85R9373 BPG-D By: Moody H.R. No. 744 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The United States is a nation of immigrants, and our influence in the world has been immeasurably enhanced by our enduring identity as a land of freedom and opportunity for resourceful persons of all colors, creeds, and origins; and WHEREAS, Since colonial days, the American character has been associated with boldness, determination, and an exceptional work ethic, all traits possessed by those who elect to leave the familiar behind and start their lives over in another country; successive waves of newcomers have replenished our drive, enriched our culture, and advanced our prosperity; and WHEREAS, Immigrants bring innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as business connections that promote international trade and investment; they tend to arrive in their prime working years, making huge net contributions to Social Security and other senior entitlement programs; keeping the economy flexible, they often fill key niches in the labor market where demand outstrips supply, at both the low and high ends of the skill spectrum; and WHEREAS, The power of immigration to spur economic growth is particularly evident in high-technology and other knowledge-based sectors; the chief executive officers of such major tech companies as Microsoft, Google, Oracle, and SpaceX were all born overseas, and immigrants have developed myriad products, such as the Java computer language, that have created jobs for millions of Americans; and WHEREAS, An America without immigrants would be poorer, weaker, and less dynamic, and in an increasingly fluid and challenging global economy, our competitiveness depends on our continued ability to attract the best and the brightest from around the world; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby reaffirm America's proud tradition as a beacon of liberty and express support for the constitutional rights of lawful immigrants.