CA Democrats Seek to Make Entire State Sanctuary for Immigrants

Democrats in the California Senate have called for legislation establishing California as the first state to become a so-called “ sanctuary state.” Currently, some cities and counties hold themselves out as sanctuary communities, meaning that their local law enforcement officials do not cooperate with federal immigration officials in most instances. Several of California’s largest cities already have adopted sanctuary policies. In these communities, local governments take steps to protect their residents who are living in the U.S. without proper legal status, and to encourage immigrants to report crimes as they occur, with the ultimate goal of a safer community. If California were to become a sanctuary state, it theoretically would provide a safe haven for immigrants without legal status, offer funds to obtain legal assistance for immigrants facing removal, and thwart any attempts by the federal government to create a Muslim registry. This legislative move comes on the heels of Trump’s executive order regarding sanctuary communities, which prohibits the award of federal funds to those cities and counties that bar their law enforcement authorities from assisting federal immigration authorities in most cases. Under this order, California stands to lose about $1.2 billion in federal funding, which the state currently uses to provide services such as housing, healthcare, and other social services. Legislators drafted the bill aimed at preventing the creation of a Muslim registry soon after Trump’s first travel ban, which temporarily prohibited immigrants from seven largely Muslim countries from entering the U.S. With the fate of sanctuary cities and communities nationwide hanging in the balance, immigrants may increasingly be looking at detention and removal. Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. is an Oakland immigration law firm who dedicates its efforts to advocating on behalf of immigrants charged with removal by federal immigration authorities. We know that you and your family want to remain in the U.S., and you need the strongest deportation defense possible in order to do so. Allow us to develop a winning strategy in your immigration case and work toward avoiding deportation. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn about the different avenues of relief that are available to you.