TC APPROVES IMMIGRANT PROTECTION RESOLUTION

The Township Committee formally approved a significant resolution on Tuesday night offering clear protection for immigrants in town, both documented and not, against federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.

The TC voted, 5-0, on the resolution that states Township employees, including police, will not aid in efforts to prosecute or remove residents based on immigration status.

See the resolution HERE.

It is titled:   

Expressing Maplewood's Commitment to Equal, Respectful and Dignified Treatment of All People, Regardless of their Immigration Status, And To Remain a Welcoming Community.

"There's a lot of things going on in Washington and we don't know what's going to happen," Mayor Vic Deluca said about the incoming Trump Administration, whose anti-immigrant stance was among the reasons that sparked the resolution. "I think it's important for us as a local governing body to say that we're clear about our intentions of holding constitutional rights and liberties for all and that under no circumstances will we participate in dividing people based on citizenship or immigration status and we will not profile or register people where they are from or what they believe."

See more of the discussion below:


 

After originally contemplating a designation as a "sanctuary city," the TC changed the approach two weeks ago with a designation of a "welcoming" community for such protection.

But after some extensive debate at the Jan. 3, 2017, meeting, more revisions were made.

TC member Greg Lembrich had said the original version did not go far enough to protect residents from potential police-aided enforcement of federal immigration law, while some also objected to the choice not to use the term "sanctuary" in the wording, saying that offers a stronger message of support.

First offered weeks ago by then-TC Member Ian Grodman, the resolution had originally been designed as a "sanctuary city" designation similar to those used in other towns that clearly states the municipality will protect immigrants -- documented and undocumented -- from federal or other legal entities.

But after some internal review, which included discussions with Police Chief Robert Cimino, the TC requested a resolution that did not use the term, "sanctuary," but sought such protection for immigrants.