Mayor Paul Soglin Statement in Support of the Global Compact on Migration

The Trump Administration formally withdrew from discussions on the Global Compact on Migration this week – abdicating its seat at the international table, and turning further inward at a time when migrants and refugees around the world are in global crisis.

Madison is joining other cities to fill in the gaps. We are joining with cities across the country and the globe to take up the torch in absence of federal leadership. Yesterday, we signed on to a formal submission to Mexican Ambassador Juan José Gómez Camacho and Swiss Ambassador Jürg Lauber, who are coordinating the Compact process, to advocate for the inclusion of local government voices in developing and implementing the Global Compact on Migration.

Cities are pushing for a seat at the table at a time when many national leaders are increasingly isolationist – and even xenophobic – and disconnected from cities’ values of inclusivity and growth. Cities are on the frontlines of resettling and supporting immigrants and refugees, and are petitioning for formal inclusion in U.N. decision-making in an effort to make international agreements more reflective of local realities.

At this tenuous time in our country and our world, please join me in welcoming and celebrating immigrants and refugees to our city and state. We are richer because they are here.