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Richard macmaster gainneville9/26/2023 ![]() ![]() They claimed that Syrians fleeing that war-torn country were men of military age who planned to set up a terrorist training camp at a church campground in northern Alachua County!įrom successful experiences with refugees, Gov. Here in Gainesville, some citizens then argued vehemently against the Welcoming City proposal. Rick Scott asked Congress for a statute that would do what Executive Order 13888 does. In 2015, in a panic about Syrian refugees, then-Gov. Some of that demonization is almost comic. Standing up also helps refute the false pictures of refugees and other immigrants that are repeated assiduously by those that fear them. Standing up with other states and cities may have a cumulative effect in supporting legal challenges to peremptory executive orders. Standing up for refugees waiting in camps overseas after lengthy interviews and inter-agency security checks enhances our reputation. Standing up against intrusive administration of bad policy is good for our community. Given the administration’s apparent intention of reducing refugee admissions to zero, is there any point to efforts like these? Does it matter if one university town declares its intention to welcome refugees and other immigrants? Interfaith Alliance thinks the answer is yes! Interfaith Alliance for Immigrant Justice instigated that project, too. Gainesville became a Welcoming City for immigrants in 2016 and joined the Welcoming America national network of municipalities that recognize the rich contributions newcomers from around the world bring to their communities. City commissioners agreed to adopt a resolution very soon affirming Gainesville’s intention to welcome refugees and other immigrants. To meet the deadline, Mayor Lauren Poe sent a letter to the State Department confirming that Gainesville has no ordinance, policy or practice of denying refugee resettlement. Meanwhile the Alliance decided in November to enlist the City Commission in defense of our right to keep the benefits of receiving refugees. Gainesville’s Interfaith Alliance for Immigrant Justice urges him to opt in to opportunity by opting out of Executive Order 13888. There has been no response so far as we know. 30 asking him to opt in to the Reception and Placement Program so that Florida can continue to welcome refugees. The Florida Council of Churches wrote Gov. Contrast that with the average of about 67,100 per year for fiscal years 2008-2017 or even 30,000 in fiscal year 2019. State and local officials from across the country published a letter requesting that “at least 95,000” refugees be resettled this fiscal year.įar from respecting local and regional needs, the administration set the resettlement quota for this fiscal year at 18,000. Herbert and Inslee opt in, they asked that more refugees be resettled in their states. Resettlement Support Center in the refugee camps where they are temporarily sheltered. Candidates for refugee immigration status are vetted over a period of 18-to-24 months by U.N. ![]() Refugees are the most carefully screened, vetted and supported class of immigrants. Refugee resettlement is an opportunity both for the refugees and the communities in which they resettle. Refugees have been key to progress in their states and cities. What governors and mayors noticed was that they were being opted out of an important source of economic growth. Unless a state or municipality opts in within 90 days of the order, refugee resettlement is forbidden for them. It presumes that they want out and, if not so, it requires them to opt in. Executive Order 113888 does not give states and municipalities the opportunity to opt out of refugee resettlement. The order says that its purpose is to “cooperate and consult with State and local governments” and “to take into account the preferences of State governments” with regard to refugee resettlement.īut that’s not what it does. The reason why is fascinating - and important. Thirty other states and multiple municipalities have followed suit. Gary Herbert of Utah and Jay Inslee of Washington both protected their states from the effects of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 13888. In a time of political polarization, a Republican governor and a Democratic governor agreed on something major. ![]()
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