'Fair And Welcoming' Resolution Passes In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown is officially a "Fair and Welcoming" town, after the town council unanimously passed a resolution at Tuesday night's meeting.

Citing anxieties caused by "how the new presidential administration will impact [residents'] lives and families," the resolution says that police will not enforce federal immigration law or facilitate ICE deportations "except where legally required to do so."

“Morristown is proud to serve as the home to a diverse community of people, including a multi-cultural immigrant population. These residents contribute to making our town an amazing place to live and work,” said Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty. “As the Mayor of Morristown, I am proud that we are able to work and move forward in designating Morristown as Fair and Welcoming.”

The resolution is meant to help preserve the town's socioeconomic and ethnic diversity, it says (you can read the full resolution below).

In the text, the Town Council says they are committed to privacy regarding residents' immigration status, but does not restrict government officials from processing or sharing that information as allowed under the law.

The resolution also declares the Town Council's opposition to "any government registry based on religion or national origin."

A number of other towns, including Montclair and Madison, have passed similar resolutions in recent months. Morris Township rejected a "fair and welcoming" resolution in May.

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