Sanctuary Cities in the USA: A Refuge in 2024 for the Honduran Community
Today I want to talk to you about an issue that resonates deeply with our Honduran community living in the U.S.: sanctuary cities. In 2024, this topic is more relevant than ever, so join me on this journey to understand what they are, which ones exist in the U.S., and why they are so important.
What is a City of Sanctuary?
Imagine a place where you feel safe, where local policies protect you, regardless of your immigration status.
That, my friends, is a sanctuary city in essence. These sanctuary cities or states in the U.S. have decided to adopt policies that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities, ensuring that the community can live, work and contribute to society without the constant fear of deportation.
And since there is nothing better than a video, here we can see in detail the definition of a sanctuary city.
Sanctuary cities and states
Cities such as San Francisco, Chicago and New York stand out for their strong sanctuary policies, providing a safer environment for immigrants, regardless of their legal status.
In addition, states such as California and Illinois have gone further, implementing state laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Here is a list of sanctuary cities and counties in the U.S. in 2024. This list reflects a diversity of jurisdictions across the country committed to sanctuary policies to protect undocumented immigrants:
Sanctuary States:
- California
- Connecticut
- New Mexico
- Colorado
Cities and Counties by State:
Arizona:
- South Tucson
California:
- Alameda County
- Berkeley
- Against Costa County
- Los Angeles County
- Los Angeles
- Monterey County
- Napa County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- Sacramento County
- San Bernardino County
- San Diego County
- San Francisco County
- San Mateo County
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clara County
- Santa Cruz County
- Sonoma County
Colorado:
- Arapahoe County
- Aurora Detention Center
- Boulder County
- Denver
- Denver County
- Fort Collins
- Garfield County
- Glenwood Springs
- Grand County
- Jefferson County
- Larimer County
Connecticut:
- Bridgeport
- East Haven
- Fairfield County
- Hamden
- Hartford County
- Hartford
- Manchester
- Meriden
- New Haven
- New Haven County
- New London County
- Stamford
- Stratford
- Tolland County
Florida:
- Broward County
- Hernando County
- Hillsborough County
- Miami-Dade County
- Palm Beach County
- Pasco County
- Pinellas County
Illinois:
- Champaign County
- Chicago
- Cook County
- Des Plaines
- Hanover Park
- Hoffman Estates
- Palatine
And many more counties and cities across the United States. You can see the complete list here.
This list only provides a sample of the diversity of areas that have adopted sanctuary policies, demonstrating a commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants and supporting their communities. The presence of sanctuary cities and states in various parts of the country reflects the variety of approaches and widespread support for immigrants, regardless of their legal status.
Advantages of Living in a Sanctuary City
Living in a sanctuary city offers numerous advantages for immigrants. These jurisdictions provide a safe environment where interaction with local law enforcement does not focus on immigration status, allowing residents to live without the constant fear of deportation.
This facilitates access to essential services such as education and health care, contributing to the well-being of immigrant families.
In addition, communities in these cities are often welcoming and supportive, offering support networks that promote the integration and success of immigrants. Sanctuary cities are formed on the basis of compassion and commitment to human rights, seeking to protect the most vulnerable and serve as havens of hope in the face of restrictive immigration policies.
Why are Sanctuary Cities Formed?
The Sanctuary Cities movement was created in the 1980s by Reverend John Fife in Tucson, Arizona, in response to increased deportations and constant raids by the U.S. government.
Sanctuary cities are formed for several key reasons, all rooted in the desire to promote a more inclusive and just society:
- Compassion for immigrants: They recognize the contribution of immigrants to the community and seek to protect them from punitive immigration policies.
- Promoting public safety: By not asking about immigration status, it fosters a better relationship between the police and the community, encouraging everyone to report crimes without fear.
- Defense of human rights: These cities prioritize the rights and dignity of individuals, regardless of their origin or immigration status.
- Rejection of family separation: They oppose policies that result in the separation of families, seeking to keep communities together.
- Stimulus to the local economy: They recognize that immigrants are a vital part of the labor force and contribute significantly to the local economy.
These reasons underscore a shared commitment to creating safe and welcoming environments for all, regardless of national origin or immigration status.
Impact on the politics and economy of sanctuary cities
The impact of sanctuary city policies on local security and the local economy is a topic of great relevance and often of debate.
According to the aforementioned studies, conducted by the Center for American Progress and the National Immigration Law Center, there is significant evidence that jurisdictions with sanctuary policies experience positive effects on both public safety and key economic indicators.
Enhanced Security
The reduction in crime in counties with sanctuary policies, ranging from 35.5% to 65.4% compared to those that actively cooperate in federal immigration enforcement, suggests that the trusting relationship between immigrant communities and local law enforcement can have a significant impact on public safety.
This environment of trust fosters a greater willingness on the part of residents to report crimes, collaborate in investigations, and participate in community policing efforts without fear of retaliation related to their immigration status.
Economic Benefits
From an economic perspective, sanctuary cities appear to offer a more prosperous environment for all their inhabitants.
The average increase in earnings of nearly $4,300 in these areas, compared to cities that do not follow sanctuary policies, can be attributed to several factors, including greater inclusion of immigrants in the workforce and a more welcoming business climate that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
The decrease in the poverty rate (2.3% lower) and in the unemployment rate (1.1% lower) in sanctuary cities also reflects the positive impact of these policies on local economic stability and growth. By providing a safe and stable environment for immigrants, these cities enhance workforce diversity and promote greater economic participation among all segments of the population.
The data presented by these studies highlight the importance of sanctuary policies not only from a human rights and social justice perspective, but also as effective strategies to improve safety and economic well-being in local communities.
By disproving some of the most common arguments against sanctuary cities, these findings provide a solid basis for debate and policymaking that recognizes and capitalizes on the benefits of a more inclusive and compassionate approach to immigration.
