For Immediate Release: June 16, 2017
Contact: [email protected] 

STATEMENT FROM CITIES FOR ACTION ON DHS RESCISSION OF DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA

The following statement can be attributed to Cities for Action:

“Cities for Action, a coalition of over 150 mayors and county leaders that advocates for policies to welcome and embrace our foreign-born residents, expresses deep disappointment in the Trump Administration’s abandonment of DAPA and expanded DACA. Since the announcement of these executive orders in late 2014, cities across the country brought crucial local perspectives to the case by filing amicus briefs in every stage of the Texas v. US litigation. 118 mayors, county executives, and localities signed on to the amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court in June 2016 – which clearly demonstrates the broad support this program has. 

While the Administration has not rescinded the original DACA program, we call on the Administration to commit to continue DACA and to support legislation to provide immigrants with permanent relief. Immigrant families deserve to have the peace of mind to stay in the country they call home.” 

For Immediate Release: May 17, 2017
Contact: [email protected]

MAYORS ISSUE LETTER URGING THE ADMINISTRATION TO EXTEND TPS FOR HAITIANS

Cities for Action leaders call on the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to extend TPS for Haitians.

WASHINGTON – In the wake of a decision by the Department of Homeland Security on the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, 13 mayors and a county executive issued a letter today to Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urging them to extend TPS for the Haitian community. The letter discusses the contributions of Haitian residents to these cities and the significant impact to local economies if Haitian TPS were to be terminated. The letter also mentions the significant deterioration in living conditions in Haiti, since TPS was originally designated in 2010, as a result of Hurricane Matthew last year which led to delays in recovery efforts. 

In 2010, the federal government designated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) following a devastating earthquake that killed over 200,000 people and caused severe damage to the country’s infrastructure. TPS allows individuals from certain countries to remain in the U.S. if it is unsafe to return to their home country due to a severe humanitarian emergency there. As many as 50,000 Haitians living across the United States will be forced to leave the country if the program is not extended.

The mayors who have signed today's letter to Secretaries Kelly and Tillerson are part of Cities for Action, a coalition of over 150 cities and counties leading on immigration action and immigrant inclusion efforts.

“The Boston metro area is home to the third largest Haitian community in the United States. There are 16,000 Haitian immigrants and nationals who live in the City of Boston, and many more come to Boston for work and leisure every day from neighboring cities and towns. The Haitian diaspora has enriched and strengthened our City in immeasurable ways. Failure to extend TPS for Haiti would have a negative impact on the U.S. and Haitian economies, endangering lives, further destabilizing Haiti, and potentially separating families.” – Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh

“I had the opportunity to visit Haiti last summer and the City of Champaign and our residents have a relationship with the people and government in the Kenscoff region there. I remain concerned about dangerous and unlivable conditions that persist in some areas of Haiti and that were present even before this most devastating hurricane.  Extending TPS would among other things protect our Haitian immigrant residents from having to return to unsafe and unsanitary conditions. I strongly urge extension of TPS.” – Champaign Mayor Deborah Feinen

“The United States extended its support to Haitians who had been devastated by the 2010 earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands of people, and left more than a million people homeless. To turn our back on them now would go against everything our country stands for,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “In Chicago, we will continue to offer our support and we will continue fighting to ensure that this country and this city remains a welcoming beacon of hope to innocent refugees who seek to a better life.”- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

“Haitians living in the U.S. under TPS are here because the home they once knew no longer exists. Terminating their status and forcing them to return to a country with dangerous conditions is against everything our country stands for. In New York City alone we have over 125,000 Haitians, many of whom could be impacted if TPS is not extended. It is our job to protect them, which is exactly what we’re urging the White House to do.” – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio

“Philadelphia continues to fully support this request to extend the TPS status for the 50,000 displaced Haitians to remain in the U.S.   Recognizing the perilous circumstances that bought them to the U.S., I urge the federal government to take this action in ensuring that families can remain together.”  – Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney

“Thousands of Haitians have come to the United States seeking stability while their home is in chaos and we must do what we can to ensure their safety and security. I encourage the Departments of State and Homeland Security to think of the human needs of Haitians living in the United States and extend their temporary protected status.” – Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner

“Protecting human rights is assuredly among DC values, and as an international city, we cherish our diversity and welcome people from around the globe. When faced with a humanitarian crisis, temporary protected status affords needed refuge for those affected by it, and that is why I am proud to stand with mayors across the country to support a continued commitment to the people of Haiti.” - Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser

Below is the full text of the letter from Cities for Action:

The Honorable Rex Tillerson
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

The Honorable John Kelly
Secretary of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
3801 Nebraska Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20528

May 17, 2017

Dear Secretaries Kelly and Tillerson:

On behalf of the over 200,000 Haitian-born community members living in our cities, we urge you to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haiti before it expires on July 22, 2017.  Doing so would benefit our cities by ensuring that Haitian immigrant families in our communities may remain together and that Haitian immigrants with TPS would be protected from having to return to a country where dangerous conditions persist. 

As local leaders, we have an interest in ensuring the vibrancy of our economies and the health and safety of all our residents, including our immigrant residents.  Immigrants make our communities stronger economically, social, and culturally.  We promote these interests through Cities for Action, a coalition of over 150 mayors and county executives that advocates for policies to welcome and embrace our foreign-born residents.

Terminating TPS for the approximately 50,000 Haitians who currently have it would significantly impact local economies and communities. Our Haitian immigrant residents work, pay taxes, and contribute to our cities every day. They are ingrained in every aspect of our cities as they own small businesses, serve in our governments, and work in our hospitals and schools. A decision to terminate TPS would not only affect those who currently have Haitian TPS, but negatively impact their family members, employers, and communities as well. 

Extending TPS would also protect our Haitian immigrant residents from returning to dangerous and unlivable conditions. Haiti first received TPS designation because of the devastating impacts of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010. With rebuilding efforts from the earthquake still incomplete, Hurricane Matthew struck the country in October of last year, undoing much of the recovery effort and causing immense loss of life. The country remains devastated, suffering from severe food shortages and a significant deterioration of living conditions. Additionally, cholera remains rampant and deadly –it has killed over 10,000 people and sickened hundreds of thousands more since the earthquake. 2,000 new cholera cases were reported in just the period of February to mid-March of this year. TPS was designed specifically to protect residents of our communities during humanitarian emergencies— the extension of its designation for Haitians would be in the best interest of our cities and our country at large.

