Agenda Date: 01/07/2020
Subject:
Title
Resolution 07-2020: Consenting to initial refugee resettlement per the terms of Executive Order 13888
Body
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Prepared by: |
Mark Relph, City Manager |
PURPOSE:
To determine for the City of Littleton whether to opt into refugee resettlement within our municipality, pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13888.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): N/A
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
President Trump issued EO 13888: Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement (attached) on September 26th with the following purpose:
In resettling refugees into American communities, it is the policy of the United States to cooperate and consult with State and local governments, to take into account the preferences of State governments, and to provide a pathway for refugees to become self-sufficient. These policies support each other. Close cooperation with State and local governments ensures that refugees are resettled in communities that are eager and equipped to support their successful integration into American society and the labor force.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
None.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
Refugee Resettlement is part of the Reception and Placement program. This is a program run under the U.S. Department of State that works with 9 different resettlement placement agencies. The US has Resettlement Support Centers across the world, where refugees can apply for emigration to the US. Each week these placement agencies meet to review case records they receive from Resettlement Support Centers. During these meetings the placement agencies help determine where refugees will be resettled in the U.S. That determination is based on a number of factors including the available local resources these placement agencies may have in a particular area. Generally, they try to place refugees in locations where they may have relatives. These agencies are non-profits and receive a stipend from the government for these services initially provided per refugee. Those services range from: meeting them at the airport, providing interpreters, housing, clothing, getting children in schools, English classes, medical appointments etc.)
In September, the President issued an executive order which granted states and local governments the authority to consent or not to consent to allowing refugees to be placed in their jurisdictions. This EO is currently in litigation challenging the legality.
Currently, many of these placement agencies and human rights organizations are contacting cities and counties advocating for them to adopt a resolution allowing refugee resettlement pursuant to this Executive Order in case the Executive Order is not overturned.
As to what some other jurisdictions are purportedly doing (as of January 3rd):
• Consented: State of Colorado, Denver, Douglas County, Jefferson County, Golden
• Likely to Consent:
o Cities of Centennial and Arvada - on Consent Agenda 1/6/20
o City of Aurora - 1/6 study session, Consent Agenda 1/13/20
o Wheat Ridge - on for 1/13/20
o Arapahoe County - on Consent 1/7/20
• Further discussion scheduled:
o City of Boulder - discussion on 1/7/20 agenda
• Inquiries made but no response:
o Adams County
o City of Lakewood
Based upon the information available, staff does not believe there are any increased risks or liability associated with consenting to allowing resettlement. Prior to this EO, resettlements occurred without local governmental approval.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
N/A
Fiscal Impacts
There are no direct costs to the city.
Alternatives
1) Consent to resettlement by approving the resolution and signing the attached letter
2) Have the Mayor sign a letter consenting to initial resettlement
3) Do not consent
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
N/A - This is a council policy decision.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution consenting to initial refugee resettlement per the terms of Executive Order 13888.