Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate Welcoming Week 2019 in the City of Columbus, Ohio
Body
WHEREAS, Welcoming Week 2019, which takes place September 13th through 22nd, celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country; and
WHEREAS, Welcoming Week is an annual celebration bringing together thousands of people and a series of local events that celebrate the contributions of immigrants, refugees and new Americans, and the role our communities play in fostering a greater welcome; and
WHEREAS, efforts that promote understanding and collaboration between all members of our community are crucial in encouraging and preserving the welcoming and inclusive environment of Columbus, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, during this week of recognition, the city of Columbus, Ohio reaffirms its belief that the United States of America is a country open to all who seek refuge and the pursuit of happiness. U.S. refugee resettlement agencies have the resources to accept at least 95,000 refugees in 2020, so we call the U.S. President’s Administration to make a Presidential Determination of at least 95,000 refugees for 2020; and
WHEREAS, the city of Columbus, Ohio must also take a stance against the expansion of the Public Charge Rule recently proposed by the U.S. President’s Administration. Enforcement of the public charge rule will deprive critical industries from the workforce they need and will decrease spending and economic activity in Columbus and the entire state of Ohio; and
WHEREAS, the city of Columbus, Ohio has been recognized as a hospitable and collaborative place where individuals, families and institutions thrive and the contributions of all are celebrated and valued; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize and celebrate Welcoming Week from September 13-22, 2019.