A Kansas State Representative has introduced a resolution modeled after the Utah Compact, aimed at softening the tone of the immigration debate.
Representative Louis Ruiz, a Kansas City Democrat, is sponsoring a resolution he calls the Kansas Compact. Modeled after a similar statement of principles from Utah, it calls for federal immigration enforcement, prioritizing keeping families intact, and recognizing the role immigrants play in the U.S. economy.
Similar proposals have been floated in California, Arizona, and Texas. Ruiz says his goal is to change the tone of the immigration debate.
"Especially here in the state of Kansas, when we have Secretary of State Kris Kobach, there’s so much hate and vitriolic rhetoric floating around at certain times," Ruiz said. "Hopefully this creates and environment that’s conducive to good, constructive dialogue on immigration."
In addition to serving as the Kansas Secretary of State, Kris Kobach also drafted a large portion of Arizona’s immigration law SB 1070. Ruiz also introduced this resolution during last year’s legislative session. This year’s version is waiting to be heard in House and Senate committees.
