Allentown council adopts amended 'welcoming city' ordinance after hours of public comment

The Allentown City Council on Wednesday passed Bill 4, an ordinance that codifies city practice of providing services without regard to immigration or refugee status and directs the city to pursue becoming a certified “welcoming city” through Welcoming America, as amended to remove a mandatory certification requirement.

The measure passed 7-0 after more than three hours of debate and public comment in council chambers that drew dozens of residents, religious leaders and immigrant-rights advocates. The final ordinance retains provisions that prohibit city officials from inquiring into or collecting immigration status except where required by state or federal law, while changing language that would have required certification into language that “shall pursue” certification and that the council “suggest” the city obtain a Welcoming America star rating.

Supporters said the ordinance will protect trust between immigrants and city services so people will report crimes, use health care and turn to municipal agencies without fear. “When something matters, you write it down,” Councilwoman Cece Gerlach said in support of the bill, urging the council to codify the…