“Stand Against Illegal Immigration and Child Sex Trafficking Week."
Susan Adams | Published on 6/9/2023
Final Version
The League of Women Voters of Beloit and the League of Women Voters of Janesville
oppose Resolution R-2023-232 Proclaiming July 2 - 8, 2023 “Stand Against Illegal
Immigration and Child Sex Trafficking Week."
This resolution conflates two different issues and makes statements that they are
integrally related, and then encourages residents, etc., to "engage in thoughtful
dialogue, education, and advocacy" to enforce immigration laws. There is no need to
devote a week to this concept, when the proposers of the resolution do not offer any
program or identify any community-based organizations that would lead
thoughtful discussions and education on these topics.
We stated the League of Women Voters position on immigration in an earlier statement
before the Board. It concludes that the United States Congress must take immediate
action to pass common-sense, fair immigration policies that end the crisis at our border,
end the separation of families, and provide a path to citizenship.
Note that the League’s 2014 statement opposing Human Trafficking, does not conflate
immigration with human trafficking.
The League of Women Voters opposes all forms of domestic and international human
trafficking of adults and children, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking. We
consider human trafficking to be a form of modern-day slavery and believe that every
measure should be taken and every effort should be made through legislation and
changes in public policy to prevent human trafficking. Prosecution and penalization of
traffickers and abusers should be established, and existing laws should be strictly
enforced. Extensive essential services for victims should be applied where needed.
Education and awareness programs on human trafficking should be established in our
communities and in our schools.
Thank you for your attention.