If you’ve been following the conversation about immigration policies and the current administration, you may have heard about sanctuary cities. In the midst of all the heated political rhetoric and misinformation, it can be difficult to understand exactly what these cities are and how they work. Let’s take a look at the facts.

What is a sanctuary city?

Some jurisdictions have laws that limit how much local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration agents. These places are generally called “sanctuary cities,” although this is a broad term with no universal definition. Sanctuary cities often act as safe havens for immigrant communities.

Are sanctuary cities legal?

Yes. Sanctuary cities are not designed to let criminals run amok. Instead, they essentially aim to safeguard immigrants from unfair treatment, and to protect innocent undocumented immigrants from deportation. Sanctuary policies can take the form of actual laws or informal policies.

What types of sanctuary policies are there?

Several states, counties, and cities have “sanctuary policies” in place, and the content of these laws can vary. Many states have laws that allow undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses. State and county-wide policies generally limit how much local police can cooperate with federal authorities who want to hold immigrants in detention. When it comes to cities, sanctuary policies often prevent local law enforcement from asking about a person’s immigration status.

Where did sanctuary cities come from?

It’s said that the idea for sanctuary cities came about in the 1980s, when churches gave sanctuary to Central Americans who fled their countries to avoid violence. As officials in more diverse areas started to feel that federal immigration policies were becoming unreasonable, sanctuary policies became the popular response. Today, many of the country’s largest cities have sanctuary policies in some form.

Why are sanctuary cities so controversial?

Many conservatives claim that sanctuary cities are linked to an increase in crime, because they allow criminals to go free when they should otherwise be deported. The policies don’t prevent police from going after immigrants who commit crimes, however. Local police forces tend to prefer sanctuary policies—both because it encourages their immigrant communities to report crimes, and because they don’t want the extra work of enforcing federal immigration laws.

Sanctuary cities are an emotionally charged subject, but when it comes to immigration law, it pays to take a careful and well-reasoned approach. If you’re in trouble with the law or you have concerns about your immigration status, contact Sanchez-Roig Law Firm, P.A. Our compassionate lawyers will zealously protect your legal right to safely live in the United States.