Erie City Council has voted to be established as a “Welcoming City.”
The ordinance went through final passage on Wednesday. It outlined the city’s goals to obtain and maintain the status under the Welcoming America program’s guidelines.
City council works to make Erie a ‘Welcoming City’
According to the nonprofit, they support communities building a welcoming society where every person, including immigrants, can fully contribute and shape our shared prosperity.
Before the vote, several citizens voiced their support of the ordinance. Council voted 6-1, with Ed Brezeznski voting no.
Erie reviews ‘welcoming city’ status, aims for improvements
“There’s a huge difference between an immigrant, a refugee and an illegal. I can’t get over the illegal part. I’ll fight for every immigrant, refugee that is in process to be an American citizen with us,” said Brezeznski.
“There is a lot of, rightfully so, anger and hurt and fear that is in the community, and I think this ordinance passing helps also protect not just our residents but also our police officers,” said Erie City Council President Tyler Titus.
The city will seek to collaborate with other governing bodies in carrying out this ordinance.