Proposed refugee resolution gains backlash from city council, groups

A resolution proposed by a city council member opposing relocating refugees to the city, is gaining a lot of backlash.

The city is asking that the councilman Andy Pico rewrites or drops the resolution and so is a local group.

The advocacy group, “Colorado Springs Says Welcome Home,” is one of several pushing to bring refugees to the city.

“Immigrants and refugees bring so much diversity and skill and labor to our country and we need to recognize that refugees actually helped build this country,” said Dennis Apuan, founder.

Apuan doesn’t agree with the proposed resolution from councilman Pico.

“Of course, I was very much disappointed to say the least,” said Apuan.

In the proposed resolution, Pico claims he isn’t banning refugees but is asking for more information on who and how many would relocate to Colorado Springs.

“It requests that the state and federal government provide the city with notification when people come here and seeks to insure they are screened properly,” said Pico.

Council was quick to point out the title of the resolution was, “Opposing Relocation.”

“Whether or not you believe this issue is trying to ban refugees, that is the perception in this community,” said councilwoman Jill Gaebler.

Gaebler suggested Pico rewrite or drop the resolution.

“This issue isn’t a council issue. We’re a council of small government. We don’t have any jurisdiction over this issue,” said Gaebler.

Pico said he is trying to avoid terrorism by people posing as refugees.

“Isis has said they’re doing it and there’s some really clear evidence right now that they’re shipping weapons to refugees,” said Pico.

However, Apuan says that’s not the case.

“Even France, who’s own soil has been attacked by terrorist groups such as Isis, has vowed not to turn its back on refugees from Syria,” said Apuan.

Pico says after he writes the resolution, he plans on presenting it again to city council.