Hello Mayor Patino & City Councilmembers
The intent of this message is to share my concern about the impact of the federal actions and our local city’s response regarding immigration. I believe it is critically important that our Santa Maria City leadership step forward to both ensure the safety and security of all residents and publicly notice their concern about the needs and fears facing this unique population.
All my neighbors deserve to live in dignity and with the respect of our community leaders. As a community leader, it is your duty to protect all residents, including immigrants. In a civil society, our local leaders have an interest to ensure that our city is a place where the rights and dignity of all residents are maintained and protected.
A review of the proposed Resolution in the Agenda packet indicates that it is a correct statement.
However, it lacks any indication of respect for the humanity that is missing in recent federal actions by ICE and other DHS agencies. Specifically, I would suggest that the Resolution be amended to include:
1. A statement that the City of Santa Maria supports the provision of accessible services to all residents, regardless of immigration status;
2. A statement that the City of Santa Maria supports litigating federal policies that harm immigrants and undermine the benefits of a safe and orderly immigration process at the federal level;
3. A statement that the City of Santa Maris abhors the anti-immigrant rhetoric and the discrimination against immigrants in our community;
4. A statement that the City of Santa Maria supports greater access to legal representation for immigrants applying for citizenship, legal permanent residence, asylum, TPS and other legal immigration status; and
5. A statement that the City of Santa Maria supports programs that ensure access to English language classes, civic education, naturalization preparation and interpretation/translation services for immigrants.
In summary, I urge you to add language to the Resolution that encourages implementation and efficacy of existing legislation and policies that target assisting, protecting and welcoming immigrants to our community.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my concerns about this important matter. I look forward to the discussion at tonight’s City Council meeting.
joyce ellen
joyce ellen lippman
Resident, City of Santa Maria