The Nation - News from Jan. 14, 1986

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously to declare Seattle a “city of refuge” for illegal aliens fleeing persecution in their homelands, especially Guatemala and El Salvador. The compromise resolution, approved 8 to 0, omitted language that would have restricted city employees from cooperating in the investigation or arrest of Central American refugees seeking shelter in the United States. The measure, however, pays homage to “the courage and personal conviction of Seattle residents who offer refuge to such persons.”