Title
Resolution Stating the City of Ann Arbor’s Consent to Refugee Settlement
Staff
Prepared by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Reviewed by: Stephen K. Postema, City Attorney
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is a warm and welcoming community for all people;
Whereas, City Council adopted R-17-140 on May 1, 2017 declaring the City’s position on inclusion and immigration status;
Whereas, The world is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in human history;
Whereas, By definition, refugees are individuals who have been forced to flee their home country due to persecution based on their race, religion, ethnicity, political opinion, or social group;
Whereas, Resettlement is the last resort for refugees who cannot return to their home country and cannot rebuild their lives where they first fled;
Whereas, The United States has the most extensive refugee vetting in the world;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is currently the home of resettled refugees who will likely be joined by family members in the upcoming year;
Whereas, Churches and families have supported the arrival and integration of refugee families for several years; and
Whereas, Several local businesses depend on refugees to meet labor demands;
RESOLVED, That the City Council of the City Ann Arbor affirms the continued resettlement of refugees within City limits and shall expressly confirm so in writing by letter from the Mayor to the US Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration upon passing of this resolution;
RESOLVED, That the City Council of the City of Ann Arbor urges the Governor of the State of Michigan to consent to initial refugee resettlement as per the terms of Executive Order 13888; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Governor’s Office, the Michigan Department of State, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and all other state agencies having jurisdiction over immigration matters.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor and Councilmembers Grand, Ramlawi, Eaton and Ackerman