Local governments have a considerable interest in extending Haitian TPS, keeping immigrant families together, and preventing members of our communities from being forced to return to dangerous conditions. Therefore, we urge you to uphold our nation’s position as a humanitarian leader by continuing protections for Haitian immigrants and allowing them to remain temporarily within our country through an extension of TPS.

Sincerely, 

Martin J. Walsh, Mayor of Boston, MA
E. Denise Simmons, Mayor of Cambridge, MA
Deborah Frank Feinen, Mayor of Champaign, IL
Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago, IL
Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, CA
Isiah Leggett, County Executive of Montgomery County, MD
Tomás Regalado, Mayor of Miami, FL
Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ
Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City, NY
James F. Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia, PA
Joseph Curtatone, Mayor of Somerville, MA
David Martin, Mayor of Stamford, CT
Stephanie Miner, Mayor of Syracuse, NY
Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C.

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For Immediate Release: April 26, 2017
Contact: [email protected] 

STATEMENT FROM CITIES FOR ACTION ON THE FEDERAL COURT’S RULING

The following statement can be attributed to Cities for Action:

Cities for Action applauds the decision made by the federal court in response to the lawsuits led by the County of Santa Clara and the City and County of San Francisco. The decision sends a clear message that the Trump administration goes beyond its authority with threats to withhold vital funding to municipalities. The Administration is misguided in its attempts to scapegoat immigrants and the cities that welcome them. Our cities are safer because we work with immigrants and not against them.  The court’s decision only strengthens our resolve to continue to govern and protect our people as we always have.

Click here to read Judge William H. Orrick's ruling.

Mayors’ statements from across the country

Boston, MA Mayor Martin J. Walsh

“Today's injunction shows that Boston, along with other cities and towns from across the nation, will not be intimidated by threats to federal funding because we have the Constitution on our side. In Boston, there is no dollar amount that would ever change our essential character of inclusiveness of all people. We will continue to stand up for the values that make us who we are as a city."

Cambridge, MA Mayor E. Denise Simmons

“President Trump’s moves to punish sanctuary cities by cutting off funding is misguided, heartless, and ultimately counterproductive. Such a move would only punish the most vulnerable among us, and it forces the leaders of cities like Cambridge to spend our time working to mitigate the potential impacts of our president’s proposed actions, rather than spending our time focusing on critical issues like growing our local economies, ensuring our residents have access to affordable housing and family-sustaining jobs, and working to ensure that our schools are providing the best possible foundations for our children. Today, Judge Orrick has given judicial weight to what many of us have been stating all along: the president’s actions are not merely punitive and misguided, they are also a dramatic executive overreach. It is my hope that this decision will be upheld, and that the country can move on to more important matters.”

Chicago, IL Mayor Rahm Emmanuel

“The Trump administration’s attempt to coerce cities to choose between our most basic values and federal funding was not only bad public policy, we now have further proof that it was unconstitutional. The City of Chicago was proud to sign on to an amicus brief in support of an immediate injunction, and I commend Judge Orrick’s thoughtful decision to block enforcement of this illegal executive order. Throughout our history immigrants, refugees and dreamers from around the world have moved our country and our city forward, and we will not sit idly by while President Trump threatens American cities because he doesn't share our values.”

Denver, CO Mayor Michael B. Hancock

“The safety of our residents and success of our local law enforcement efforts depend on maintaining a relationship of trust with the community. That’s why Denver joined with the 34 other cities in challenging an order that has only created uncertainty, fear and anxiety by threatening punitive funding actions. As we have said from the time the executive order was issued, the White House simply does not have the authority to do this, and I applaud the Federal Judge’s ruling to that affect.”

Los Angeles, CA Mayor Eric Garcetti

“Today’s ruling by Judge Orrick is good news, and reminds us that people’s rights transcend political stunts. The Constitution protects cities’ right to create humane, sensible policies that keep our neighborhoods safe and our communities together. It is time for the federal government to stop attacking cities and scapegoating immigrants, and begin focusing on the hard work of comprehensive immigration reform. I will keep working to defend the rights of all our residents — including immigrants — and fighting to protect our own federal tax dollars, which Angelenos want to invest in keeping their families safe and our city strong.”

New York City, NY Mayor Bill de Blasio

“Once again a federal court has told the Trump administration: ‘No you can’t.’ The president is going beyond his authority when he tries to cut vital funding to cities that don’t share his illogical and unconstitutional desire to scapegoat immigrants. New York is the safest big city in America because we work with all our residents, not against some of them. We said from the beginning that a stroke of a pen in Washington would not change our values or how we protect our people.”

Philadelphia, PA Mayor Jim Kenney

“We are still reviewing the court’s lengthy order, internally and with our outside counsel.  Although we are gratified with the federal courts ruling, we will need to continue to work in order to prevent our local law enforcement officers from being forced to adopt policies that would make our city less safe and worsen community relations.”  

Richmond, CA Mayor Tom Butt

“Judge Orrick stopped enforcement of President Trump’s indefensible executive order today that served as a senseless demand to cities nationwide which accomplished absolutely nothing. The Trump administration has only succeeded in showing that intimidation and fear are their preferred tactics for advancing their flawed agenda. Richmond will continue to defend itself against any illegal executive orders, and our community stands against the divisive immigration policies that do nothing but cause trauma and fear.”

San Francisco, CA Mayor Ed Lee

“We applaud today’s ruling granting a preliminary injunction against the Administration withholding federal funds to cities that disagree with its immigration enforcement policies.

San Francisco is and will remain a sanctuary city. We know that sanctuary cities are safer, healthier, more productive places to live.

San Francisco’s sanctuary city laws are in compliance with federal law. If the federal government believes there is a need to detain a serious criminal they can obtain a criminal warrant, which we will honor, as we always have.”

Santa Clara County, CA Board of Supervisors President Dave Cortese

“The politics of fear has just suffered a major setback, thanks to Judge Orrick and our judicial branch, along with the support of cities and counties across the country. Millions of people across the country can continue to receive essential medical care, go to school and remain active members of their communities without fear that their local governments are being forced to work against them, rather than for them.”

Santa Fe, NM Mayor Javier M. Gonzales

“Rather than listening to cities, the closest governments to the people, and working with us to fix a badly broken federal immigration system or institute trade and immigration policies that benefit the centers of innovation that are driving this country’s economy, President Trump has opted to declare war on us. And that’s a shame.

