Sanctuary city

What Are Sanctuary Cities?

Sanctuary cities are municipalities that limit or deny cooperation with national government in enforcing immigration law. These cities take on the responsibility of receiving and processing illegal immigrants, providing services and resources to help them acclimate and live within their communities. But why do they do this? What drives these policies?

Why Do Sanctuary Cities Exist?

Proponents argue that sanctuary city policies reduce deportation fears, separate family members, encourage reporting crimes, use health services, and enroll children in public schools. These policies are seen as a way to protect the rights of immigrants while fostering a sense of community inclusivity.

The Opposing View

Opponents, however, see sanctuary cities as undermining the rule of law by not cooperating with federal immigration authorities. They raise concerns about public safety and argue that these policies strain local resources. The debate is complex and often emotional, with both sides presenting compelling arguments.

Impact on Crime Rates

Some studies have found no effect or even lower crime rates in sanctuary cities compared to non-sanctuary cities. A study showed that the adoption of sanctuary policies reduced the robbery rate but had no impact on homicide rates. In fact, crime is statistically significantly lower in sanctuary counties compared to non-sanctuary counties.

Economic Impact

The economy also plays a significant role. More regulatory local immigration policies may cause immigrants to flee cities, while states with economic opportunity and individual freedom attract more immigrants. Local jurisdictions that enacted such policies experienced a 1–2% negative effect in employment.

Health and Well-being

Preliminary studies suggest that the number of sanctuary cities positively affects well-being among illegal immigrant populations. However, implementation of section 287(g) led to distrust in health services among Hispanic/Latina mothers, highlighting the nuanced impact of these policies.

Legal and Political Landscape

The relationship between federal and local governments regarding immigration is an unsettled issue. Opponents often use the Naturalization Clause and Migration clause as textual confirmation of federal power. However, certain states have taken aggressive actions against illegal immigration despite this.

Notable Sanctuary Cities

In the United States, several cities have declared themselves sanctuary cities or states. For instance, Berkeley was the first US city to pass a sanctuary resolution in November 1971. California has seen significant action with over 560 cities and states considering themselves sanctuaries as of 2018.

State Laws and Policies

States like Arizona, Texas, and Nevada justify their actions due to insufficient federal efforts. For example, Arlington’s SB 1070 law was passed in 2010 but struck down in 2012 by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. Other states have banned sanctuary cities outright, while some have required local governments to certify cooperation with federal immigration officials.

International Perspective

The concept of sanctuary cities is not limited to the United States. In Europe, cities like Glasgow in Scotland and Sheffield in England have embraced similar policies. The City of Sanctuary movement encourages local grassroots groups to build a culture of hospitality towards asylum seekers.

Conclusion

The debate over sanctuary cities is multifaceted, involving complex legal, economic, and social issues. While some argue that these policies protect the rights of immigrants and foster community inclusivity, others see them as a threat to public safety and the rule of law. The journey towards finding a balanced approach continues, with each city and state navigating its own path.