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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
June 23, 2022
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #22-221
Sponsored By: William Miller III, Charles Cavell, David Woodward, Yolanda Smith Charles, Marcia
Gershenson, Michael Gingell, Robert Hoffinan, Janet Jackson, Adam Koclnenderfer, Christine Long, Penny
Luebs, Gwen Markham, Gary McGillivray, Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell, Philip Weipert, Chuck Moss
Board of Commissioners - Resolution Declaring June 20, 2022, as World Refugee Day in Oakland Count,),
Chairperson and Members of the Board:
WHEREAS more than 70 million displaced people have been forced from their homes, more than any time in
recorded history, including over 25 million refugees; and
WHEREAS by definition, refugees are people who have fled their country because they have a well-founded
fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular
social group; and
WHEREAS to be considered for resettlement. a refugee must first receive a refugee status determination by the
United Nations refugee agency (UNHC'R) by proving they are fleeing persecution based on their etluiicity.
nationality, religion, political opinion, or social group, UNHCR then refers refugees to one of 37 resettlement
countries, one of which is the United States; and
WHEREAS since the creation of the U.S. RefuOe Admissions Program, the United States has set an average
admissions goal of 95,000 annually; and
WHEREAS however, in 2018, the United States resettled less than half of the then -historic low refugee
admissions goal of 45,000. In 2019, only 30,000 refugees were resettled; and
WHEREAS last vear, due to an even lower resettlement ceiling -- 181000 -- and a temporary halt to the
resettlement program due to travel restrictions tinder COVID-19. only 7,450 refugees have been resettled in the
United States so far: and
WHEREAS resettlement provides a safe haven in a third country when refugees cannot return home and cannot
rebuild their lives in the country where they first fled due to lack of access to safety, shelter, health care,
education, or protection; and
WHEREAS unfortunately. refugee resettlement is a lifesaving program available only to less than 14 0 of
refugees; and
NVIIEREAS resettlement to the U.S. is available only for those who demonstrate the greatest and most
immediate need for protection — such as unacconnpanied and other at -risk children, female -headed households.
victims of torture, the physically disabled, and members of minority groups that are experiencing oppression in
the host country ( for example. religious minorities or LGBTI individuals) — and takes place after eligible
refugees undergo a rigorous selection, security vetting, and medical screening process; and
WHEREAS Oakland County is home to a diverse population of refugees and immigrants, adding to the
economic strength and cultural richness of our comnirmity: and
WHEREAS organizations responsible for resettling refugees in our community, as well as munerous other
community orguanizations and religious institutions, have declared their support for resettling refugees in
Oakland County: and
WHEREAS Oakland County has been an example of a hospitable and welcoming place to all newcomers,
where the contributions of all are celebrated and valued; and
WHEREAS cities across the United States have declared themselves to be welcoming to refugees and
immigrants, joining a national movement for creating an inclusive community; and
WHEREAS residents of Oakland County aspire to live up to our highest societal values of acceptance and
equality, and treat newcomers with decency and respect, creating a vibrant community for all to live in.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners is hereby
recognizing the growing diversity of its residents and acknowledges that refugees, immigrants, and all
newcomers enhance the cultureand the economy by declaring June 20, 2022, as World Refugee Day.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Connuissioners affirms the beauty and
ricluiess of our diversity, and one in which all are welcome, accepted, and appreciated.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby urges other local
and state communities to join us in a stronger national effort to resettle the most vulnerable refugees worlduvide
and help them integrate and thrive.
Chairperson, the following Commissioners are sponsoring the foregoing Resolution: William Miller III,
Charles Cavell, David Woodward, Yolanda Smith Charles, Marcia Gershenson, Michael Gingell, Robert
Hoffman, Janet Jackson, Adam hochenderfer; Christine Long, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, Gate
McGillivray. Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell, Philip Weipert, Chuck Moss,
2rd Date: June 27, 2022
David Woodward, Commissioner
Date: June 29, 2022
David Coulter, Oakland County Executive
Date: June 30 2022
Lisa Brown, County Clerk 1 Register of Deeds
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2022-06-14 Legislative Affairs &c Government Operations - reconunend to Board
2022-06-23 Full Board
VOTE TRACKING
Motioned by Commissioner Charles Cavell seconded by Commissioner Michael Gingell to adopt the attached
Resolution: Declaring June 20. 2022, as World Refugee Day in Oakland County,
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Gingell, Karen Joliat, Kristen Nelson, Eileen Kowall, Angela Powell.
Thomas Kuhn. Chuck Moss, Marcia Gershenson, William Miller III, Yolanda South Charles, Charles
Cavell, Penny Luebs, Janet Jackson, Gary McGillivray. Robert Hoffman, Adam kochenderfer (17 )
No: Christine Long, Philip Weipert (2)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: (0)
Passed
ATTACHMENTS
None
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNT" OF OAKLAND)
I, Lisa Brown, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and
accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Conunissioners on June 23, 2022, with
the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court at Pontiac,
Michigan on Thursday, June 23, 2022.
Liso Brown, Oakland Comm, Clerk ' Register of Deeds