th as World Refugee Day.
55 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to the members of
56 the Utah congressional delegation.
-2- House Floor Amendments 2-15-2024 ho/rf