26 January 2017, Boston, USA
This is America who are standing behind me. Many immigrants who work for the city of Boston. And many first generation Americans who work for the city of Boston, who are proud of their heritage and where they come from.
I called this press conference today because I am disturbed and angered by the news out of Washington DC. Washington is advancing the most destructive and un-American threats made on America ca during the campaign. The latest executive orders and statements about immigrants by the president are a direct attack on Boston's people, Boston's strength and Boston's values.
We are a city and a nation built on the immigrant contributions and we depend on newcomers for the vitality and
Twenty eight percent of the residents of the city of Boston are immigrants.
Forty eight percent of our children, like myself, have at least one foreign born parent.
Boston was here for me and my family, and for as long as I am mayor, I will never turn my back on those who are seeking a better life.
We will continue to foster trusting relationships, between law enforcement and the immigrant community. And we will not waste valuable police resources on misguided federal actions.
We will not be intimidated by the threat to federal funding. We have each other's backs, and we have the Constitution of the United States of America on our side.
I want to say directly to anyone who feels threatened here today, or vulnerable, 'You are safe in Boston'. We will do everything lawful in our power to protect you.
If necessary, we will use City Hall itself to shelter and protect anyone who is targeted unjustly.
I want to say again, of all Boston to Washington, we will not retreat one inch, from protecting diverse local communities that made us one of the most successful cities in the world.
Our Office of Immigrant Advancement is available and its extended services for immigrants will be proactively monitoring this situation. Anyone who might have questions, we ask you to contact 311, and we have set up online, to answer any questions that might come in.
And finally - this business of building a wall. The President's energy and the nation's resources, should be aimed at solvingserious solutions, challenges that we face both globally and locally.
He should direct his administration to create good jobs, he should direct plans to help the homeless on our streets. We have a homeless census count tonight, and it would be great to be able to tell them that they have a home. The veterans re-entering civilian life. the seniors who have worked hard all their life, and deserve a secure retirement, and the kids in our schools.
The President's job is to bring us together and elevate us. not to divide us and tear us down.