DRAFT Resolution: City policy on Syrian Refugees

[Don Zimmerman]

[last posting missing subject line]

DRAFT Resolution for PSC meeting for Nov. 30th (2015).

We currently have this issue time certain at 4:30PM, with 15 minutes of invited expert testimony (for and against), and unlimited public testimony (on this or any other issue) at about 6:30 PM.


RESOLUTION No.

WHEREAS, the terrorist attacks upon Paris, France, on Friday, November 13, 2015, are only the latest in a series of events which present a sobering reminder of the many dangers that exist in our world; and

WHEREAS, the highest responsibility of any government is the protection and safety of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, acting with the best interest of all Texans in mind, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has transmitted a letter dated November 16, 2015, to President Barack Obama in which the Governor makes abundantly clear that Syrian “refugees” will not be accepted in Texas—declaring quite specifically: “Given the tragic attack in Paris and the threats we have already seen in Texas, coupled with the FBI director’s acknowledgment that we do not have the information necessary to effectively vet Syrian nationals, Texas cannot participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees—any one of whom could be connected to terrorism—being resettled in Texas”; and

WHEREAS, the Governors of other states have issued similar declarations; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN:

(1) the City Manager is directed to fully comply with the sentiments expressed in Governor Abbott’s November 16, 2015, letter to President Obama; and
(2) City agencies and departments are not permitted to take any action, or to expend any City funds, which would facilitate the resettlement of Syrian “refugees” within the jurisdiction of the City of Austin, Texas.