Mayor Paul TenHaken is bringing a resolution tonight that will allow refugees to resettle in Sioux Falls.
City Councilor Greg Neitzert says he encouraged the mayor to bring the resolution.
“These individuals are fleeing persecution and war, looking for a better life. They typically spend YEARS in refugee camps waiting for the chance to immigrate to a free country,” Neitzert said on Facebook.
Refugee resettlement has become a nationwide issue.
The Trump administration will require resettlement agencies in June to get written consent from state and local officials where they hope to place refugees.
“Unfortunately many times this refugee resettlement program is wrapped into debates about hot button issues like illegal immigration and terrorism, and it really shouldn't, as they are not related,” Neitzert said.
Minnehaha County Commissioner Gerald Beninga went even further.
“Frankly, if that process was in effect when we were talking about Norwegians and Germans, probably none of us would be here,” Beninga said.
Mr. Beninga’s comment struck me as horribly insulting to those who have a different point of view. Not everyone who opposes admitting more refugees is a racist or a demagogue.
Americans have been divided for years over whether the U.S. should accept refugees.
A 2018 Pew Research Center survey showed about half of Americans (51%) said the U.S. has a responsibility to accept refugees into the country. Forty-three percent said we do not.
Do you feel Sioux Falls should admit more refugees? Share your thoughts on my Facebook page
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