86R23650 BPG-D
By: Rodriguez H.R. No. 1237
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Members of the Austin Sanctuary Network have
demonstrated tremendous dedication to the well-being of vulnerable
asylum seekers; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2015, ASN is a coalition of faith
communities, immigrants, and others committed to sheltering and
assisting immigrants and asylum seekers who have fled dangerous and
deadly conditions in their countries of origin; the network upholds
the time-honored tradition of offering safe haven in places of
worship as it stands in solidarity with undocumented immigrants who
are being detained unjustly and denied asylum status; and
WHEREAS, ASN strives to create a community to provide
physical sanctuary for immigrants who have exhausted their legal
options and face deportation; congregations offering sanctuary
supply shelter, needed food, clothing, and legal, medical, and
educational assistance; and
WHEREAS, Since late 2016, as Immigration and Customs
Enforcement has become more aggressive in pursuing undocumented
immigrants, ASN has broadened its scope in order to protect human
rights; it has embraced asylum seekers Alirio Gamez, Hilda Ramirez,
and Ivan Ramirez as members of the community, supporting them as
they live in sanctuary at two local churches; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gamez escaped violence and death threats in El
Salvador, and in September 2017, he received sanctuary at First
Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin; Ms. Ramirez and her young
son, Ivan, fled violence in Guatemala, and they have been residing
at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for nearly three years; the
lives of all three are at risk if they are sent back to their
countries of origin; previously, they were determined to be a
low-level priority for deportation and were granted temporary
stays, and ICE is vested with the discretion to decline to pursue
enforcement or to further defer action, given that the interest
served is not substantial or is outweighed by other considerations;
and
WHEREAS, Alirio Gamez, Hilda Ramirez, and Ivan Ramirez are
seeking asylum in this country, as is their legal right, and the
Austin Sanctuary Network is working with faith and compassion to
help these brave members of the faith community realize their
dreams of living in safety and freedom and making positive
contributions to our society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the Austin Sanctuary Network for its
efforts in behalf of asylum seekers Alirio Gamez, Hilda Ramirez,
and Ivan Ramirez and commend the members of the network for their
humanitarian work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for ASN as an expression of high regard by the Texas House
of Representatives.