Lancaster City Council this evening is expected to wade into an issue that has been addressed by other cities, but extends well beyond city lines to international borders.

Council members are slated to vote on a non-binding resolution on immigration.

The resolution rejects actions taken in other cities, such as Hazleton, and calls on comprehensive reform by federal legislators.

“We truly believe that the responsibility for solving the problem does not lie in cities and local governments like ours, but at the level where is should be, at the federal level,” said Councilman Jose Urdaneta, who will introduce the proposal along with Councilman John Graupera.

The resolution endorses “earned amnesty” for illegal immigrants now living, working and contributing to society in this country, but it calls on Congress to consider that proposal as part of a comprehensive, bipartisan approach to immigration, Graupera said.

Graupera, author of the proposed non-binding resolution, said it does not condone illegal immigration but recognizes it as a complicated problem that involves international governmental and economic policy.

“It’s much larger than making sure people can’t rent an apartment,” said Urdaneta.

He was referring to legislation passed by the Hazleton City Council in July making English the official city language and requiring prospective apartment renters to get a permit from City Hall. Before issuing a permit, city staff would do a background check with federal officials to ensure renters are in this country legally.

Another measure would fine Hazleton employers who hire illegal immigrants.

A judge halted enforcement of those laws in September after appeals were filed.

Hazleton officials passed the city ordinances while contending that the city, south of Wilkes-Barre, was being overrun by illegal immigrants.

Urdaneta said such measures prompt discrimination.

“For every illegal person who lives in the country, there are 10 or 20 people who look like them that are affected by this,” he said.

He, Graupera and Lancaster City Council President Julianne Dickson said Lancaster’s action is also being prompted because they believe illegal immigrants are being demonized for political reasons.

“Hazleton is part of the reason that we are doing it, but it is also the talk about the construction of walls at our borders and the divisive rhetoric the president had in the last election in which he was equating illegal immigrants with terrorists,” said Urdaneta.

Dickson said there is widespread support for the resolution and she expects council members to approve it.

“We’re formalizing the position that Lancaster is a welcoming community that values diversity,” she said.

The council meeting is at 7:30 p.m. in Southern Market Center, South Queen and Vine streets.

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