Easton City Council is set to discuss a resolution Wednesday night supporting immigrant communities.
It will also call on the Trump administration to take action on immigration reform.
The resolution, introduced by Councilman Roger Ruggles and co-sponsored by all other council members, emphasizes the nation’s history of welcoming immigrants and the contributions they have made to American society.
It calls on the federal government to recognize the societal value of undocumented immigrants and to develop “a clear and easily managed pathway” for them to become U.S. citizens.
The measure also urges federal officials to ensure humane conditions for those arriving at the border, maintain family unity and assist in determining legal pathways for entry.
It is not an ordinance and would not be part of the city’s law, but merely suggests how city employees should handle immigration.
The resolution suggests that no city official or employee should request, record or disclose information about a person’s citizenship or immigration status unless required by law, court order, or regulation.
It also suggests that city resources should not be used to provide information to immigration enforcement officials without explicit authorization.
“The council of the City of Easton opposes the separation of law-abiding families and does not support actions that disrupt the lives of its residents,” the resolution reads.
It further asserts that denying individuals due process contradicts the principles of justice and fairness.
If adopted, the resolution would be sent to President Donald Trump, U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, and Representative Ryan Mackenzie. It will also be shared with 21 other city councils nationally with a request that they consider adopting similar resolutions, plus request for 10 additional city councils do the same.
Since February, Councilwoman Taiba Sultana has pushed for an ordinance meant to protect immigrants in Easton following a string of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests.
Under this ordinance, city employees would have been prohibited from inquiring about or recording a person’s immigration status unless required by law or court order. It also would have restricted cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies, such as sharing personal information, except when mandated by state or federal law.
The ordinance was on city council’s agenda in August, but was later pulled.
Members were concerned that the ordinance would give immigrants a false sense of security. There was an additional concern that it would put a target on Easton’s back.
City council will vote on the proposed resolution at its meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers on the third floor of City Hall, 123 S. 3rd St.
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