It’s part of the fabric of Santa Fe, part of our culture and our identity, that we value the contributions of immigrants. In fact, our city’s history going back 400 years and the success and vibrancy we enjoy today has depended on it, and those are the values that won in court today. The day we give in to the fear, the divisiveness, the dangerous message that we have to hate anyone who is different from us – that is the day we lose the thing most sacred to Santa Fe.”

Seattle, WA Mayor Ed Murray

“This court ruling preventing President Trump from punishing ‘sanctuary cities’ is yet another rebuke of his misguided agenda. Once again, a federal judge has blocked President Trump’s dangerous overreach. While we review this ruling’s impact on our city’s lawsuit against the president’s order, we will continue to embrace all our residents because we know Trump’s attacks on ‘sanctuary cities’ are attacks on constitutional cities.”

Syracuse, NY Mayor Stephanie A. Miner

“Today’s order follows the law and is a just outcome for cities across the United States that understand their responsibility to protect vulnerable immigrants. Cutting off federal funding for sanctuary cities is an irrational policy decision that would take away resources away from governments that are most responsive to Americans every day. The President must be compassionate and think about the consequences of their actions and communities, like Syracuse, deserve representation that lives up to our values.

While I expect this fight to continue, it is my hope the administration can put this destructive chapter behind them and focus on solving our country’s important issues, including funding infrastructure, creating jobs for working-class Americans, and developing a meaningful urban agenda to tackle the serious challenges facing America’s cities.”

US Conference of Mayors CEO Tom Cochran

“The nation’s mayors applaud today’s decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California which granted San Francisco and Santa Clara County’s motion for a nationwide preliminary injunction, thus enjoining nationwide the provisions in the interior enforcement executive order applying to sanctuary jurisdictions.  We stand with San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and the leaders of other local governments who have challenged the provisions in the executive order.”

Today, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston and 27 other cities and counties filed additional legal briefs supporting two challenges to the President's Executive Order which called for restricting travel to the United States from six majority-Muslim nations and suspending the refugee program. 

Click here for the full Fourth Circuit brief filed on April 19, 2017.

Click here for the full Ninth Circuit brief filed on April 21, 2017. 

For immediate release: March 17, 2017
Contact: [email protected]  |  @citiesforaction

 CITIES FOR ACTION SHARES LESSONS LEARNED FROM FIRST TRAVEL BAN

Over the past 24 hours, two federal judges have blocked major pieces of the President’s second travel ban from taking effect today. For now, this will allow the refugee program to continue and prevent the unjust detention of travelers from the six Muslim-majority nations targeted by President Trump's Executive Order.

Cities for Action will continue to monitor the litigation and prepare city governments in developing robust rapid response plans in the case those measures are needed. Today, Cities for Action released a case study analysis on cities’ responses to the impact of the President’s Executive Order that enacted the first travel ban in January 2017. The report highlights responses at airports in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia and outlines lessons learned from these cases for future rapid response efforts. Here are our lessons learned:

1. Protestors, advocates and families across the country brought widespread attention to the ban.

2. Customs officials had to wait for instructions from D.C., so detainees’ families received little information.

3. Local officials helped families and their attorneys get more clarity from the federal government.

4. Advocates and officials on social media spread information about the detainees at airports across the country.”

Click here to read the full report.

Created in 2014, Cities for Action is a coalition of 150 mayors and county executives working for stronger and safer cities through immigrant inclusive policies and programs. Cities for Action members are committed to driving the national debate on immigration policies and integrating immigrants through best practices at the municipal level.

For more information on the actions cities are taking, visit www.citiesforaction.us

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For Immediate Release: March 6, 2017
Contact: [email protected]

STATEMENT FROM CITIES FOR ACTION ON THE PRESIDENT'S NEW TRAVEL BAN EXECUTIVE ORDER

The following statement can be attributed to Cities for Action: 

“Cities for Action unequivocally opposed the President’s initial travel ban executive order, and we will do the same with the Administration’s latest action. These fear-based policies do not reflect American values and will only undermine our national security. Our cities and counties are safer and stronger because of refugees and immigrants, not in spite of them. As always, we will act in the best interest of our cities, counties, and country, by promoting policies and programs that aim to support and integrate immigrants."

Created in 2014, Cities for Action is a coalition of 150 mayors and county executives working for stronger and safer cities through immigrant inclusive policies and programs. Cities for Action members are committed to driving the national debate on immigration policies and integrating immigrants through best practices at the municipal level.

For more information on the actions cities are taking, visit www.citiesforaction.us

###

For Immediate Release: February 17, 2017
Contact:  [email protected] | @citiesforaction

34 Cities and Counties Sign On in Darweesh v. Trump Amicus Brief in the Eastern District of New York to challenge the President’s Executive Order on the Travel Restrictions from Seven Muslim-Majority Countries

Signatory Cities & Counties Represent 23 Million People Nationwide

Amicus Brief Filing Here: http://bit.ly/EDNYamicus  

New York – Cities for Action announced today that 34 cities and counties, representing 23 million people, filed a local government amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in Darweesh v. Trump. The brief challenges the President’s Executive Order limiting travel from the seven Muslim-majority countries and seeks a continued hold on enforcement of the President’s Executive Order. The amici cities argue that a lift on the hold would deeply harm millions of residents by interfering with local economies, immigrant integration and public safety efforts.

Created in 2014, Cities for Action is a coalition of mayors and county executives working for stronger and safer cities through immigrant inclusive policies and programs. Cities for Action members are committed to driving the national debate on immigration policies and integrating immigrants through best practices at the municipal level.

Mayors’ statements in support include:

Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan 
“As the Capital of the great state of New York, the City of Albany, a sanctuary city, welcomes individuals of all religions and nationalities, and the United States should be no different. Individuals should feel comfortable contacting local law enforcement when they are the victim of a crime, regardless of their immigration status, however the President’s travel ban creates fear and threatens the safety of every resident and visitor.  It is imperative that cities across the nation unite to protect our residents and ensure their safety, and joining this amicus brief is an example of that.”

Austin Mayor Steve Adler
“I just want the immigrant and refugee community in Austin to know that we are a welcoming and supportive community and that they are an important part of it.  The world can completely lose its mind and we’re still going to be Austin, Texas.” 

Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown
“In opposing enforcement of the administration’s Executive Order, the City of Buffalo is continuing its commitment to equality, religious freedom and respect for individuals’ rights. Our City’s burgeoning refugee and immigrant communities are an integral part of Buffalo’s social, economic and academic fabric. These new Americans are driving the City of Buffalo’s revitalization, and today we stand with cities across the nation to preserve the American dream for all people.”

