HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-04-2004-6dORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 4, 2004
Action Agenda p
Item No, ~~-o(
SUBJECT: Resolution Regarding Erika Cruz Romero's Petition for Asylum
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Milan Pham, ext. 2255
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
BACKGROUND: During the April 20, 2004 Board of County Commissioners' meeting,
Commissioner Halkiotis stated that he was concerned about Ms, Romero's residency situation
and requested that staff research the issue and present a resolution at the next Commissioners
meeting.
Ms, Erika Cruz Romero is an eleven-year-ald EI Salvadoran girl who left her home and
proceeded alone to make her way to the United States to find her father, She is currently with
her father in North Carolina, When the Immigration and Naturalization Service discovered her
whereabouts and reviewed her immigration status, it began proceedings to deport her, She has
been given the option of leaving voluntarily by the end of .June 2004 or face being deported,
Ms, Romero, through her attorney, has petitioned for asylum on the basis of hardship because
she was abandoned by her mother and will be homeless if she returns to EI Salvador, Her only
family other than her mother resides in the United States.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adapt the proposed
resolution and authorize the Chair to sign it.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Resolution Regarding Erika Cruz Romero's
Petition for Asylum
Wher°eas, 1;ril:a Cruz Romero is an eleven-year-old EI Salvadoran girl who left her home and proceeded
alone to make her way to the United States to find her father; and
Whereas, )=ril:a Cruz Romero found her father, her only relative willing and able to care for her, in
North Carolina; and
Whereas, the Immigration and Nationalization Service bas stated that she mast leave voluntarily by
Jane 2004 or face deportation; and
Whereas, Ms Romero's deportation will mean facing a ]ife on the streets in LI Salvador and separation
from her father: and
Whereas, the health of a community is contingent on the health of its individual residents and families;
and
Whereas, a healthy community ensures the safety of its children and provides for their education and
general welfare; and
Whereas, Orange County supports healthy families and supports the safety, education and genera]
welfare of children; and
Whereas, if Ms Romero is granted asylum, her family will remain intact, she will be spared a life on the
streets, and her family will then be able to contribute to the health of the community;
NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, hereby express our support
for Ei il<a Cruz Romero's petition of asylum.
This the 4~~~' day of May, 2004.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners