RESOLUTION REAFFIRING THE CITY'S STATUS AS A WELCOMING CITY AND A SANCTUARY FOR REFUGEES FLEEING THE VIOLENCE IN UKRAINE
WHEREAS, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created yet another refugee crisis compounding the humanitarian emergencies in Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and elsewhere; and
WHEREAS, According to the United Nations, as of March 18, 2022, over 3.2 million refugees have fled Ukraine, and there have been recorded 2,149 civilian casualties in Ukraine, with at least 816 deaths - including 59 children - and 1,333 injuries; and
WHEREAS, Our community is built on welcoming those fleeing violence, displacement, and discrimination, and the United States should always be a safe haven for victims of military conflict; and
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago is proud to be one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, where one out of every five City residents was born outside ofthe United States; and
WHEREAS, Chicago is home to the second largest Ukrainian population in the United States - with more than 100,000 Ukrainian-Americans living in Chicagoland - the community has called the City its home for a century; roughly 10,000 Ukrainian-Americans live in Ukrainian Village, a neighborhood that's become a central hub for the Ukrainian diaspora; and
WHEREAS, All migrants deserve to be treated humanely and equitably in their pursuit of liberty and justice as they seek life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Those wishing to come to the United States should be supported as they apply for lawful status in the United States, either through seeking asylum or by other means; and
WHEREAS, These refugees will need housing and support services such as counseling, education, health care, food, security, case management, and legal assistance; and
WHEREAS, While the City supports air anti-war efforts and initiatives to bring peace to the region through diplomatic means, it is imperative that we also take immediate steps to support all individuals fleeing the violence in Ukraine and welcome them to our city with open arms; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this twenty-third day of March, 2022, hereby reaffirm our status as a Welcoming City and restate our commitment to remain a place of sanctuary and refuge for migrants and refugees from around the world, especially refugees from the armed conflict in Ukraine, regardless of nationality or nation of origin; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Council ofthe City of Chicago hereby urges all City departments, local businesses, and charitable organizations to work with the local Chicago area based organizations serving the Ukrainian-American community to provide shelter and sustenance for migrant and refugee families relocating to Chicago and integrating into our communities.