Alexandria City Council Passes Resolution In Support Of Refugees

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Council voted Tuesday to adopt a resolution reaffirming support for resettling refugees in the city. The resolution followed President Trump's Sept. 26 Executive Order 13888 on local and state government involvement in refugee resettlement.

The executive order states "close cooperation with State and local governments ensures that refugees are resettled in communities that are eager and equipped to support their successful integration into American society and the labor force." Alexandria's resolution notifies the federal government of its continued support for resettling refugees.

"We are an inclusive community that celebrates our diversity, and we are committed to treating all people with dignity and respect," said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. "Refugees have contributed to our economy and culture for the entire history of our city; there is no reason to waver in our support for those fleeing some of the worst imaginable dangers to make better lives for their families."

As defined by the U.S., refugees are "persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group." Refugees undergo a vetting process and are eligible to work in the U.S.

People seeking asylum status qualify as a refugee but are already in the U.S. or at a port of entry. Unlike refugees, migrants may leave for economic reasons and do not have the same protections as refugees.

According to a Pew Research Center report, refugee numbers in the have been the highest worldwide since World War II, but the U.S. has seen declines in refugees resettled. That's due to lower caps on refugees implemented by President Trump.

Historically, the City of Alexandria has worked with nonprofits and other partners to resettle refugees. According to the city's New Americans in Alexandria report, 7,191 people were believed to be refugees in 2016. Of the refugee population, 48.2 were naturalized citizens. Among the top industries refugees work in are transportation and warehousing, healthcare, hospitality and recreation, general services and retail.