Ginther Signs Executive Orders Today

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther signed an executive order reaffirming and expanding the city’s policies on immigration today at the Fedderson Community Recreation Center on the Northeast Side.

“This executive order reinforces and expands what we have been doing for decades. It is also consistent with the policies of the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. It upholds the rule of law and the diversity that defines our city,” said Mayor Ginther. “The future of Columbus is big enough, bright enough and safe enough for everyone.”

The executive order consists of four points:

• The City of Columbus welcomes refugees and immigrants.
• The City will not use city offices or employees to detain people solely based on their immigration status.
• The City will offer the same city services to immigrants and refugees that are offered to all of our residents.
• The City will vigorously oppose any effort to require the use of local taxpayer resources for the enforcement of federal immigration policy.

A mayoral executive order concerns the implementation of laws and/or mayoral policies. This is the second executive order signed by Mayor Ginther since he took office in January 2016.

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On Monday, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus City Council President Zach Klein announced the city’s commitment to accepting refugees regardless of immigration status at a press conference at City Hall.

“Our immigrant population is part of the fabric of what makes Columbus so vibrant,” said Mayor Ginther. “They are our neighbors. We must not turn our backs on them, now or ever.”

Mayor Ginther said he would issue an executive order this week that would support the resettlement of refugees to Columbus and prohibit the detention of anyone unless a warrant exists or a criminal violation was observed. In addition, the executive order would not allow city money, equipment or personnel to be used for detecting or apprehending someone or denying them city services based on immigration status.

Mayor Ginther also stressed that the city supports constructive immigration reform on a national level “that keeps families together, upholds our values as Americans, promotes economic growth, and provides a long term solution to the immigration system.”

President Klein said he will explore what the New American population in Columbus needs from its local government and what the term “sanctuary city” means. “Columbus policies should always continue to support a community where all residents and visitors feel safe and welcome,” said President Klein.

Foreign-born residents are 9.3% of the entire population of Columbus and contribute $258 million in local and state income, property and sales taxes. The local refugee community supports an estimated 21,000 jobs in Columbus.

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