Sanctuary city facts for kids
A sanctuary city is a place, usually a city or town, that tries to limit how much it helps the national government enforce immigration laws. These cities are mainly found in places like Western Europe, the United States, and Canada.
Leaders in these cities often say they want to reduce the fear of deportation (being sent out of a country) and keep families together. They believe that if people are less afraid, they will be more willing to report crimes and send their children to school.
Contents
What Are Sanctuary Cities?
Sanctuary cities are local areas that have policies to protect people who are living in the country without official documents. These policies usually mean that local police and city workers will not actively help federal (national) immigration officers. This helps create a safer environment for everyone in the community.
Why Do Cities Become Sanctuaries?
Cities choose to become sanctuaries for several reasons. One main reason is to build trust between the community and local law enforcement. If people are afraid of being deported, they might not report crimes they see or experience. This can make the whole city less safe.
Another reason is to ensure that all children can attend school without fear. When families feel secure, they are more likely to participate in community life. This helps everyone, including those who are not citizens, feel like a part of the city.
Where Are Sanctuary Cities Located?
The idea of sanctuary cities is not new, and different countries have different rules. In the United States, some states allow cities to be sanctuaries, while others do not.
States That Allow Sanctuaries
Some states support the idea of sanctuary cities. For example, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Illinois, New York, Colorado, and California have laws that allow or support these policies. This means cities in these states can choose to limit their cooperation with federal immigration efforts.
States That Do Not Allow Sanctuaries
On the other hand, some states have laws that prevent cities from becoming sanctuaries. States like Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, Georgia, Missouri, and Florida do not allow their cities to adopt sanctuary policies. They often require local authorities to cooperate fully with federal immigration laws.
Legal Challenges and Terms
The topic of sanctuary cities can sometimes lead to legal discussions. Governments often have different views on how immigration laws should be enforced.
Court Rulings on Funding
In early 2018, a federal judge in Chicago made an important decision. The judge ruled that the Trump administration could not stop giving public safety grants (money for safety programs) to sanctuary cities. This decision was a setback for the Trump administration, which wanted to pressure cities to help more with policing immigration.
Understanding Immigration Terms
When talking about people who move to a new country, different words are used. The term illegal immigrant has been used a lot in the past, but its use is changing. Many people now prefer the term undocumented immigrant. This term describes people who live in a country without the necessary official papers, but it avoids using a word that might sound negative or judgmental. The goal is to use language that is more respectful and accurate.
See also
In Spanish: Ciudad santuario para niños
