Preconsidered Res. No. 357
Resolution urging the President of the United States to include comprehensive immigration reform, and issues of importance to African immigrants and the African Diaspora, on the agenda for the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
By Council Members Rose, Chin, Cumbo, Koo, Mealy and Mendez
Whereas, On January 21, 2014, the White House announced that the "United States will host the first U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC" which is slated for August 4-6, 2014; and
Whereas, Further, the White House announced that the summit plans to advance the Administration's focus on trade and investment in Africa and highlight America's commitment to Africa's security and democratic development; and
Whereas, This summit could be greatly beneficial for both the United States and Africa, as long as leaders on all sides attend the summit with an efficient and well-structured strategy that includes clear objectives; and
Whereas, Given the significant number of African immigrants in the United States, the President should address the need for immigration reform and include it on the summit's agenda; and
Whereas, According to the U.S. Census, the United States is home to over 1.6 million African immigrants; and
Whereas, New York State has the largest African immigrant population in the nation, many of whom call New York City their home; and
Whereas, According to the New York City Department of City Planning, approximately four percent of the City's population are African immigrants; and
Whereas, New York City is home to a large number of African immigrants migrating from countries including Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia; and
Whereas, For example, over 27,000 Ghanaians live in the City, the majority of whom reside in the Bronx, and Staten Island has the largest community of Liberians in the nation; and
Whereas, The National African Immigrants and Refugees Health Advocate Program along with fellow African immigrants constructed a petition addressed to President Obama asking for the topic of comprehensive immigration reform to be included on the U.S. - Africa Leaders Summit agenda; and
Whereas, According to the petition, African immigrants contribute significantly to the United States and according to the World Bank, not only do African immigrants contribute greatly to the nation's economy, they also deliver significant remittances back to Africa; and
Whereas, According to the petition, the United States has a long history of engaging diaspora and foreign dignitaries on immigration in a multitude of countries, such as Mexico and South Korea; and
Whereas, For example, on May 3, 2013, President Obama delivered a speech in Mexico discussing Mexican-American relations and addressed the contributions Mexican immigrants have made in the United States and how immigration reform in essential for both countries; and
Whereas, Further, on April 25, 2014, President Obama was in South Korea, where he talked about the benefits of comprehensive immigration reform during his week-long trip throughout Asia; and
Whereas, According to advocates, if President Obama is able to discuss immigration reform in various countries throughout Latin America and Asia, he can also include this crucial topic during the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit; and
Whereas, On behalf of the African immigrants located in New York City and beyond, President Obama should include immigration reform, African immigrant issues, and the African Diaspora on the agenda of the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the President of the United States to include comprehensive immigration reform, and issues of importance to African immigrants and the African Diaspora, on the agenda for the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
JM/JEC
LS 1971
7/17/2014