Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and City Council President Zach Klein Announce Response to Trump Administration Executive Order
Mayor
Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus City Council President Zach Klein announced the city’s commitment to
accepting refugees regardless of immigration status at a press conference at
City Hall.
“Our
immigrant population is part of the fabric of what makes Columbus so vibrant,”
said Mayor Ginther. “They are our neighbors. We must not turn our backs on
them, now or ever.”
Mayor
Ginther said he will issue an executive order this week that will support the
resettlement of refugees to Columbus and prohibit the detention of anyone
unless a warrant exists or a criminal violation was observed. In addition, the
executive order will not allow city money, equipment or personnel to be used
for detecting or apprehending someone or denying them city services based on
immigration status.
Mayor
Ginther also stressed that the city supports constructive immigration reform on
a national level “that keeps families together, upholds our values as
Americans, promotes economic growth, and provides a long term solution to the
immigration system.”
President
Klein said he will explore what the New American population in Columbus needs
from its local government and what the term “sanctuary city” means.
“Columbus
policies should always continue to support a community where all residents and
visitors feel safe and welcome,” said President Klein.
Foreign-born
residents are 9.3% of the entire population of Columbus and contribute $258
million in local and state income, property and sales taxes. The local refugee
community supports an estimated 21,000 jobs in Columbus.
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