Shelby County makes it official: It’s a refuge for refugees
Surrounded by members of the local refugee community on Friday, Jan. 3, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris signs a ceremonial copy of a letter that was sent to the U.S. State Department confirming that the county would continue to accept refugees. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Isaac James of Kenya speaks in Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris' office on Friday, Jan. 3, shortly before Harris signed a document affirming Shelby County's willingness to continue accepting refugees. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Isaac James (from left), Faten Hawasha and Cute Lee stand by as Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris prepares to sign a document on Friday, Jan. 3, affirming the county's consent to continue resettling refugees. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris signed a ceremonial copy of the letter that was sent to the U.S. State Department confirming that Shelby County would continue to accept refugees. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
“When we have the ability to act, we have a moral duty to help those in need, those in dire circumstances,” Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said Friday, Jan. 3. “Refugees embark on a perilous journey to find safety, and historically the U.S. has been ready to do its part to provide safe haven.” (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
In a letter to the U.S. Department of State, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris notified federal officials that the county will continue to welcome refugees.
Topics
Shelby County Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris PJ Moore World Relief Memphis Gov. Bill Lee President Donald Trump
Linda A. Moore
Linda A. Moore covers education, South Memphis and Whitehaven. A native of South Memphis, Linda has covered news in Memphis and Shelby County for more than 20 years and was formerly a reporter with The Commercial Appeal.
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