The Pros And Cons Of Sanctuary Policies

What is a sanctuary city? Sanctuary cities have polices, legal or unspoken, that restrict law enforcement from reporting a person’s immigration status. This policy began with Los Angeles in 1979 and now 30 other urban U.S. cities have enacted similar policies. These “sanctuary” cities have enacted legislation that is in direct violation of federal immigration law, ordinances that prohibit city employees or police officers from inquiring about someone’s immigration status. Furthermore, many more cities have unspoken sanctuary policies of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Why is this a problem? Illegal immigration negatively affects almost all aspects of American life. National security, jobs, education, health care, the economy, and the environment

Municipalities do not have the right or jurisdiction to make decisions on immigration issues. Street-level bureaucrats must adhere to federal law. Currently there is no punishment or adverse consequences for cities that ignore this policy. Illegal immigration is an issue that has national and local effects, especially for a border city like San Diego. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) proposed H.R. 3009 – Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act. This bill denies federal funding to cities and states that have enacted sanctuary laws. This act would make it nearly impossible for states and municipalities to ignore federal immigration law. That’s why FAIR is asking you to not only publicly pledge your support for this act but to pass Ordinance 2016-12 that requires law enforcement to check immigration status when they have reasonable suspicion to do so. The City of San Diego, an urban border city, needs to be an example to the rest of the nation. San Diego must demonstrate that it protects American citizens and supports federal immigration

This is more than three times of those who received legal status in 1986. In 2014 it was estimated that 11.3 million illegal aliens were in the U.S. The illegal population peaked in 2007 with 12.2 million, 4% of the nation’s population.

➢ Due in large part to Mexico as our border country, Mexicans comprise 49% of all illegal aliens. Although the stream of Mexican immigrants has slowed in recent years, largely due to the Great Recession and the scarcity of jobs.

➢ 60% of illegal aliens reside in just six states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. This places an unreasonable burden on theses states resources, education systems, and security.

➢ Recently, it was estimated that 8.1 million illegal aliens are working in the U.S. or looking for work. This group accounts for 5.1 % of the labor force in America. Four states have the highest percentage of illegals in the work force: Nevada (10%), California (9%), Texas (9%), and New Jersey (8%).

➢ In 2012, almost 7% of school age children (K-12) had at least one illegal alien parent. Of these students, 79% were born in the United