Office of the Mayor 233 E. Weshington St 201 City Hall Syracuse, N.Y. 13202 Office 315 448 8005 Fox 315 448 8067 www.syigev.net OFFICE OF THE MAYOR MAYOR BEN WALSH December 20, 2019 Secretary Michael R. Pompeo US. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington DC, 20520 Dear Secretary Pompeo, This letter is in reference to Executive Order 13888, “On Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Resettlement.” Syracuse isa city with a proud history of being @ welcoming place. Our City’s growth was fueled, in large part, by the arrival and contributions of immigrants from across the world. Our neighborhoods are rich with ethnic heritage and traditions. In recent years, as Syracuse and other northeast cities have experienced population loss, settlement by refugees and New Americans has helped offset this trend. Syracuse has benefitted economically, demographically, and socially over many decades. |1am proud to say that today, based on this history and experience, Syracuse's vision is to be a rowing city that embraces diversity and creates opportunity for all. We placed diversity in the center of our vision because its so important to achieving growth. In the last year alone, 31 people have achieved their citizenship through programming offered by our resettlement ‘agency. In 2019, two out of our City's five high school valedictorians were refugees, 2 ‘testament to their dedicated work and family value for education, The public-private partnership between the federal government and non-profit organizations has resulted in a strong infrastructure and expertise in our city to meet the needs of refugees. Our faith communities, schools, medical facilities, and employers stand ready to receive refugees who have lost their homelands and seek to re-establish themselves here Consistent with and in support of the consent presented by Onondaga County, |, as Mayor of the City of Syracuse, consent to intial refugee resettlement in Syracuse consistent as per the terms of the Executive Order. This consent is valid unless or until itis withdrawn, Ben Walsh Mayor GROWTH. DIVERSITY. OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL.