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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 5154 COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 5154 A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF COMMITMENT IN PROTECTING REFUGEES AND CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF REFUGEES TO THEIR NEW COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. PASSED: 8:0 REJECTED: OPPOSED: ABSENT: CONSIDERED: May 23, 2016 RESOLUTION NO. 5154 A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF COMMITMENT IN PROTECTING REFUGEES AND CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF REFUGEES TO THEIR NEW COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. The City Council of the City of Eugene finds that: A. Millions of people around the world have been forced to flee their homes and their countries due to persecution, conflict, violence and war. B. Refugees are persons in need of protection because they have been persecuted for their political opinion, religious belief, race, nationality, or membership in a particular social group, or because they are fleeing from war being waged in their own communities. C. Many of the refugees referred to the United States for resettlement are the most vulnerable, including survivors of torture, women heads of household, children, and people with special medical needs. D. Since its inception, the United States has been a beacon of hope for those seeking peace and protection from persecution, and has generously opened its doors to millions of refugees over the past four decades. E. The City of Eugene has a long history of welcoming immigrants and building an open, caring, and inclusive community that celebrates its diversity, welcomes the vulnerable and disadvantaged, and embraces humanitarian efforts. F. The City of Eugene is comprised of residents, and the descendants of families, from all parts of the world who speak many languages and represent various cultures. G. The generosity of states, counties, cities, and towns across the United States is essential to improving the lives of refugees arriving in the United States, providing them with the opportunity to find new homes, to reunite with families and to rebuild their lives. H. Refugees arriving in the United States have contributed their talents, knowledge, cultures, and entrepreneurship to enrich and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the communities that have welcomed them. I. Refugees and their children have become citizens of the United States, and have gone on to make significant contributions to science and the arts, public and military service, education and academia, business and industry, medicine and health care, entertainment and sports. Resolution - Page 1 of 2