Cleveland City Council Calls Immigration Ban "Un-American"

CLEVELAND, OH - Cleveland City Council passed a resolution on Monday night strongly objecting to President Trump's immigration ban. Protests have arisen in Cleveland and throughout the nation in response to the ban.

Council's resolution says the executive order is illegal and un-American. It also asks city residents to build a "Welcoming City" in Cleveland.

The order barred immigrants and refugees who were citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. The order also led to the detainment of more than 100 legal, permanent residents of the U.S., who were citizens of the above-listed countries.

“This executive order is anathema to our shared values as a nation of immigrants, a nation that grants relief and safe haven to people from war-torn countries and from religious, ethnic and all other forms of persecution,” the legislation reads. “This ban enflames U.S. relations with Muslim-majority countries, indeed with all Muslims, and will surely make the United States less safe from acts of terrorism.”

The resolution passed council by a 15-1 margin. The only opposing vote came from Michael Polensek, Ward 8 councilman. Terrell Pruitt, Ward 1 councilman, was not present for the vote because he is out of the country serving with the National Guard.

Cleveland joins other major Ohio cities in publicly denouncing the immigration ban. Akron adopted a similar resolution at its city council meeting on Monday night. Cincinnati has declared itself a "sanctuary city," meaning it will not enforce federal immigration laws.

In addition to cities taking formal action, several of Ohio's leading politicians have criticized the immigration ban. Governor John Kasich, who has not shied away from conflict with President Trump, said the executive order was neither well-thought out or constructed. Senator Rob Portman said it does not represent American values. Senator Sherrod Brown said the order targets women, children, and families that are seeking to escape terrorism. He added that the ban may actually jeopardize our long-term security.

The most recent addition to the chorus of Ohioans who are lobbying against the immigration ban is Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. His statement read, in part, "This country was founded and built by immigrants and we are all strengthened by diversity. Let’s not allow fear to define who we are. Lady liberty is crying."

Photo from Shutterstock