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel
“The President’s actions are a shameful betrayal of our fundamental American values. This is a moment when we have to stand up for our values, stand tall for the voiceless and stand together as one nation to say enough is enough. While I am pleased that the courts have placed a temporary halt to this unlawful Executive Order, the City of Chicago chose to make its views known to the courts, joining the legal fight to ensure that this country remains a welcoming beacon of hope to innocent refugees who seek to escape the life-threatening horrors of war and to hardworking, law-abiding immigrants who seek a better life.”

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin
“We are confident - confident in our Constitution, confident in our legal position, confident in our diverse immigrant community. We are confident in our efforts to thwart the chaos, foolishness and cruelty fostered by President Trump.”  

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp
“Quite honestly, one of the worst things to come out of Washington in recent days is the chilling effect this new Administration has had on a growing segment of this community. It’s my opinion that increasing fear among a wider swath of New Haven residents does more harm in this community than violations of immigration law.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio
“The President’s ban violates both our Constitution and the values we hold dear. Americans of all stripes should be alarmed that religious liberties and Constitutional rights have been taken hostage by the White House. We will do everything in our power to fight back and stand up for the rights of all people.”

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney
“President Trump's Executive Order sends a message of fear and uncertainty throughout our city that stands in direct contrast to Philadelphia's openness to people of all faiths and nationalities. We are joining in the amicus brief with other U.S. cities because we must speak out strongly against this Executive Order and any future such orders that run counter to the very principles on which this nation was founded.”

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray
“The stories of immigrant and refugee families are the stories of all our families, whether we arrived here last year or last century. President Trump's Executive Order threatens to rip families apart, and the actions of ICE in recent weeks have suggested the Trump Administration will continue targeting families in our communities. Removing people from their homes and instilling fear does not help our security, and it hurts our economy. It is a show of hostility toward all of us – these are our friends, co-workers, neighbors and family. We are taking the legal action necessary to stop this and future Executive Orders that aim to target any person based on their religion and we will remain a welcoming city that stands with everyone in our community."

Additionally, the brief argues that there would be significant costs for cities’ economies and the livelihood of immigrant families if the hold on the President’s Executive Orders were to be lifted. For example:

• Immigrants make up a significant number of the workforce in our cities. Over 960,000 in Los Angeles, 184,100 in San Francisco; 108,000 in Philadelphia; and 51,000 in Portland.
• Nearly 800,000 individuals born in the seven Muslim majority countries affected by the Executive Orders live in American cities. Amici cities are also home to tens of thousands of refugees.
• Tourism, a huge segment of amici cities’ economies, would be harmed by the travel ban. In 2015, San Francisco had over 24 million tourists, generating $9 billion in spending and sustaining over 76,500 jobs. That same year, Los Angeles had 50 million tourists, including 6.7 million international visitors, visitors who alone generated $6.3 billion in spending; and Chicago had more than 51 million tourists that generated $14.8 billion in spending and sustained more than 178,000 jobs. New York City has about 60 million visitors per year, including 12.3 million international tourists, generating $42.2 billion in direct spending. 
• International and foreign born students topped one million in the past academic year. Medical facilities, local governments, and public universities all rely on personnel from other countries.

Cities and counties that signed on to the amicus brief include the following:

ALBANY, NY;

AUSTIN, TX;

BUFFALO, NY;

CHICAGO, IL;

GARY, IN;

ITHACA, NY;

JERSEY CITY, NJ;

LOS ANGELES, CA;

MADISON, WI;

MINNEAPOLIS, MN;

NASHVILLE, TN;

NEW HAVEN, CT;

NEW YORK CITY, NY;

OAKLAND, CA;

PATERSON, NJ;

PHILADELPHIA, PA;

PLAINFIELD, NJ;

PORTLAND, OR;

PROVIDENCE, RI;

ROCHESTER, NY;

SANTA MONICA, CA;

SEATTLE, WA;

SCHENECTADY, NY;

SOMERVILLE, MA;

SOUTH BEND, IN;

SYRACUSE, NY;

TRENTON, NJ;

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA;

AND YONKERS, NY;

THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, CA;

THE TOWN OF CARRBORO, NC;

THE BOROUGHS OF HALEDON, NJ AND PRINCETON, NJ;

THE VILLAGE OF SKOKIE, IL

For Immediate Release: January 25, 2017
Contact: [email protected] 

STATEMENT FROM CITIES FOR ACTION ON THE PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE ACTIONS 

The following statement can be attributed to Cities for Action:

“Today’s executive orders do not change who we are or how we govern our cities, and we will fight against attempts to undermine our values and the security of our cities. Representing cities and counties across the country, we are united in our commitment to remain inclusive cities, providing for the public safety of all. As mayors and county executives nationwide have made clear today, we will continue to provide for all in our communities—regardless of where they come from—and work to continue building trust between city residents and law enforcement.” 

###

C4A Mayors made statements this week, reacting to the President's executive orders that included:

Atlanta, GA Mayor Kasim Reed
“Atlanta is proud to be a welcoming city. We are a community which has stood up for the civil and human rights of every person, and we will not waver now. Atlanta is the leading cultural and economic center of the Southeast precisely because of our legacy of inclusion. My administration is determined to use the full strength of that position to lead with policies that uphold and enhance the civil rights of all our residents, because any threat to our constitutionally guaranteed liberty is a threat to all Atlantans. Our city stands together. We believe the President’s executive orders violate the principles of the U.S. Constitution. We believe these orders promote dangerous public policy, eroding trust between public safety agencies and the communities they serve, which will undermine public safety in the City of Atlanta and nationwide. We believe the courts will agree. As Mayor, I pledge that Atlanta city government will stand firm in its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and will remain open and welcoming to all.”

Austin, TX Mayor Steve Adler
"Austin is one of the safest cities in the country partly because we listen to our police chief and our sheriff, and they tell us that the voluntary and warrantless ICE detainer program would make us less safe. Withholding money from cities that do not comply with this voluntary program asks cities how much money they'd take to sacrifice their safety, and our safety is not for sale.”

Birmingham, AL Mayor William A. Bell Sr.
“We are deeply disappointed in the actions of the President today. Our country is built on the backs of immigrants. The very fabric of our nation is predicated on the welcoming and empowering spirit of all Americans and the idea that coming to the United States meant working to build a life of opportunity. Our hope in Birmingham as the cradle of the civil rights movement is that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated today.”

