Do You Live In A Sanctuary City?

Chances are you do, as there are 130 sanctuary cities scattered over 27 states, 28 sanctuary cities being in California.  The term dates back to the early 1980's.  Sanctuary cities began as a religious and political campaign in the U.S by churches of various denominations to support and shelter refugees fleeing Central American Turmoil.  Churches and synagogues believed refugees sent back to their home countries would be persecuted or even face death.  In 1979, Los Angeles became the first sanctuary city.  In the internal policy, the city instructed its police officers to not ask arrestees about their immigration status.  San Francisco began identifying as a sanctuary city in 1989.

Today's supporters for the designation argue local government is not responsible for immigration enforcement.  Focusing scarce local resources and law enforcement efforts to deter unauthorized immigrants might undermine community relations.  The discussion on sanctuary cities has heated up recently due to the Pier 14 shooting of a young woman by a Mexican native with multiple felony convictions who has been deported five times.

Everyone is disturbed by this event and sees a need for change.  The immigration issue is complicated, too much to discuss in this short blog.  Laws protecting illegal immigrants are passed by local authorities for many different reasons.  Federal law is responsible for immigration reform.  Our congress needs to step up, stop playing politics, and come up with a plan for protecting our borders from illegal immigration and finding a way to deal with illegals who are already here.  ( a path to citizenship or legal residency).

I first learned about sanctuary cities when I went over to visit a friend recently.  I walked into the house and heard Rush Limbaugh shouting in the background.  When I asked what  he was talking about, my friend told me "Sanctuary cities."  He said that San Francisco was one of these cities.  I went home and researched the topic, and he was right.  San Francisco is one of the sanctuary cities, and so are over 130 other American cities.  Our congress needs to get its act together and work on immigration reform.  The problem is massive  and nothing will change quickly.

One final thing.  The reported crime rate that some politicians blame on immigration is actually a fallacy.  The crime rate for immigrants is far lower than for native born Americans.  Most immigrants come for a better life for their themselves and their family.  Most are hard workers and will do anything  they can to make it here.  Let's get our politicians to work on immigrant reform so that we can keep our borders protected and have those that want to immigrate, can do it legally.