San Francisco Language Access Ordinance Summary Report LAO 2020 - Jan 31 FINAL | Page 7

Introduction
ADRIENNE PON
Executive Director,
Office of Civic
Engagement &
Immigrant Affairs
A
t the start of a new decade,
we ask ourselves, where are
we as a nation? When did
America close its doors and become
such an unwelcoming place for
those seeking refuge and a better
life? While Congress and the current
federal administration continue to
stall on comprehensive immigration
reform, millions of immigrants and
their families remain in limbo. So
many restrictive policies and rule
changes meant to further demean
and exclude immigrants, the poor,
communities of color, LGBTQ
people and people with disabilities
have been issued in the past three
years alone, many Americans have
concluded that, indeed, America
has lost its soul.
We are truly at a crossroads
as a nation and a member of
the global society. The world’s
people are suffering from hunger,
displacement, poverty, natural
disasters, war, and violence; yet
there is no humanitarian response
to end the crisis.
As
local
government,
our
responsibility is to serve and protect
ALL the people, not just some. Our
job is to uplift people, to assist them
so they have access, a pathway to
succeed, and opportunities to build
better lives for themselves and their
families.
We are fortunate to be the City and
County of San Francisco, a safe
and welcoming place where every
resident can contribute and thrive.
We know that our diversity is our
strength, and our welcoming policies
the key to our prosperity.
While San Francisco leads the way
on language access and immigrant
integration, we continue the work to
increase equal access for all residents
while building and strengthening an
inclusive, equitable, and safe city for
all. That is the dream we share for all
of America.
Our job is to uplift people, to assist them
so they have access, a pathway to succeed,
and opportunities to build better lives for
themselves and their families.
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