Boston, MA Mayor Martin J. Walsh
"I am deeply disturbed by today's news. We will not back down from our values that make us who we are as a city. We will fight for our residents, whether immigrant or not, and provide the best quality of life for all Bostonians. I will use all of my power within lawful means to protect all Boston residents -- even if that means using City Hall itself as a last resort.”

Carborro, NC Mayor Lydia Lavelle
“Carrboro, North Carolina prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive community. We have many immigrant residents who contribute greatly to the spirit and fabric of our town. As town officials, we are committed to looking out for the safety of all of our residents, and we resolve to continue lawfully and compassionately doing so.”

Chicago, IL Mayor Rahm Emmanuel
“Chicago is going to stay a sanctuary city. There is no stranger among us. We welcome people — whether you’re from Poland or Pakistan, whether you’re from Ireland or India or Israel and whether you’re from Mexico or Moldavia where my grandfather came from. You are welcome in Chicago as you pursue the American dream.”

Denver, CO Mayor Michael B. Hancock
“Denver, and cities across the country, have continually looked to and asked for Washington to act on comprehensive immigration reform. Unfortunately, that’s not what we saw today. Instead, communities and families will now be penalized for the Federal Government’s failure to act. The executive orders signed today put our economic security as a nation at risk, and I am deeply disappointed.”

Hempstead, NY Mayor Wayne J. Hall Sr.
"President Trump's recent executive orders go against the moral fiber with which our great nation was built, and I wholeheartedly support New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio and countless other Mayors throughout the United States in denouncing these acts. The Village of Hempstead has a vibrant, diverse heritage that brings us together in a rich cultural tapestry, and I vow to protect all Village residents—regardless of race, religion or country of origin. As the son of immigrant parents, I have personally witnessed the strength created by a diverse culture of inclusiveness. As Mayor, I have done everything within my power to advocate for all of our residents and ensure that everyone, regardless of citizenship status, has the same opportunities for success.  I, Mayor DeBlasio and leaders from many other communities throughout the country will work together to oppose these executive orders and protect the rights of all people."

Houston, TX Mayor Sylvester Turner
“I know there are a lot of families and children who are afraid and worried right now about what might happen to them. I want them to know that Houston is, and always has been, a welcoming city, where we value and appreciate diversity. HPD is not the Immigration Customs Enforcement. We don’t profile, and we are not going to start profiling people to determine whether they are here illegally. It hasn’t happened under previous mayors, and it will not happen under my administration.”

Jersey City, NJ Mayor Steven Fulop
"We intend to stand by our principles and values as a city. Jersey City was founded as a city of immigrants, and we are unwilling to be part of orders that break families apart or harm immigrants who are in this country."

Long Beach, CA Mayor Robert Garcia
"Long Beach is and will always remain a city that welcomes and supports all people. This country is a nation of immigrants, built by a love of country, family, and community. We are at our best when we treat each other with respect and kindness. We will stand up for all Americans - including hard working immigrants -because that's what makes Long Beach, and America, great."

Los Angeles, CA Mayor Eric Garcetti
“An open, welcoming, and compassionate spirit is not just an ideal that we try to live up to — it's part of the American character. Those are our values in Los Angeles, and we intend to preserve them no matter what happens in Washington, D.C. The safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works in, and visits L.A. will always be our number-one priority. The idea that we do not cooperate with the federal government is simply at odds with the facts. We regularly cooperate with immigration authorities — particularly in cases that involve serious crimes — and always comply with constitutional detainer requests. What we don’t do is ask local police officers to enforce federal immigration laws — and that’s an official LAPD policy that has been enforced for nearly 40 years. That is for everyone’s good, because trust between police and the people they serve is absolutely essential to effective law enforcement. Everyone in L.A. should feel safe stepping forward if they have witnessed a crime or been victimized themselves — and immigration status shouldn’t interfere with the cooperation and partnership we need to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Madison, WI Mayor Paul Soglin
“The City of Madison will not waver in defending the rights of our people to protect the rights of everyone within our jurisdiction regardless of status. We will not use our local police department to enforce federal immigration laws. The trust between our police department and the people we serve is more important than our violating the constitution and improperly detaining individuals. If we should stop someone for a traffic violation or a misdemeanor, we have no right to compromise their freedom, to detain them, without a lawful court order. We will continue to operate as we have been which is consistent with our fundamental values as a city.”

Montgomery County, MD Executive Isiah Leggett & County Leaders
“Montgomery County is committed to building and maintaining a safe and inclusive community for our residents. Understanding, tolerance, and respect are hallmarks of the Montgomery County way. Social justice for all is what we strive to achieve in our County. We greatly regret the anxiety that has been stoked among many in our community as a result of the President’s Executive Orders. We issue this statement to assure all of our residents that those orders will not change the way that County police officers or County workers interact with the public and will not impact how we provide social services.”

New Haven, CT Mayor Toni N. Harp
“Throughout its history this nation has been a beacon to those who flee oppression and persecution – who seek freedom and opportunity instead; this rash act by a new President seems completely contrary to that ideal. New Haven, one of some 300 ‘sanctuary’ cities, counties, and states nationwide, will continue to embrace residents arriving from wherever they used to live, will work to make them feel welcome and safe, and will act to protect its ability to do so.”

New Orleans, LA Mayor Mitch Landreiu
"The City of New Orleans is a welcoming city, and we will continue to be a place whose racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity contribute to our growing economy, rich culture, resilience, and commitment to equity and inclusion. The NOPD is focused on arresting those who commit violent crimes, not enforcing civil immigration laws. We will continue to do the work we are entrusted with by the people of New Orleans and remain focused on keeping our city and her citizens safe. This makes us safer because it increases trust between the community and law enforcement. Those who commit a crime will be arrested - political theatrics have no bearing on the serious work at hand. Lastly, the NOPD will not be coerced into joining Trump’s deportation army via the 287(g) program. Doing so would require the NOPD to pull officers focused on fighting crime off the street."

New Rochelle, NY Mayor Noam Bramson
“The term “sanctuary city” has no precise definition, and we do not use it in New Rochelle, but we do make absolutely clear that all people of good will are welcomed, valued, and respected in our community, regardless of their origins, and that immigrants are an essential part of New Rochelle’s identity and future.
For our Police Department, maintaining a respectful and mutually supportive relationship with all constituencies in New Rochelle is not just the right thing to do, it is also necessary to the promotion of public safety, which depends on trust and the free flow of information. That is why local police departments are not and should not engage in immigration enforcement – and our practices in New Rochelle reflect and support this principle.
Of course, the New Rochelle Police Department will continue coordinating with federal authorities to apprehend and bring to justice criminals who threaten our safety, regardless of their immigration status.”

