Councilors Propose Resolution Designating Waltham a 'Welcoming City' for Immigrants

WALTHAM, MA – Six Waltham city councilors have signed onto a resolution designating Waltham as a "Welcoming City" for immigrants. The proposal was introduced Sunday by at a rally on the Waltham Common organized by Waltham High School students.

Councilor-at-Large Carlos Vidal, who spearheaded the effort along with Ward 8 Councilor Stephen Rourke, said the designation would not define policy in Waltham – as Newton's did – but would reaffirm the city's dedication to its immigrant community.

"Waltham is a community that has always been a welcoming community to all immigrants, going back to the Industrial Revolution," Vidal said. "Regardless of where they were born, or their ethnic heritage, all immigrants are welcome in Waltham."

City Council President Diane LeBlanc, Ward 9 Councilor Robert Logan, Ward 5 Councilor Gary Marchese and Ward 2 Councilor William Fowler have all signed on to the proposal, which will need eight votes to pass. LeBlanc said the measure is an important step in letting young people know their fears aren't falling on deaf ears.

"It's important that we let our youth know that the city council is looking to do something," she said.

The proposal resolves "that the Waltham City Council declares its commitment to ensuring that Waltham remains a community that is supportive and safe for immigrants who have made Waltham their home," according to a draft.

Vidal hailed the Waltham High School students who organized Sunday's event, and said he believes the council's measure is a "step in the right direction" for further policy in Waltham.

"As a person of color, as an immigrant who was born in Peru, I was very encouraged seeing the event on Sunday that was put together by high school student leaders," Vidal said. "It's important to know that these kids put this together. In their classes they see diversity. They know from other kids there's a concern out there and took it upon themselves to act."

Vidal added that if passed, the designation could open up future conversations with police, the mayor's office and other community members about future action.

"I think something more could come out of it, but it'll require work and more dialgue among my colleagues and other departments in the city," he said.

Photo Credit: Tim Pierce, CC BY-SA 3.0