Framingham To Draft 'Welcoming' Ordinance For Immigrants

FRAMINGHAM, MA- An ordinance to welcome immigrants will soon be drafted in Framingham.

The City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to create a committee that will draft an ordinance to guide the city's interactions with its immigrant community, ensuring they feel safe. Framingham joins other cities and towns in the Commonwealth, including Newton and Springfield, in creating a welcoming ordinance.

District 7 Councilor Margareth Shepard introduced the resolution, proposing the creation of a task force to bridge the communication gap between Framingham's immigrant community and government officials. Shepard's original proposal called for an ad hoc committee of three city councilors and a representative from the mayor's office.

City Councilors unanimously adopted the proposal, adding that it will be chaired by Mayor Yvonne Spicer. The committee will consist of three city councilors, a School Committee member, a representative from the police department, two residents appointed by the mayor and a member of the MetroWest League of Services.

Organizations and community and political leaders who advocate for immigrants came out in force to support Shepard's proposal. Each representative from an organization shared a story about immigrants impact on the community.

Volmar Scaravelli, pastor of St. Tarcisius Parish and president of the local Brazilian American Center (BRACE), said the ordinance could help bring the immigrant population closer to the community as a whole. "We believe that would be an excellent contribution to our city- a city that believes in inclusion, not discrimination, and the opportunities for all its populations," he said.

Shepard's proposal also highlighted the fear that many immigrants face in dealing with authorities. She said the looming threat of deportation keeps many from reporting crimes and abuse.

Heather Panahi, chairwoman of the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women, told the council about female immigrants who feel so limited by their fear of authority that some won't walk their children to school or keep doctor's appointments. She said they become vulnerable to harassment, domestic violence and abuse.

Panahi told the story of a woman who is a legal citizen but still fears authority in the community because members of her family are undocumented. "They should be able to rely upon the resources and facilities put in place to support, assist and represent them without the worry of repercussions,"she said.

Framingham State Rep. Maria Robinson also supported the proposal, citing the upcoming 2020 census as another reason it is necessary. She said it will allow immigrants to feel more comfortable in the community, which will encourage them to fill out census forms and ensure an accurate count of the community population. The census is a major factor in federal and state funding.

Only one dissenter took to the podium Tuesday night. Resident Joe Rizoli, a vocal critic of illegal immigration, argued that legal immigrants in the community have nothing to fear and that the proposal would conflict with federal law. Rizoli questioned Shepard, insinuating that her business may employ illegal immigrants.

The City Council agreed that the committee should serve a dual purpose of educating the community about immigrant issues as well as offering inclusion to immigrants in the community.

"What's wrong is the misinformation," Shepard said, "We need to find that space and we need to educate the people."

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Photo Credit: Framingham Government Channel