Lansdale Borough Hall. Photo by James Short.
In recent months, immigration has been hotly debated at the county level
A local advocate is making another push for a formal statement from Lansdale residents that the community is welcome to all, including those who entered the U.S. illegally.
Council heard an update this week on a push for a formal “welcoming ordinance” for the town.
“This is a critical time for our immigrant residents. Many families are anxious about safety, belonging, and how the local government views them,” said Jay Lee of the borough’s Woori Center.
“Having this welcoming policy officially adopted would provide a much-needed assurance that Lansdale is a place where everyone, regardless of their immigration status, is protected, supported, and encouraged to participate fully in community life,” he said.
In recent months, immigration has been hotly debated at the county level, as federal Immigration Customs Enforcement personnel have raided facilities in the county, including a raid in which 14 undocumented immigrants were detained in mid-July at a West Norriton Township supermarket.
Following that raid, West Norriton’s commissioners voted in August to enact a new policy on police interaction with federal immigration agents. Advocates have urged county officials and those in other municipalities to oppose such federal efforts, and members of Community for Change Montgomery County have said they intend to introduce petitions in all 62 municipalities across the county opposing those federal efforts.
That same month, a representative of the Woori Center — a Lansdale-based nonprofit named after the Korean word for “Us” or “We” that aims to “empower and cultivate the leadership of our marginalized community members including the low-income, recent immigrant, limited English proficient, undocumented, women, seniors, and young people” — asked Lansdale’s council to consider adopting such an ordinance, and in September Lee offered to meet with council members and staff to discuss the topic further.
On Oct. 15, Lee gave an update, saying he had heard that a draft of a proposed ordinance is currently being vetted by the borough’s solicitor, and asked when it would be introduced or adopted.
“Every week that passes without it, leaves many families uncertain about whether they can safely seek help, report concerns, or even participate in community events, go out to work, or take kids to school,” he said.
“A clear public statement from our borough would send a powerful message that Lansdale stands with all of its residents,” Lee said
He then urged the borough’s mayor and council to bring such an ordinance up for discussion and take action to approve it, as soon as possible.
“The immigrant community is ready to stand with you, and support this important step toward a stronger, safer and more inclusive Lansdale.”
Council President Mary Fuller thanked Lee for the comments, but gave no update about when such an ordinance could be up for further discussion. Lansdale’s code committee next meets at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 and full council meets immediately afterward at 8:30 p.m., both at the borough municipal building, 1 Vine Street.
For more information, visit www.Lansdale.org.
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