December 12, 2016 – At a press conference today, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza and Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, reiterated that Houston – the most diverse city in the country – is a welcoming and safe place for all who live here.
“The Collaborative supports the Mayor’s commitment to create and uphold policies that assure the safety and well-being of all Houstonians,” says Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC) Legal Director Andrea Guttin. “As a key partner in the Welcoming Houston initiative, HILSC is working to ensure that the legal and social needs of the immigrant and refugee communities in Houston are met.”
Houston is a city of immigrants. Their history is deeply rooted in our city. They are our neighbors; they run many small businesses and work in all of Houston’s diverse industries; they are the families at our schools, churches, temples and mosques. One out of every four Houstonians was born outside of the United States. Attacks on immigrants and other marginalized communities are attacks on working Houston families. HILSC applauds the Mayor’s pledge to protect everyone – whether Latino, Black, LGBTQ, Muslim, immigrant, refugee, disabled, or none of the above – from hate, discrimination, and other forms of mistreatment.
As members of HILSC, we will continue to provide legal and other services to immigrant and refugee families and other vulnerable communities. During this time of uncertainty and change, it is critical that immigrants and others who have questions get accurate, reliable information. Trustworthy organizations that provide free and low-cost immigration legal advice can be found on the Collaborative’s list of member organizations: www.houstonimmigration.org/#members.
Press Coverage
Mayor Turner takes stance on immigration (KHOU – Channel 13)
Officials discuss efforts to welcome immigrants, refugees to Houston (KPRC – Channel 2)
City unveils new office to aid immigrants (Houston Chronicle)
Turner Pledges to Protect Immigrants, But Avoids Calling Houston “Sanctuary City” (Houston Press)
Mayor Turner, HPD chief assure immigrant and refugee community it’s safe despite Trump win (CW39)
Mayor Turner announces initiative to protect immigrants (Fox26)
Sylvester Turner anunció la apertura de una nueva oficina para inmigrantes y refugiados (Univision)
Alcalde Turner rediseña oficina de servicio para inmigrantes (Telemundo)
