Lansing Mayor Talks Vigilance, Compassion For Refugees

LANSING, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - City officials in Lansing say they want to make the city a more welcoming place for refugees and immigrants of all faiths.

In the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks and calls for a suspension of allowing some refugees in the U.S., Lansing officials have declared that they area a "welcoming city."

Lansing officials including Mayor Virg Bernero say Michigan's capital city is joining several other communities in the state as participants in the Welcoming Michigan coalition.

"It's really revolutionary but it's not ... it's really reaffirming what we've always been - which is a welcoming, diverse community where we promote inclusion, where we welcome everybody. Where we put down the red carpet," he says.

Bernero tells WWJ's Beth Fisher that we have to remain vigilant in the vetting process, "but we can't stop being loving, caring, compassionate people either. That's the hallmark of this country."

The coalition says on its website it was created in response in part to "disturbing comments made at the national level" about Arabs, refugees and those of the Muslim faith.

The Lansing State Journal reports officials Monday are discussing steps to promote inclusiveness. WILX-TV reports City Council also is backing the effort.

The East Lansing City Council and Ingham County Board of Commissioners both passed resolutions this year that support refugees from Syria and other countries in the Middle East.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.