Columbus City Council Sponsors Resolution to Celebrate Welcoming Week 2021

UST Co-founders and Directors, Tatyana and Nadia, alongside Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy and his Legislative Aide, Lucy

On Monday, September 13, Columbus City Council met to recognize and celebrate Welcoming Week 2021. This is an annual opportunity to affirm communities’ commitment to serving their New American neighbors. At US Together, we see everyday the importance of serving immigrants and refugees, and it is a pleasure to uplift this to the wider Columbus community. This resolution was sponsored by Council President Shannon G. Hardin and Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy. The full text of the resolution can be found below.

Thank you to Councilmember Remy for inviting our Co-Founder and Director Nadia Kasvin to speak in favor of this resolution. Kasvin spoke alongside Angie Plummer, Executive Director of CRIS (Community and Refugee Immigration Services) and Dr. Seleshi Asfaw of ETSS (Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services). Speaking on her own personal experience coming to the United States as a refugee, Kasvin affirmed the importance of welcoming our new neighbors. US Together is able to provide life-saving services to secure housing, employment, and education, but it is vital for everyone to do their part in making sure newly arriving immigrants and refugees feel at home in their new country.

Resolution 0152X-2021

“To honor, recognize and celebrate Welcoming Week 2021 in Columbus, Ohio and declare Columbus a sanctuary for refugees from Afghanistan.

WHEREAS, Welcoming Week 2021, which takes place September 10th through 19th, celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country; and

WHEREAS, Welcoming Week is an annual celebration bringing together thousands of people and a series of local events that celebrate the contributions of immigrants, refugees and new Americans, and the role our communities play in fostering a greater welcome. As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, this year there will be virtual, hybrid and in-person events in Central Ohio; and

WHEREAS, efforts that promote understanding and collaboration between all members of our community are crucial in encouraging and preserving the welcoming and inclusive environment of Columbus, Ohio; and

WHEREAS, at a time when political rhetoric has deepened divisions and the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed anti-immigrant sentiment, Welcoming Week reminds us to double down on our inclusive vision and find new ways to bring together people across lines of difference to develop greater understanding and mutual support; and

WHEREAS, recent developments in Afghanistan have resulted in U.S. troops returning to the United States after 20 years at war and thousands of Afghan refugees arriving here. Columbus City Council welcomes our Afghan brothers and sisters to Columbus, Ohio and will work to support local resettlement organizations in this important work; and

WHEREAS, during this week of recognition, the City of Columbus, Ohio reaffirms its belief that the United States of America is a country open to all who seek refuge and the pursuit of happiness; and

WHEREAS, fostering a welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or place of origin, enhances the cultural fabric, economic growth, global competitiveness, and overall prosperity for current and future generations in the City of Columbus; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize and celebrate Welcoming Week from September 10-19, 2021, and the City of Columbus stands ready to support the support the evacuation and resettlement of Afghan refugees traveling with a Special Immigrant Visa.”