Today, Welcoming America released a letter signed by Mayors and County Executives from some of the nation’s largest communities in which they promise to compassionately support and welcome the young children from Central America seeking refuge in the US. Reflecting a symbolic cross section of America, this initial group of Mayors and County Executives are showing tremendous leadership among a growing number of communities that have been willing and able to ensure that children are cared for. “As leaders of the nation’s cities and counties, we remind the American public that the moral compass of our nation resides in our local communities. We call on our residents and leaders across the country to respond with compassion and concern for the welfare of all children, and to join us in doing all we can to live up to our values as a just and welcoming nation,” the letter states. Mayors Kasim Reed of Atlanta, Georgia, Martin J. Walsh of Boston, Massachusetts, Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, Illinois, Stephen K. Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina, Michael B. Hancock of Denver, Colorado, Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, California, Michael A. Nutter of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, William Peduto of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Daniel L. Bianchi of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Edward B. Murray of Seattle, Washington, Francis G. Slay of St. Louis, Missouri, Jonathan Rothschild of Tucson, Arizona, and County Executive Isiah Leggett of Montgomery County, Maryland all signed the letter. “As we reflect back on the initial concerns raised around children fleeing violence, we see that our values have prevailed. These leaders are demonstrating that communities have responded with compassion, and can successfully help children in need, now and into the future,” said Welcoming America Executive Director, David Lubell. “This isn’t a political issue – it’s a humanitarian one,” said Mayor Kasim Reed of Atlanta, Georgia. “I’m proud to sign this statement with my colleagues. As the moral compass of our country, we recognize that being welcoming is consistent with our values as a nation and that includes taking care of the welfare of all of the children in our communities.” You can find a copy of the statement here and below.
We Will Provide Compassion and Care for Children: A Statement of the Nation’s City and County Leaders Today, children fleeing horrific violence are seeking shelter and safety in the United States. These young children from Central America have often traveled thousands of miles, have suffered abuse along the way, and have surrendered themselves to U.S. border patrol agents, asking for our help. As leaders of the nation’s cities and counties, we remind the American public that the moral compass of our nation resides in our local communities. We call on our residents and leaders across the country to respond with compassion and concern for the welfare of all children, and to join us in doing all we can to live up to our values as a just and welcoming nation. As Americans, we will not turn our backs on children. Fortunately, the majority of these children have family living in our communities who are longing to take care of their loved ones. Local governments, community organizations and volunteers across the country are working together to assist these families and provide shelter and care for the few who do not have it. We will do our part to support their efforts, as well as those of faith communities who are leading the call to help children in need. As Americans, we also believe in the values of freedom, justice, and due process. We will listen to these children and treat them fairly. The children should have a chance to tell their story and the law should be applied fairly and in accordance with our justice system. The children are also young, scared, and need a trusted adult looking out for their interests, whether as a translator, legal advocate or care provider. Volunteers in our towns and cities are already stepping up to provide this help, and we commit to supporting their efforts in whatever way we can. We believe, and know, our local communities to be welcoming communities. Whether our residents were born here or traveled thousands of miles to join us, we all look out for one another and for our families. Our values – and for many of us, our empathy as parents with young children of our own – remind us that our greatest strength lies in our ability to work together and care for one another. As local governments, we will play an essential role in bringing our communities together to strengthen our ability to respond compassionately. We know that our nation can and will respond with courage and compassion, just as we always have in moments of adversity. We are proud that our nation’s cities and counties are leading the way and of what our communities are already doing to be welcoming places, and hope that you and your community will join us.
Mayor Kasim Reed, City of Atlanta, Georgia
Mayor Martin J. Walsh, City of Boston, Massachusetts
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, City of Chicago, Illinois
Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin, City of Columbia, South Carolina
Mayor Michael B. Hancock City of Denver, Colorado
Mayor Eric Garcetti, City of Los Angeles, California
County Executive Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County, Maryland
Mayor Michael A. Nutter City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mayor William Peduto, City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi, City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Mayor Edward B. Murray, City of Seattle, Washington
Mayor Francis G. Slay, City of St. Louis, Missouri
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, City of Tucson, Arizona
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