Resolution No. 23: Immigration Reform

The American Legion’s National Security Commission has been reviewing immigration policy issues with those in the field to discuss needs with the border, visa application, legal immigration application, asylum system and more. The National Security Commission presented an immigration reform policy resolution during The American Legion’s Spring Meetings May 5 in Indianapolis. Resolution No. 23: Immigration Reform, was adopted by the National Executive Committee.

Origin: National Security Commission

WHEREAS, The American Legion’s Preamble to our Constitution states: “We associate ourselves together for the following purposes ... to maintain law and order...to promote peace and goodwill on earth ... to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy ... “; and

WHEREAS, Members of The American Legion, having been exposed to the effects of poverty and oppression through military service, have a special understanding of the challenges many people of the world have, and we have a special concern for freedom; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion believes in legal immigration into the United States and a path toward becoming a United States citizen; and

WHEREAS, The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency estimates that there are 11.4 million undocumented immigrants currently residing within the United States; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Audits stated that each year more than one million individuals attempt to enter the United States without proper documentation or enter legally and then violate the provisions of their visas; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that approximately 45% of the undocumented immigrants in the United States have arrived legally but overstayed their visa; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 4-5, 2022, That The American Legion urges the United States government to adopt immigration reform policy that emphasizes border security, focusing on funding for barriers where needed, fielding of advanced technologies, and fully manning the border; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the United States government to enact laws that improve visa security through thorough vetting of applicants, reducing visa overstays and ending visa programs that are vulnerable to exploitation by bad actors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the United States government to streamline the legal immigration application process so as to help reduce and discourage illegal immigration; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the United States government to reform the asylum system and adhere to laws requiring detention and expedited due process and/or removal of illegal border crossers; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion urges the United States government to strengthen immigration reform agreements with transit countries to discourage the flow of immigrants that attempt to enter the United States illegally; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That 2016 National Convention Resolution No. 24 titled, “Illegal Immigration Policy” is hereby superseded and rescinded.