Phoenix Mayor Gallego Consents To Refugee Resettlement Program

By Kathy Ritchie
Published: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 5:52pm
Updated: Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 6:57am

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo consenting to a refugee resettlement program in Phoenix. 

Gallego is following Gov. Doug Ducey’s lead in welcoming refugees who are fleeing violence and persecution.

In her letter to Pompeo, she wrote that refugees have made invaluable contributions to the community and economy.

Last week, Ducey informed the Trump administration that Arizona will keep welcoming refugees vetted by U.S. agencies.

The number of refugees settled in Arizona plunged from slightly more than 4,100 people in fiscal year 2016 to less than 1,000 in 2018. 

Kate Gallego
Bret Jaspers/KJZZ
Kate Gallego in 2019.