Title
To oppose and condemn federal immigration policies that unnecessarily separate children from their families upon entering the United States
Body
WHEREAS, on May 7, 2018, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a new zero-tolerance policy that refers all border crossings into the United States for federal criminal prosecution, directly resulting in the separation of thousands of children from their families, including individuals seeking asylum; and
WHEREAS, the American Medical Association passed a resolution at its 2018 annual meeting opposing the practice of separating migrating children from their caregivers, warning of the lifelong negative health impacts that result from the intense emotional and physical stress currently being experienced by children separated from their families in U.S. immigration detention facilities, and urging the federal government to give priority to supporting families and protecting the health and well-being of children; and
WHEREAS, a large majority of Americans oppose policies which separate children from their families, including religious leaders across a broad spectrum of faiths and denominations; and
WHEREAS, policies that unnecessarily separate children from their families are inhumane, beneath our values as Americans, and do not meet the founding ideals of the United States of America-a nation of immigrants where people have come to seek the freedoms of our nation and protections from persecution; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is proud of its history of welcoming immigrants and refugees and is committed to supporting displaced persons and families seeking a new beginning; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby oppose and condemn federal immigration policies that unnecessarily separate children from their families upon entering the United States.