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Council refers ‘welcoming city’ ordinance to committee after extended public comment
Summary
Bill 4, an ordinance to codify Allentown’s welcoming-city practices and seek a minimum three-star Welcoming America score, was introduced and referred to a committee of the whole for further review after extensive public testimony from immigrant advocates and county officials.
Allentown City Council introduced Bill 4, an ordinance that would require the city to obtain and maintain a welcoming-city designation and codify practices to deliver city services without regard to immigration status. The measure was referred to the committee of the whole for a February 5 committee meeting.
The ordinance, as read by the clerk, would require the city to work toward a score of no less than three stars from Welcoming America, codify non-discrimination in city services on the basis of immigration status, and direct council advocacy of similar practices by other municipalities. The bill language states it "shall take effect in accordance with Pennsylvania law." (City Clerk read statement.)
Residents and speakers addressed the council in favor of the ordinance. Elizabeth Polanco, who identified herself as a U.S. citizen and immigrant from the Dominican Republic, told the council the ordinance "must pass so that immigrants are protected and that they feel confident in life safely in the city." Josie Lopez urged council to "keep families together in Allentown" and to codify protections so immigrant residents feel safe accessing hospitals, schools and police services. Lehigh County Commissioner John Irons, who said he was born in Ecuador, urged council to be proactive and highlighted data-privacy issues in municipal recordkeeping: "municipal governments are vulnerable to hacking...we should codify policies that we're not gonna share this information except where legally necessary." Sharon Finegan cited Lancaster, Pa.'s policy as a model and urged passage so residents feel safe reporting crimes.
Council scheduled a committee-of-the-whole meeting to consider Bill 4 on February 5 at 6 p.m. The ordinance will be subject to committee hearings and possible amendment before any final vote.
Ending: Councilmembers and advocates said they hoped committee review would include technical work on data protections and community input on implementation.
