TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Councilor Linda Nishioka, Ward 2
SUBJECT:
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Motion from Councilor Linda Nishioka concerning adopting a statement reaffirming Salem as an Inclusive City
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
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MOTION:
I move that the City Council adopt a statement reaffirming Salem as an Inclusive City.
DISCUSSION:
On December 15, 1997 the Salem City Council adopted Council Policy A-9 declaring the City’s role relating to federal enforcement of immigration law. The Policy recognizes the federal government’s legal authority to enforce immigration laws in the United States. The Policy, consistent with federal law and with Oregon law, ORS 181A.820 - 180A.829, relating to immigration, provides that;
• City employees carry out their duties for the purpose of administering City services and programs and do not perform duties dictated by federal agencies enforcing immigration laws;
• The City follows applicable law to assess eligibility for services, and that the City shall not discriminate against any user of City services in terms of race, sex, color or nation origin, and will not require information regarding race, sex, color or national origin unless that information is required by law.
On February 27, 2017, the Salem City Council adopted Resolution No. 2017-22, identifying Salem as an Inclusive City, declaring that;
• Salem is an Inclusive City that embraces, celebrates, and welcomes its immigrant and refugee residents and their contributions to the collective prosperity of all residents;
• Use of City funds, personnel or equipment for the enforcement of federal immigration law is prohibited;
• The provision of services or benefits by the City shall not be conditioned upon a resident’s federal immigration status, except as required by law;
• No city funds, personnel, or equipment shall be used for, or to assist in, the enforcement of any federal law that discriminates against people based on their religion, race, ethnicity, country of origin, language, gender identity, sexual preference, marital status, disability, income, or citizens status.
The City Council should once again reaffirm the City’s values and policies as a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all residents as set forth in the proposed statement.
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Attachments:
1. Draft City Council Statement Affirming Salem as an Inclusive City and Supporting Oregon sanctuary law.