Jerry Summers
Another unidentified, dissatisfied source expressed their opinion that it might not be just a coincidence that the metropolitan counties that seem to be having a few minor social problems are New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco.
The unsubstantiated allegations necessitated a trip to various sources to attempt to get a definition of this humanitarian term.
In reality each of the above venues have their own political statements as to what a sanctuary city in the area of immigration policies is defined.
A general definition of “Sanctuary City” could be a “city whose municipal laws tend to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation or prosecution, despite federal immigration law.”
Specifically the Big Apple obtained the status of distinction in the 1980s under Mayor Ed Koch and the then city council passed laws that said “police officers will not disclose information about a person’s immigration status to immigration officials unless they are required to do no for a variety of reasons.”
Recently the current leader of Broadway town Mayor Eric Adams has claimed that the influx of migrants to NYC was straining the city resources and that he wants more help from the federal government. (Per a quiet, orderly citizen protest on Sunday, August 6, 2023.)
The beautiful City by the Bay in sunny California became a destination for immigrants in 1989 and the Office of the Mayor has expressed a priority of proudly being a Sanctuary City with the following declaration of support.
“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with out immigrant communities and fight for the progress we’ve achieved in this city. We are a sanctuary city now, tomorrow, and forever.”
The last of the Big Three (there are several others) the Windy City has also adopted its own “Welcoming City Ordinance” which expresses its support that “the City (Chicago) will not ask about your immigration status, disclose that information to authorities, or most importantly, deny you City Services based on your immigration status.”
However in fairness to the leader (Mayor Rahm Emanuel) in the home of former Atlanta Brave Shortstop, Dansby Swanson, it should be pointed out that “the only circumstances in which Chicago will detain undocumented individuals is if they are wanted on a criminal warranty by local or federal authorities if they have been convicted of serious crimes and remain in the United States “illegally or if they are otherwise a clear threat to public safety or national security”.
(With only 2349 plus a new one 501(c)(3) non-profits and 171 private foundations it may only be a matter of time until the Re-Imaged Gig City may apply to join their ranks as a showing of philanthropic support?)
* * *
You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com