PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia is now one of the largest “welcoming cities” in the country.
Philadelphia has long called itself a “welcoming city,” as opposed to a “sanctuary city,” for its policy of accommodating undocumented immigrants. But the nonprofit Welcoming America officially gave Philly the welcoming title on Friday.
The nonprofit said they only give the designation to cities that go beyond just accommodating undocumented immigrants, by doing things like promoting access to services, education, economic inclusion and civic engagement.
Rachel Peric, the nonprofit’s executive director, says Philadelphia checked all those boxes.
“[Philadelphia’s] welcoming stance will be remembered in the arc of history as representing the outstanding moral leadership need for a thriving democracy today,” Peric said.
She said having Philadelphia as a welcoming city means a lot.
“Because it was in this city that leaders of the past set forth ideals based on equality and a vision of religious tolerance that did so much to influence American history and democracy.”
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Supporting immigration has long been a passion of Mayor Jim Kenney, who celebrated the designation with a ceremony in City Hall.
“We strongly believe that all people should be treated with dignity and respect,” Kenney said.
“We recognize that diversity is our greatest asset. We see the economic, social and cultural benefits that derive from our immigrant population and we know very well that when policies, programs and services are both accessible and tailored to the needs of all people, our city actually thrives.”
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Amy Eusebio, executive director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs, thanked advocacy groups and service providers who’ve created a hospitable environment for immigrants, along with the city’s policies of welcoming immigrants, whether they be documented or not.
Those policies, however, got Mayor Kenney in trouble with the Trump Administration and are seen as the motivation for Texas’s Gov. Greg Abbott, who has been sending buses of asylum seekers to the city. But Kenney said he has no regrets.
“I’m proud of and grateful for the strides we’ve made together on this front and look forward to building on our success and preserving our reputation as one of the most welcoming cities in the country,” Kennedy said.