A Draft Resolution
City of Paterson, NJ
Submitted March XX, 2008
City of Paterson City Council Supporting “Imam Qatanani application to become a permanent resident of the United States” Resolution #.xxx)
Adopted by the Council on xxxxxx. xxxx, 2008
Resolution calling upon Mr. Michael Chertoff, Secretary, Homeland Security Administration and all other federal, state and local agencies and upon The City of Paterson agencies and institutions, to encourage the granting of permanent residency to Imam Dr. Mohammad Qatanani, spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, Paterson, NJ.
By Council Members _________
Whereas, The protection of civil rights and civil liberties is essential to the well being of a free and democratic society; and
Whereas, The City of Paterson has a wonderfully diverse population with backgrounds from all corners of the earth, including long time residents and recent immigrants, whose contributions to the city are vital to its economy, culture and civic character; and
Whereas, The members of the Council of the City of Paterson believe that there is no inherent conflict between national security and the preservation of liberty -- Americans can be both safe and free; and
Whereas, Government security and punitive measures that undermine fundamental rights do damage to the American institutions and values that the residents of the City of Paterson hold dear; and
Whereas, Imam Dr. Mohammad Qatanani, the spiritual leader for the largest Islamic center in New Jersey- the Islamic Center of Passaic County (ICPC)- faces the unjust prospect of deportation from the land of liberty and justice for all, the land that he and his family have grown to love; and
Whereas, In July of 2006, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denied the family’s adjustment of status application and the Imam and his family were put into removal proceedings; and
Whereas, For the past thirteen years, Imam Qatanani has worked as the Imam of the largest mosque in New Jersey, the Islamic Center of Passaic County (ICPC), advocating for peace and tolerance within the larger community; and Whereas, immediately after the tragic events of September 11th, the Imam issued a Fatwa (religious ruling) against violence and terror and condemned the acts of September 11th. In addition, he organized blood drives at the Islamic center for the victims of the bombing, urging community members to participate in them. Whereas, Imam Qatanani has played an important role in supporting the Paterson Public Schools by helping to council students and to advice teachers and administrators Whereas, the Imam has played an important role in supporting troubled families by helping to found WAFA House, a family support services organization. Whereas, numerous local, state and national civil rights organizations have stated their public support of the Imam and his family; and Whereas, numerous local, state and federal law enforcements officials and organizations have stated their public support o the Imam and his family; and Whereas, numerous elected local, state and national leaders have expressed their full support for the Imam, including Congressman Bill and Pascrell, (D-NJ); and Whereas, Imam Qatanani has been a leading figure in the "First Annual American Clergy Leadership Conference" in 2004, the Inauguration of the Bishop of the Episcopalian Diocese in Newark, and numerous interfaith Christian-Muslim-Jewish dialogues. He has hosted numerous open-houses at ICPC where prominent Christian and Jewish clergy attended; and Whereas, The Imam was also involved in inviting leading political and law enforcement authorities such as US Congressmen, US Senators, County Sheriffs, Chiefs of Police, FBI Officials, Judges, Prosecutors, etc., to open up communication channels between the Muslim community and law enforcement authorities. In fact, he was the first to open the NJ Senate with a recitation of the Holy Quran; and Whereas, Three of Imam Qatanani’s children were born in the United and whose right to American citizenship is guaranteed by the US Constitution; and Whereas, The Imam’s foreign born children were brought into the US when they were very young and to whom the US is the only place to call home, and Whereas, like tens of millions of other immigrants who have come to this wonderful land seeking freedom and opportunity the Qatanani family came to the United States with the hopes of realizing the American dream and have established their foundation in the historic city of Paterson, New Jersey. Whereas, Americans For Qatanani" (A4Q) was established by Americans who value freedom, democracy and justice, to advocate the Imam’s case. This coalition is a grass-roots effort not affiliated with his legal team. Rather, it is a joint effort of people of all faiths who feel that the Imam, who has worked so hard to promote social tolerance and understanding between our different communities, is indispensable to our great country, the United States of America; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the City Council of Paterson calls upon federal, state and local officials, and upon City agencies and institutions, to affirm and protect the civil rights and civil liberties; and be it further
Resolved, That the City Council of Paterson affirms its strong support for the request by Dr. Qatanani and his family to become permanent residents of the United States.; and be it further Resolved, The City Council of Paterson shall appropriately transmit this Resolution, once signed into law, to all relevant agencies and officials. Singed this __________, 2008 X X
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