New York City, NY Mayor Bill de Blasio
"The president's executive order runs contrary to our values, but the stroke of a pen does not change the people of New York City. We are not going to deport law-abiding New Yorkers. We will not tear families apart. We will not leave children without their parents.
We are not going to undermine the progress the NYPD has made over a quarter century. We believe we are on solid ground for a legal challenge to the executive order should the occasion arise."

Philadelphia, PA Mayor Jim Kenney
“Philadelphia is at the lowest crime rate we've had in 40 years, in no small part because of all our police department has done to strengthen police-community relations. So all of this assertion that somehow sanctuary cities are dangerous places are simply untrue. Our immigrant population is not the source of crime. They are often the victims of crime or the witnesses to crime and driving them underground does not make the city safer - it only serves to destroy the community trust our police department has worked so hard to build. If the federal government obtains a warrant for an individual and asks us to hold them, we will comply. But to have somebody picked up for traffic violations and held for 72 hours against their will without a warrant or charges, to me, flies in the face of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. And punishing cities for trying to effectively police our own communities and for acting constitutionally is wrong.”

Phoenix, AZ Mayor Greg Stanton
“Today the president unleashed a divisive attack on Latinos in Phoenix and around the country. 
The president’s executive orders will not make us safer, but instead will incite fear and chaos for Latinos and immigrants alike. But be assured: We will fight the federal government’s attempt to turn the Phoenix Police Department into a mass deportation force. Building a wall will only tear our economy down and damage relationships with Mexico that today support 100,000 Arizona jobs. Despite today’s unsettling news – and with the anticipation of more harmful policies to come from this Administration – Phoenix will remain a welcoming and diverse city that strives every day to treat residents with dignity and respect, no matter who you are, who you love or where you come from.”

Pittsburgh, PA Mayor William Peduto
"The residents of Pittsburgh stand tonight with cities all across our nation. Pittsburgh was built by immigrants, who came to our city to find work in our steel mills and who forged a better life for their families. Like my grandparents, they came to America for opportunity, and they built America. We stand on their shoulders, and we owe it to them to preserve opportunities for current and future generations. Just as our past was built by immigrants, so too will be our future. Let's be clear: the President's executive order will not make us safer. It will not advance the principles upon which our nation and our cities were founded. It will further divide us as a city and as a nation. Pittsburgh joins tonight with other cities across the country and we stand ready to fight this unprecedented and this unconstitutional act. We will resist, with all powers at our disposal, any attempt to commandeer our local law enforcement officers into a national deportation army. Pittsburgh is, has been, and always will be a welcoming city and a diverse city. It's in our nature. We are a tough city, a blue collar city and a city with a big heart. We will continue to show everyone the respect and compassion they deserve - regardless of who they are, where they're from, who they love or how they found their way to our beloved city."

Providence, RI Mayor Jorge Elorza
“Today’s executive orders do not change what we believe here in Providence. We were founded on the principles of freedom and tolerance, we have always been a city of immigrants coming together to build something amazing. We will continue to maintain our current policy and continue to stand with our residents, regardless of race, place of birth or religion. We will not allow fear and intimidation to change what we believe and we will stand today, tomorrow and throughout the next four years, with every resident of Providence.”

Salt Lake City, UT Mayor Jackie Biskupski
“Confusion is no way to govern, and fear is no way to police. In cities and communities across the nation, including Salt Lake City, President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration has created both. Many local leaders and police chiefs have been left wondering what the Executive Order means for our communities. Worse, many in our immigrant, refugee, and multi-cultural populations are in fear for themselves and their loved ones. While we spend time working through what the Executive Order means for Salt Lake City, I want to be clear on our fundamental beliefs and values and where we operate from today. Salt Lake City is a welcoming community and our police department is an agency charged with protecting the residents of this city, not enforcing federal immigration policy. The Salt Lake City Police Department has a longstanding practice against officers inquiring about the immigration status of those they come in contact with on a day-to-day basis. This practice is central to our community-policing model and will remain unchanged.”

San Francisco, CA Mayor Edwin Lee
“Now is the time for our cities and residents to take care of one another and remain strong in light of the efforts to divide us. We cannot allow for threats and politics to foster mistrust between our neighbors. If what President Trump truly wants is a safer America, then we must continue to fight for and urge Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”

San Jose, CA Mayor Sam Liccardo
“Nothing about the President's executive order will change how San Jose cops police our city. The San Jose Police Department’s longstanding policies relating to immigration enforcement are critical to keeping our community safe. Our police officers must focus their scarce time responding to and investigating violent, predatory and other high-priority crimes – not the enforcement of federal tax laws, federal securities laws, or federal immigration laws. There’s a broad consensus among major city police 
chiefs that having local officers meddle in federal immigration enforcement undermines public safety, and diminishes community trust. We need to ensure that all residents feel comfortable calling 911, reporting crimes, coming forward as witnesses, and testifying in court to help us keep criminals off the street."

Santa Fe, NM Mayor Javier M. Gonzales
“There is no executive order that will ever change the values of inclusivity that have helped our city thrive for more than 400 years, and today’s directive is no exception. We will not retreat from our policy, we are confident in our standing, and we are prepared to fight because we know that welcoming the remnants of a broken federal system is both morally and economically the right thing to do.”

Syracuse, NY Mayor Stephanie Miner
“The resources of the City of Syracuse, including the Syracuse Police Department, are not being used to enforce federal anti-immigrant policies nor are they empowered to do so. We do not intend to change this practice and will scrutinize any proposed changes at the federal level thoroughly. I pledge we will continue Syracuse’s commitment to our New American residents, building the trust and relationships our neighbors deserve and continue to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Syracuse is now and always will be a City that bids you welcome.”

Travis County, TX Judge Sarah Eckhardt
“Place of birth alone is no indication that a person is a threat to public safety under the criminal laws of Texas or is in violation of immigration laws of the U.S. Under both Texas and U.S. Constitutions, jailers and immigration agents do not determine probable cause to detain a person. Only a judge can make that determination. It’s called a warrant. We must resist those who seek to punish communities that uphold the 4th Amendment prohibition on unwarranted detainer by withdrawing funding for programs that help women, children and veterans. Further, we must not give in to those who engage in the politics of fear at the expense of our deepest held values.”

