Providence Mayor Elorza Has Meeting over Immigration Concerns
Wednesday night over 100 people turned out at the Providence Career and Technical Academy for a discussion with Mayor Jorge O Elorza about immigration concerns.
The city of Providence has refused for years to hold for possible deportation any undocumented immigrant charged with a simple civil infraction. Over the weekend, Elorza vowed to continue the city’s existing policy, even if it puts Providence at risk of losing federal aid in the future.
Earlier this week the Mayor made this statement “I am more convinced than ever that the work we do at the local level is essential to safeguarding the values that define us as a community,” said Mayor Elorza. “We cannot stand idly as members of our community are bullied, targeted and scapegoated on the national stage. With so much uncertainty ahead, it’s important that we come together as a city to support one another, in every way we can.”
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge Elorza announced the One Providence Initiative,
an effort in which the City of Providence will be announcing a new inclusive policy,
initiative, or event to give reassurance to the city’s most vulnerable and
marginalized residents that the City will continue to support them. The
announcements will be released each week leading up to the presidential
inauguration.
“I am more convinced than ever that the work we do at the local level is essential
to safeguarding the values that define us as a community,” said Mayor Elorza. “We
cannot stand idly as members of our community are bullied, targeted and scapegoated
on the national stage. With so much uncertainty ahead, it’s important that we come
together as a city to support one another, in every way we can.”
These efforts reflect Mayor Elorza’s commitment to doubling down on his vision of
“One Providence” and on advancing a society that reflects values such as inclusion,
equity and respect for the dignity of each individual.
The weekly announcements will touch on:
* Local Immigration Reform
* Implicit and Embedded Racism
* Criminal Justice Reform
* Police-Community Relations
* Environmental Justice
* Support for Women and Families; Muslims and Religious Minorities; and the
LGBTQ community
“These announcements are an expression of our values as a city,” added Mayor Elorza.
“While folks may feel threatened by what they hear at the national level, I want
them to know that they are supported and they are safe here in Providence.”
As part of the initiative, a community forum is scheduled for this upcoming
Wednesday, November 16, at 7:00PM at Iglesia Vision Evangelica, which is located at
1014 Broad Street. The event will serve as an opportunity to bring neighbors
together, connect residents with available community resources, and allow input on
what their biggest concerns are in light of the results of the presidential
election.