Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib recently met with senior officials at the White House, including Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, and Stephen Miller, the Homeland Security Advisor, to discuss federal funding for his city and immigration relief for Yemeni residents. The meeting took place on August 20, 2023, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and aimed to address pressing needs in Hamtramck, a city with significant challenges.
During the discussions, Ghalib outlined various resource requirements for Hamtramck, emphasizing infrastructure, public safety, and financial support. Following the meetings, he sent a confirmation email detailing specific needs to the officials involved. Ghalib expressed optimism about the discussions, stating, “If it gets approved, then we will solve some serious issues.” He characterized the visit as potentially the “most productive visit in the history of Hamtramck.”
Ghalib addressed the outcomes of the meetings during a city council session on August 26, reinforcing his belief that there were positive signs regarding federal assistance. He mentioned that Hamtramck, which has the highest percentage of immigrants in Michigan, faces chronic issues related to poverty, with around 38% of residents living below the poverty line. The situation is particularly dire for residents under the age of 18, where the poverty rate reaches 48%.
In addition to seeking funds for city improvements, Ghalib highlighted the need for relief for Yemeni immigrants. Since June 9, a proclamation from the White House has blocked Yemeni nationals from entering the United States for 90 days. Ghalib, who has personal ties to Yemen, urged the White House to reconsider these restrictions. He stated, “Hopefully, we hear some good news regarding the immigration restrictions.”
The challenges facing the Yemeni American community in Hamtramck are compounded by the proclamation, which has prevented many from reuniting with family members. Ghalib noted that he hopes for positive developments once the review period ends on September 7.
Ghalib’s engagement with the White House is noteworthy, particularly given his previous endorsement of former President Donald Trump and his involvement in Trump’s campaign activities. Ghalib has been nominated for the role of ambassador to Kuwait, although his confirmation is pending before the U.S. Senate. He expressed a desire to achieve meaningful outcomes for his community before leaving office, stating, “I would be happy to accomplish something for the community before I leave.”
The mayor’s recent visit comes amid internal controversies in Hamtramck, including the firing of the city manager and potential dismissals of other officials. Ghalib acknowledged the difficult decisions made during the council meeting, emphasizing the need for safety and accountability in city governance.
Councilman Mohammed Hassan praised Ghalib for his ability to secure a meeting at the White House, remarking, “You make us proud.” Ghalib concluded that the meetings were productive and expressed hope for significant outcomes that would benefit Hamtramck’s residents.