Birmingham has taken a key step towards becoming an official 'City of Sanctuary' offering help to those fleeing persecution and war to start a new life here.
There was cross-party support as Birmingham's councillors this week backed the bid to ensure the city rolls out the welcome mat to refugees to help them to settle in their new home.
The councillors were keen to distance the policy from the national debate on immigration - stressing it would apply to those who were legally granted asylum by the prevailing national policy.
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Coun James McKay, the Labour cabinet member for social cohesion, said: "Birmingham has benefited economically and socially from the arrival of new communities.
"Whatever national government's position around asylum and immigration, it will always be in Birmingham's interest to integrate newcomers."
He pledged the council would support groups which helped new arrivals and do what they could to ensure those seeking sanctuary in Birmingham were treated properly.
The council will now step up its efforts to secure national City of Sanctuary status - a title that was first granted to Sheffield in 2007.
Supporting the bid for the Conservatives, Coun Matt Bennett said: "If people come to this city, they should be made welcome and helped to integrate."
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The original bid for City of Sanctuary status was included in the council scrutiny report called 'Birmingham: Where the World Meets' in 2013 but there was little progress.
Now, following the vote of the full council, those efforts will be stepped up. The City of Sanctuary campaign group said it was delighted at the decision.
A spokesman said: "The city council is recognising the contribution that migrants make to our city's economic and cultural capital.
"They know that newcomers fleeing their homes and arriving in the 海角视频 need welcome and support and they will encourage and assist groups and individuals seeking to provide this.
"Our campaign group already works with individuals and organisations providing support. We would love to hear from residents groups, sports clubs or any organisation who is interested."
Several schools have also been awarded 'School of Sanctuary' status.
The campaign also has the support of universities, housing associations, faith leaders, Lord Digby Jones and West Midlands Police Chief Constable Chris Sims.