West Hollywood, CA Mayor Lauren Meister
“In West Hollywood, we treat people — all people — with respect, dignity, and thoughtfulness. President Trump’s executive actions to target sanctuary cities are reprehensible. The West Hollywood City Council has reaffirmed its core values and we have declared that our city will remain a sanctuary city. We will not participate in efforts to deport immigrants living or working in the City.”

For Immediate Release: January 19, 2017
Contact: [email protected]  |  @citiesforaction 

STATEMENT FROM MAYORS AND COUNTY EXECUTIVES ON OUR COMMITMENT TO IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES

The following statement can be attributed to Cities for Action, a national coalition of over 100 mayors and county executives in support of immigrant inclusion: 

Over the past two years, more than 100 cities and counties have advocated for inclusive immigration policies and programs. Our cities and counties - representing over 55 million people across the country – are leveraging our resources and power to push for the changes our communities deserve. As we transition to a new presidential administration, Cities for Action mayors and county executives renew their commitment to driving the national debate, embracing new immigrants, and engaging with stakeholders to win on immigration policies.

Select accomplishments by Cities for Action in 2016 include:

Calling on the Administration to review TPS designations

Mayors and county leaders in the coalition called upon the administration to review Temporary Protected Status designations, especially for immigrants who could not return safely to their countries of origin. DHS announced on 1/4/17 that the Secretary of Homeland Security would re-designate Yemen for TPS and on 1/17/17 would re-designate Somalia for TPS.

Proposing Steps the Administration could take to protect DACA recipients

Cities for Action members submitted a letter to the administration to take additional steps to support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and to protect the privacy of their information. The Secretary of Homeland Security, on 1/3/17, declared the importance of maintaining the privacy of the data and not using it for enforcement purposes.

Calling on the Administration to dismantle the NSEERS program

Members of Cities for Action led a call with the White House to ask the administration, amongst several issues, to end the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System program. On 12/22/16, the Administration ended the failed program.

Filing Amicus Briefs in support of the President’s executive actions

Cities for Action filed amicus briefs in support of the President’s executive actions at every stage of the U.S. v Texas litigation. 118 mayors and county leaders – representing 55 million people - ultimately signed onto and filed a friend-of-the-court amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Leading a Webinar on Community-based Immigration Legal Services

Cities for Action hosted a webinar on the most important learnings from the ActionNYC program, a citywide community-based immigration legal services initiative designed to provide New Yorkers with immigration legal services in neighborhoods where they live in the languages they speak. The webinar was followed by the release of the ActionNYC toolkit to provide information to other cities planning and implementing legal services initiatives.

­Statement on ICE Raids

Cities for Action members unequivocally voiced our concerns about reported ICE raids and committed to work with service providers and city services to provide the representation that immigrants deserve.

IN previous years, Cities for Action led crucial efforts to fight back against anti-sanctuary city legislation which would have threatened federal funding to cities and millions of dollars of community development and criminal justice funding. Cities for Action also hosted a municipal ID convening and supported several cities in the development of their municipal IDs.

Cities for Action will continue to advocate for changes to immigration policies at the federal level. We will also implement programs and further strengthen our work and relationships with non-governmental organizations and community based organizations. Our cities are powerful because of our diversity and unity. We will continue to protect and serve all the people we represent. 

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For immediate release: December 29, 2016
Contact: [email protected]  |  @citiesforaction 

CITIES FOR ACTION CALLS UPON PRESIDENT OBAMA TO CONTINUE HIS ADMINISTRATION’S SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES AS HE LEAVES OFFICE

31 Mayors and County Executives Issue Letter to President Obama, Thanking Him for His Administration’s Support for Immigrant Families and Proposing Additional Steps Before He Leaves Office

WASHINGTON – Today, 31 members of Cities for Action, a coalition of over 100 mayors and county executives from across the country, issued an open letter to President Obama, thanking him for his Administration’s support for immigrant families and urging him to commit to further protections for the many immigrants in their communities before he leaves office.

In this letter, local leaders recommend that the Obama Administration take the following steps:

• Strengthen support for young immigrants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) by accepting early DACA renewal applications; committing to timely processing by USCIS for initial and renewal DACA applications; and implementing additional privacy protections for DACA holders to reassure recipients that they will not be punished as a result of coming out of the shadows.
• Support immigrants who cannot safely return to their home countries due to conflict, natural disaster or other emergency conditions by reviewing current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations and extending, re-designating, or making new designations as appropriate; and committing to timely processing by USCIS for TPS applications.

The mayors and county executive also thank the President for responding to concerns raised by coalition members, among others, about the failed, discriminatory National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) program, which created a “special registration” for immigrants from 25 primarily Muslim-majority countries. Representatives from a number of cities spoke with White House officials earlier this month and urged the Administration to end NSEERS and continue protections for immigrants with DACA and TPS. Cities for Action now commends the President for ending NSEERS. 

“Our immigrant residents help make New York City stronger economically, culturally, and socially. We have benefited from President Obama’s actions to protect vulnerable immigrants during his time in office. In the wake of the election, many of our residents are uncertain about the future. That’s why I am standing with my fellow mayors to thank the President for his leadership and call on him to take additional, lawful steps to help immigrants before leaving office,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“As Mayor of Austin – as well as a former national board member of the Anti-Defamation League – I am proud that America cannot and will not use its power to persecute people based on their religion. In fact, I always thought that truth was self-evident,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler.

“Immigrants play such an integral role in our cities. Boston is a place of inclusion, a city of compassion, a welcoming, diverse city. We’ll stay that way and I hope the federal government will support us in that. I thank President Obama and his administration for all they’ve done already, and I look forward to more steps being taken to protect our immigrant families,” said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

“Our diversity has always been the strength of the United States – both ethnic and religious. While at times in America’s history she has not always lived up to her own ideals, today it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we continue to march forward in fulfillment of the DREAM that one day soon, everyone in America will be judged by their individual character and not their ethnicity nor their religion.  Unless we fight for this universal truth, not only is the DREAM at risk, but our very existence as Americans is as well,” said Carson Mayor Albert Robles.

“As a nation, we are strongest when the safety we seek is supported by the values and freedoms we cherish,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “We must stand up against practices that demonize someone based on their faith, race, background or sexual orientation, and instead promote tolerance and inclusion. The reversal of this discriminatory practice is an important step forward, and I want to thank the President for taking this action.”

“I appreciate President Obama’s action on NSEERS, which will help reassure Muslim residents in cities like Knoxville that they will be treated with fairness and respect by all levels of government,” said Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero.

