Council debates whether to add 'legal' to Erie 'welcoming city' language

Council members discussed whether to insert the word "legal" into a proposed "welcoming city" resolution during review of ordinances slated for final reading. A councilor raised the change as a clarifying amendment; other members and staff asked the solicitor where such language might be placed and whether it would alter the ordinance's effect.

City staff and the solicitor pointed to the ordinance's definition of "citizenship/immigration status," which enumerates categories such as lawful permanent residents, refugees, and DACA recipients, and said those categories were intended to capture the populations the resolution targets. Several councilors said the definition already distinguishes status categories and worried that inserting a single word could unintentionally exclude people in legal transition or complicate enforcement.

Speakers also stressed the limits of local authority: councilors and staff emphasized that the city does not enforce federal immigration law and that local police will still investigate and enforce criminal activity regardless of a person's immigration status. The discussion included a proposal for a friendly amendment to add language encouraging collaboration with other governing bodies on implementation and cost-sharing; staff said the amendment could be refined at second reading.

The council did not adopt final legislative language during the discussion recorded in the transcript; staff said the solicitor and the mayor would be consulted on placement and wording, and the amendment framework would be brought back for further consideration at a subsequent reading.