* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Reaffirming Baltimore City’s Status as a Welcoming City
For the purpose of affirming the City of Baltimore as a Welcoming City that promotes policies and programs to foster inclusion for all, and serves its residents regardless of their immigration or refugee status, race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ability to speak English, age sex, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology disability, homelessness, low-income or veteran status, and reaffirming the City’s continuing commitment to advocate and support the wellbeing of all residents.
body
Recitals
Whereas, Baltimore City fosters a culture and environment that makes it a vibrant, dynamic city where our immigrant and refugee residents can fully participate in and be integrated into the social, civic, and economic fabric of Baltimore .
Whereas, over 10,000 undocumented youth in Maryland are estimated to be the recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and they deserve an opportunity to have a bright future and to contribute their time and talent to make Baltimore a City of innovation and growth.
Whereas, City employees serve all residents and make City services accessible to all, regardless of immigration status, and City agencies and law enforcement cannot withhold services based on ancestry, race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, physical or mental disability, immigration status, or religion.
Whereas, in 2011, to recognize and uphold the 4th Amendment constitutional rights of immigrants to be protected against unreasonable seizures, the Baltimore City Council passed a resolution in opposition to the federal Secure Communities Program.
Whereas, the Mayor of Baltimore issued an executive order in 2012 to establish policies of the Baltimore City Police Department and all city agencies to protect immigrants’ access to police protection and public services regardless of immigration status.
Whereas, Baltimore benefits tremendously from the large number of diverse immigrants and refugees who contribute to the development of a culturally and economically diverse and enriched community.
Whereas, the level of anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric during the 2016 Presidential campaign, racist hate speech toward immigrant and refugee communities, and anti-immigrant and anti-refugee policies proposed by the current Presidential Administration is alarming.
Whereas, the safety of all of Baltimore’s residents is contingent on building community trust between all community residents and local law enforcement.
Whereas, the City of Baltimore is committed to recognizing the dignity of all its residents, including the right of all Baltimore residents to live in a City that does not subject them to prejudicial treatment or discrimination.
Whereas, Baltimore is committed to continue building a welcoming, safe, and hate-free environment in communities, where all immigrants and refugees are welcomed, accepted, and integrated; and to encourage business leaders, civic groups, community institutions, and residents to join in a community-wide effort to adopt policies and practices that promote integration, inclusion, and equity.
Whereas, The City of Baltimore recommits its policy to be a Welcoming City to all its residents and to continue building a city of inclusion and participation by all.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, that the Council affirms the City of Baltimore as a Welcoming City that promotes policies and programs to foster inclusion for all, and serves its residents regardless of their immigration or refugee status, race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ability to speak English, age sex, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology disability, homelessness, low-income or veteran status, and reaffirms the City’s continuing commitment to advocate and support the wellbeing of all residents.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the President, the Mayor, the Honorable Speaker of the House of Delegates, the President of the Maryland Senate, the members of the Baltimore City Delegation to the General Assembly, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.