“Immigrant communities have always been crucial to the social and economic fabric of our City,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “We commend President Obama for ending the NSEERS program – and we urge him to continue to do all he can during the final days of his administration to also protect DACA and TPS recipients in order to keep all our residents safe in Los Angeles and throughout our Country.”

“As a welcoming community, Montgomery County, Maryland has become a magnet for talented people from every corner of the globe. We know having people who understand nearly every culture and speak nearly every language is our edge in the global marketplace of the 21st century. We are working hard every day to make sure that the individuals and families that make up our diverse population of more than one million people feel safe and have the resources they need to thrive,” said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett.

“I am proud to stand with my fellow Mayors and take action to show our support of immigrant and refugee communities in all our cities.  I am happy to see the White House taking steps to protect those who are vulnerable and urge that more steps are taken to protect Dreamers and those with Temporary Protected Status,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.

“We applaud President Obama and his staff for listening to our communities’ concerns, and for taking action to dismantle the failed and discriminatory NSEERS program,” said Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. “We urge the Administration to continue to do everything in its power to protect DACA recipients and TPS holders so that our country remains a safe place for our most vulnerable residents.”

“Our first job as mayors is to protect our people.  All our people,” said Racine Mayor John Dickert.

“I applaud President Obama’s decision to dismantle a program that would allow the next administration to target and discriminate against immigrants and refugees in the United States,” said Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. “Cities are standing up and speaking out against hate and discrimination directed at our immigrant and Muslim communities and the President’s decision supports our actions. We will not stop standing with our communities under the next administration.”

“Cities are committed to doing the right thing for our immigrant and refugee populations. These individuals bring vibrancy to our neighborhoods and the entrepreneurs fueling economic growth. They are involved parents in our schools and active members of our communities. We will always do our part in ensuring they feel welcome in our cities and have the support needed to be successful, contributing New Americans,” said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner.

The mayors and county executive who signed today’s letter are part of Cities for Action, a coalition of over 100 cities and counties leading the effort to advance immigration reform and welcome new immigrants. More information about Cities for Action is available at www.citiesforaction.us

Below is the full text of the letter from Cities for Action:

December 29, 2016

Dear President Obama:

As mayors and county executives in the Cities for Action coalition, we write to thank you for your leadership on behalf of immigrant families and urge you to take action to ensure continued support for vulnerable immigrants in our communities before you leave office. 

Cities for Action is a national coalition of over 100 mayors and county executives that advocates for inclusive local policies and national immigration reform. As local government leaders throughout the country, we know that immigrants make our communities stronger economically, culturally, and socially. For this reason, we have enthusiastically embraced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, expressed repeated support for and defense of your 2014 executive actions on immigration, and worked closely with your administration to promote citizenship and the economic, social, and civic integration of immigrants.   

On behalf of millions of our immigrant residents and their families, we thank you for the steps your administration has taken to support vulnerable immigrant populations, from bright young people who may only know life in this country, to immigrants who cannot return to their home countries because of conflict or natural disaster, as well as those who look to the U.S. to lead on human rights and non-discrimination. These actions reflect the ideals of inclusion and refuge that our country is founded on.

We also thank you for listening to concerns from local leaders, among other voices, and taking steps this week to end the failed National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) program. This “special registration” program was discriminatory and created great fear and turmoil within our communities, particularly among Muslim immigrants, while not providing any increase in security. A revival of the program would only serve to heighten tensions and increase the risk of bias-based crimes at a time when hate speech and hate crimes are on the rise. For these reasons, we commend your Administration for this move.    

We urge that you continue your support for immigrant communities in the last few weeks of your presidency. Specifically, we suggest that your administration  (1) continue support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, and (2) continue support for immigrants who have Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

First, we encourage you to undertake steps to support the over 740,000 DACA recipients in the U.S. DACA has tremendously benefitted our communities by helping our residents thrive and contribute in myriad ways. For this reason, we are committed to advocating for the continuation of DACA in the next administration and for legislative relief for Dreamers in Congress. In the meantime, we call upon your administration to accept early renewal applications for current DACA holders to extend temporary protections for them. In addition, we urge USCIS to commit to speedy processing of initial and renewal applications and urge your administration to implement additional privacy protections for DACA holders to reassure recipients that they will not be punished as a result of coming out of the shadows.

Second, we urge you to extend protections for immigrants who cannot return safely to their countries of origin because of extraordinary conditions, including natural disasters or armed conflict. Cities for Action has applauded the steps that your administration has taken to grant temporary relief to these individuals. We now ask that your administration continues this urgent form of humanitarian protection by reviewing the current TPS designations and extending such designations or making re-designations or new designations as appropriate before the end of your term. In particular, we urge your administration to take steps to protect immigrants from countries that recently experienced extraordinary conditions that have made return unsafe, including Haiti and Ecuador. We also ask that USCIS commit to swift processing for TPS applications and re-registrations.

Thank you again for the many positive actions you have undertaken as President on behalf of immigrants in our communities, and we hope that you will consider these recommendations.

Sincerely,

Ed Pawlowski. Mayor of Allentown, PA
Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin, TX
Catherine Pugh, Mayor of Baltimore, MD    
William Bell, Mayor of Birmingham, AL      
Martin J. Walsh, Mayor of Boston, MA
Lydia Lavelle, Mayor of Carrboro, NC         
Albert Robles, Mayor of Carson, CA
James A. Diossa, Mayor of Central Falls, RI
Pam Hemminger, Mayor of Chapel Hill, NC
Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago, IL         
Michael Hancock, Mayor of Denver, CO    
Roy D. Buol, Mayor of Dubuque, IA          
Svante Myrick, Mayor of Ithaca, NY
Madeline Rogero, Mayor of Knoxville, TN
Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, CA
Paul Soglin, Mayor of Madison, WI  
Manuel Cantu, Mayor of McFarland, CA    
Ike Leggett, Executive of Montgomery County, MD          
Yxstian Gutierrez, Mayor of Moreno Valley, CA
Toni Harp, Mayor of New Haven, CT          
Noam Bramson, Mayor of New Rochelle, NY        
Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City, NY          
Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia, PA      
Liz Lempert, Mayor of Princeton, NJ
Jorge Elorza, Mayor of Providence, RI        
John Dickert, Mayor of Racine, WI  
Tom Butt, Mayor of Richmond, CA
Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Sacramento, CA  
Ed Lee, Mayor of San Francisco, CA          
Ed Murray, Mayor of Seattle, WA    
Francis Slay, Mayor of St. Louis, MO
Stephanie Miner, Mayor of Syracuse, NY     

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