Despite the fact that Champaign is a non-partisan electorate for city offices, Mayor Feinen is a known Republican. Because of the overwhelming amount of attention that potential refugees from Syria have been given from the GOP in the House and by Governors (including Illinois’ Bruce Rauner), I asked her to give us her feelings on the situation.
Smile Politely: Despite the fact that only the President has any power to do so, by now we’ve heard about Governors, including our own Bruce Rauner, attempting to suspend any Syrian refugees from entering the States. As both a lawyer, and as an elected official to the Mayor’s office, what is your response to that?
Mayor Deb Feinen: I am not an immigration attorney so I am certainly not an expert as a lawyer and I have not done any independent research to answer this question. However, I believe that this issue is a Federal one and that as a Governor there is no authority to suspend any refugees from entering the State.
As for my reaction, I think it is unfortunate that the Governors have taken this position. It does not make sense to me to punish individuals and families fleeing the situation in Syria. The Unites States is a Country of immigrants. We also should not turn a blind eye to refugees desperate for help and a better life. In particular in this community we have a rich diversity of ethnicity and we are better for it. We also have compassionate individuals and groups willing to help and support others in need whether they are from the United States or other Countries.
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And so there you have it. Our Mayor in Champaign once again displays her seemingly endless rational approach to socio-political issues that our country, state, and own community is facing.
Well stated, Mayor Feinen.
Photo by Sam Logan.